Given that February is Black History Month, we want to take a moment and reflect on the history of the community land trust movement. As a CLT, we’re part of a movement that was born out of the vision and resistance of Black people in the segregated South who knew they needed more than the right to participate in American democracy—they needed the ability to own and control land to shape their collective futures. Read more here.
Rondo CLT Staffing Updates
Welcome Felicia Perry!
We are so excited to welcome Felicia Perry to Rondo CLT's team as our Economic Development Manager. Felicia is a proven leader with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. She is skilled in organizational leadership, management, non-profit fund development, and community organizing. Felicia brings a wealth of experience in marketing, entrepreneurship, project management, finance/ accounting and community engagement. Felicia is also a well-known Arts and Media professional with a Marketing and Communications background from Metropolitan State University.
More Staffing Updates
To meet the needs of our growing, dynamic organization, in 2024 we made changes to the titles of two of our staff members - Damon Mason and Justin Gaarder. Damon, who was previously our Senior Housing Program Manager, is now our Director of Housing and Community Engagement. In this role, Damon is working on expanding our reach to involve more lenders that align with our model, values, and vision. He will also be hosting more community engagement events, fundraising opportunities, and will explore new resource opportunities to connect CLT leaseholders to.
Justin, who was previously Rondo CLT's Special Projects Manager, is now the Sr. Real Estate Specialist. In this role, Justin will support Rondo CLT's real estate development, owner occupied rehab and acquisition rehab work.
Rondo CLT Launches:
Saint Paul Shared Ownership Collaborative
We are so excited to announce a new chapter of our work. The Saint Paul Shared Ownership Collaborative is an intentional collaboration of BIPOC-led organizations energized by a spirit of possibility and sustained by the joint unwavering conviction that our communities must have the power, resources and support to design, own, and make decisions about their land, labor and housing.
Our collaborative currently includes the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), Model Cities, Rondo Community Land Trust, and West Side Community Organization.
Rondo Night at the Winter Carnival _______________________________
On February 1st, to kick off the start of Black History Month, Rondo CLT's Executive Director (Mikeya Griffin) and Director of Housing & Community Engagement (Damon Mason) tabled at Saint Paul Winter Carnival's Rondo Night. Thank you to the Rondo Roundtable for organizing the evening!
MCCD's Policy & Advocacy Training
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On February 17th, Damon participated in the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers' (MCCD) Policy and Advocacy Training at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Advocating at the Capitol can be an intimidating experience for many. Through the training, MCCD helped attendees learn about plain language, write an elevator pitch, and practice their testimonies in a hearing room. Thank you, MCCD, for the opportunity!
Damon Mason and MCCD's Electra Skrzydlewski
Upcoming Opportunities and Events
State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund Update
The State Housing Tax Credit Program and Contribution Fund is a new way to help finance multifamily and single-family housing that is affordable throughout the state of Minnesota. Eligible Minnesota taxpayers can contribute at least $1,000 up to $2 million to the contribution fund and, in return, receive a state Tax Credit Certificate (TCC) equal to 85% of the contribution amount. Contributions will provide funding for loans for eligible housing projects in communities throughout the state. The loans provided through the program are funded entirely by taxpayer contributions. There are no state appropriations or other funding sources for the program. Click here to learn more.
Honoring the Black Wall Streets
Join us! On Wednesday, February 21st from 6-7 pm Rondo CLT's Executive Director Mikeya Griffin will be participating in a discussion at the Association For Black Economic Power's event "Honoring Black Wall Streets". This program will explore and commemorate the rich history, resilience, and economic power of Black communities that flourished in the face of economic violence.
Rondo CLT is growing and so is our presence online! Make sure you click on our Facebook and LinkedIn below to follow us so that you stay up to date on everything we have going on.
Please Consider Supporting our Work
Rondo CLT builds community wealth and neighborhood stability through the development and stewardship of perpetually affordable homeownership opportunities, rental housing, commercial space, and other community assets.
Each new property that enters the community land trust starts a cycle of affordability for generations of low to moderate income earning families and local small business owners. Your donation makes all of this possible. Thank you.
Attending a Rondo CLT Orientation is the first step in the application process. Orientations happen every other week on Wednesdays at noon. Click the link below for additional information and to register for an orientation today!