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MAY NEWSLETTER
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Celebrating International CLT Month
In early May, to celebrate International CLT Month and recognize how the community land trust movement has contributed to fights for affordable housing, land justice, and community empowerment, we had the privilege and joy to welcome members of the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts to Rondo as part of their tour of Black-led CLTs in the US. Spending time and holding space with these CLTs, all of which Black-led, we shared our work and model, touching on and discussing the tour's greater themes of Afrocentrism, reparations, collaboration, and more.

My grandmother. My aunt. My son.  

The lineage of Black ancestors before me and the generations of Black people to come. 

When we hosted the Canadian delegation, we started the day with the question: “What brought you to the CLT movement?”  While the stories were distinct, the essential catalyst was the same. From Vancouver to Nova Scotia, all 16 participants had been moved by a fierce love of Black people and commitment to reclaim and steward land for Black communities.

“My grandmother had been dispossessed of our family land, and for 30 years was quietly trying to get it back,” Shekara Grant, a leader with the Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust, shared. “Once I heard her story, I found the people who owned it and sent them a letter. This is our family legacy, I wrote. Would you consider selling it to us? They said they would. I personally bought it in February with the intent for it to become part of the land trust because this wasn’t unique to my family. There’s a bigger picture here.”

Read more here

Rondo CLT in Community
As part of our welcome event for the Canadian CLT delegates, we also hosted several local funders, St. Paul city council members, and community partners. Together, we gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the work we, together, are pushing forward. A special thank you to Rondo CLT's ward 1 city council member Anika Bowie for her remarks and support. 
YWCA's Family Fair
On April 20th, the YWCA St. Paul hosted its Family Fair. At the event, which was free for all attendees, they offered family-friendly fitness classes, presentations, art activities, and more. Angela Lindquist, one of Rondo CLT's Housing Specialists, tabled at the fair, sharing information with families about Rondo CLT's available residential programs and the work the organization is doing to close the homeownership gap in Minnesota. In the spirit of Rondo CLT, Angela's whole family showed up to support! 
YWCA and Element Gym
 
On April 16th, Rondo CLT's Economic Development Manager, Felicia Perry, attended the Grand Opening Celebration for Element Gym and its partnership with YWCA Saint Paul. The partnership is rooted in the YWCA's community outreach efforts and goals to improve health outcomes for residents of color. Read more about Element Gym here.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
PROMISE Act Grant Program Launches June 3rd 
 
The PROMISE Act is a new small business revitalization program that will provide grants and loans to disadvantaged businesses located in certain areas of Minneapolis, Saint Paul and greater-Minnesota. NDC, the program partner for the Twin Cities, recently announced that the first round of grants will open on June 3rd and applicants will have until June 30th to submit. 

For more information about the grant program, including eligibility, click here
To register for upcoming info sessions and workshops, click here
Rondo CLT's Financial Wellness Series - Principles of Personal Finance
 
On Thursday, June 6th, from 6-8 PM, North Star Resource Group financial advisors will present an overview of the pillars of financial well-being, including savings, paying off debt, money management, and setting financial goals for the future. To register to attend either in person or virtually via Zoom, click here.
MCES Sewer Lateral Grant Program 

Saint Paul Public Works currently has limited grant funding from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) to help Saint Paul residents who need critical work on their private sanitary sewer lateral connections to their property. 

Click here for more information, including how to apply. This grant will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rondo CLT's First Annual Gala 

We are excited to invite you to our first annual Gala on November 13th at the St. Paul Event Center. To sponsor the event, purchase a ticket, and learn more about the exciting evening we have planned, click here
Engagement Update from Damon Mason, our Director of Housing and Community Engagement

Damon has been busy attending events on behalf of the organization. On April 17th, he attended the McKnight Foundation's Cultivating a Vibrant Garden which was focused on changing the narrative on affordable housing. The following day, he was invited to participate in Minnesota Housing's Closing the Gap Conference as a panelist where they discussed solutions for equitable homeownership.

Rondo CLT in the News

MPR: New small business program looks to revitalize Selby Avenue corridor in Rondo neighborhood

On May 17th, MPR interviewed Mikeya Griffin, Rondo CLT's Executive Director, as part of All Things Considered. She shared with listeners the vision behind Rondo CLT's Small Business Incubator - an effort underway to support emerging entrepreneurs by providing affordable commercial space and technical assistance. Listen to the interview here

As a reminder, applications for our Small Business Incubator Program are LIVE! Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for an opportunity to launch or grow your small business? Apply here

Community Meeting on Concordia Ave Resurfacing Project
Concordia Avenue from Snelling Avenue to Marion Street will be resurfaced in 2024 through a process called mill and overlay to create a smoother roadway surface. The project will also include pedestrian improvements, removal of one vehicle travel lane, and the addition of an on-street buffered bike lane.

On April 24th, the City of Saint Paul hosted a community meeting to provide folks with an opportunity to learn more about the project and ask questions. To access the powerpoint from the meeting and learn more, click here

Follow Us on Social Media
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.


Donate here.

Interested in becoming a CLT homeowner?

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!

Register here
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