University District Alliance

The University District is a premier destination for music, arts, theater, performance, cultural and collegiate athletic events, excellent health care —a place all Minnesotans want to gather. It is rich in international and cultural diversity.  Walking, biking and other transit options add to its unique identity and sense of place.

The City of Minneapolis neighborhoods making up the University District are Marcy-Holmes, SE Como, Prospect Park and West Bank Cedar Riverside. The business associations are Dinkytown Business Association, Stadium Village Commercial Association, and West Bank Business Association. The institutions are Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota.

About the Alliance

The Alliance is a partnership of communities, learning institutions, and the City of Minneapolis that works to make the area surrounding the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis one that: capitalizes on its exceptional resources; is vibrant, safe, healthy, and sustainable; and is a preferred place for people of all ages to live, work, learn, visit and make community enhancing investments. Learn more about the University District Alliance below.

Purpose and Goals of the University District Alliance

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Purpose

The Alliance is an initiative of communities, learning institutions, and the City of Minneapolis that works to make the area surrounding the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis one that:

  • capitalizes on its exceptional resources;
  • is vibrant, safe, healthy, and sustainable;
  • is a preferred place for people of all ages to live, work, learn, do business, and visit.

Goals

Goal 1: Create a unique identity for the University District as a positive, welcoming, and forward-looking place to live, work, invest, and visit.

Goal 2: Develop the University District Alliance into a professionally run partnership of strong and supportive member organizations.

Goal 3: Increase the number of long-term residents and broaden the socioeconomic and demographic make-up of the population.

Goal 4: Improve the quality and diversity of the housing stock.

Goal 5: Attract and retain enterprises that capitalize on the assets of the District.

Goal 6: Demonstrate quality urban design and sustainable urban development.

Goal 7: Facilitate communication and cooperation among the residents, businesses, institutions, and public sector entities.

Goal 8: Cultivate a healthy living and learning environment by bringing together the academic, research, artistic, and municipal resources of the University and the partners

Executive Committee and Board of Directors

  • Steve Peacock, Augsburg College   
  • Joe Paumen City of Minneapolis
  • Robin Wonsley, City of Minneapolis
  • Michael Rainville, City of Minneapolis
  • Kent Kramp, Dinkytown Business Association
  • KJ Starr, West Bank Business Association
  • Vic Thortenson, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
  • Ted Tucker, Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association
  • Carter Yost, Minnesota Student Association ( MSA)
  • In Process of Appointment, UMN Professional Students (PSG)
  • In Process of Appointment, UMN Graduate Student (COGS)
  • Lynn Von Korff, Prospect Park Association
  • Susan Lareson - Fleming, Prospect Park Association
  • Jessica Focht-Perlberg, South East Como Improvement Association
  • Katie Fournier, South East Como Improvement Association
  • Vince Netz, Business Group Representative 
  • AJ Awed, Cedar Riverside Community Council
  • Susannah Dodge, Cedar Riverside Community Council
  • Pat Mascia, UMF
  • Calvin Philips, University of Minnesota
  • Brian Swanson, University of Minnesota 
  • Kristina Eramzus, University of Minnesota

Alliance Background

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Important Dates in the History of the Alliance

2007 - 2009 Progress Report

Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Minnesota and the University District Alliance