The Thirty-Eighth Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan represents a significant opportunity to honor and expand upon the rich legacy of a deeply established African American community. This initiative focuses on preserving the area’s economic dynamism, unique creative identity, and affordability, all of which are crucial in bolstering the strength, resilience, and collaborative spirit of the individuals who live and work within this vibrant district along 38th Street.
Designed to be both concise and forward-thinking, the plan pinpoints the community’s desired changes and outlines their development aspirations for the decade leading up to 2030. Serving as the core vision document for the Thirty-Eighth Street Cultural District, this Strategic Plan is also instrumental in putting Minneapolis 2040 policies into action. It aims to achieve comprehensive plan objectives, including the creation of more accessible and affordable housing options and the expansion of access to jobs that offer a living wage, directly benefiting the 38th Street area.
Community-Led Engagement and Participation
The groundwork for this plan was laid in 2015 with a series of planning meetings titled “The Future of East 38th Street,” hosted by former Ward 8 Council Member Elizabeth Glidden. These initial gatherings were pivotal in generating a range of ideas, priorities, and recommendations for the community. Key among these was the commitment to preserving African American history and fostering community ownership within the 38th Street corridor. This foundational work was further advanced through subsequent engagement sessions and during the reconstruction of the 38th Street Bridge, under the guidance of Ward 8 Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins.
In February 2019, Vice President Jenkins championed the continuation of this planning effort, leading to the creation of THRIVE—a strategic development plan conceived by the community in close partnership with the City of Minneapolis. At the project’s outset, a crucial question was posed: “what constitutes equitable engagement?” The community’s vision for engagement was clear: to be involved from the very beginning through an inclusive and accessible process, approached with sensitivity, reflective of the community’s diverse voices, and characterized by accountability, co-creation, ownership, and intentional, positive impact on 38th Street. A dedicated planning committee, composed of community members, was established to steer the planning process. This committee took charge of conducting community engagement activities and drafting the plan, ensuring it reflected the broader community’s consensus and vision for 38th Street. Throughout the planning phase, the committee convened regularly to refine the vision, develop strategic approaches, and define actionable steps, all based on the community’s expressed priorities for 38th Street. They also brainstormed effective methods to engage the wider community and gather comprehensive input.
Key Milestones and Timeline
2019
- February: THRIVE! Kickoff meeting launched the 38th Street planning process at the Sabathani Community Center, marking the official start of community involvement.
- March – July: Five monthly Planning Committee meetings were held at the Seward Co-op, facilitating consistent progress and collaboration.
- September: “Dinner on the Bridge” event, a collaborative effort with MDot, Marnita’s Table, and Eat for Equity at Sabathani Community Center, creatively engaged the community in envisioning the future of 38th Street.
- October: A 38th Street Design Workshop took place at Sabathani Community Center, complemented by online engagements, to gather diverse perspectives on the district’s design and development.
- November – December: The initial draft of the strategic development plan document was created, consolidating the community’s input and vision for 38th Street.
2020
- January – February: The draft plan underwent review and revisions with Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, ensuring alignment with city and community goals for 38th Street.
- March – April: Further review and revisions were conducted with the Planning Committee and internal City Staff, refining the plan based on expert and community feedback.
- May – November: A final community meeting, scheduled for June 4, 2020, was canceled due to the tragic murder of George Floyd at 38th and Chicago on May 25, 2020. Consequently, all plan-related activities were paused as the community mourned, processed, organized, and demanded justice, focusing on protecting George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago.
- November – December: Community revisions were made to the plan, reflecting the changed context and ongoing community needs post-May 2020 events around 38th Street.
2021
- January – March: The final plan was edited for presentation to the city planning commission and council for resolution adoption, culminating in city-wide recognition and support for the 38th Street initiative.
- March 2, 2021: Resolution recognizing the plan was approved at the Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee, a significant step forward in official endorsement.
- March 12, 2021: Resolution recognizing the plan was officially adopted at City Council, marking the plan’s formal integration into city policy.
- March 15, 2021: Resolution recognizing the plan was approved and signed by Mayor Jacob Frey, signifying the highest level of city endorsement and commitment to the 38th Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan.
Explore the Full Plan
To gain a deeper understanding of the detailed strategies and actions outlined, you are encouraged to view the complete Thirty-Eighth Street THRIVE Strategic Development Plan document. This plan serves as a testament to community collaboration and a roadmap for the future of 38th Street.
