Denise Butler’s Evolution from Corporate Dreams to Community Power

A little girl who turned her toys into briefcases became the community organizer Brooklyn Park needed most

Denise Butler still remembers the moment clearly—standing in her mother's heels and blazer, toy briefcase in hand, announcing to anyone who would listen: "I'm going to work." As a child, she didn't play with dolls or dream of being anything other than a businesswoman. Her childhood journal from Claire's was filled with detailed plans: she would be somebody's CEO by a certain age, following a perfectly…

CURA study shows Minnesota’s higher education in prison programs are on the path to success

Minnesota’s innovative higher education in prison programs are showing promising results, according to a new evaluation conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA).

Lead researcher Shana Riddick notes that the study's findings reveal a wide range of benefits that extend beyond academic achievement—benefits that include personal growth and the strengthening of communities beyond prison walls.

The study is the first of its kind in…

For this month’s CURA Story, we are excited to share our 2024 Annual Report showcasing the impactful work of the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs over the past year.

This year's report highlights 141 projects across Minnesota, including 77 faculty/graduate student research projects, 21 community-based research initiatives, and 43 technical assistance projects. Our work has connected 214 student participants with 151 community and government organizations across 14 research areas—from housing and public policy to racial equity and environmental justice.…

Neighborhoods Now! graduate Katrina Mendoza Garcia's story demonstrates how community leadership and organizing can transform individuals and communities

When Katrina Mendoza Garcia joined the board of the West Side Community Organization (WSCO) in 2018, she couldn’t have predicted how it would shape not only her future but the landscape of tenant rights in Saint Paul. Shortly after joining the board, she was selected to participate in Neighborhoods Now!, a project of CURA’s Neighborhood Leadership and Organizing (NLO) program. The program creates spaces where…

By James Miller

Surveying the Landscape

When Dr. Ceema Samimi first came to the University of Minnesota during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they were eager to better understand the landscape of people and organizations cultivating meaningful change in the Twin Cities.

As a researcher, social worker, and actively-engaged community member, they were no…

By Somayeh (Nikoo) Nikoonazari

A transformative project is underway at Theodore Wirth Regional Park in the heart of North Minneapolis. The Stories of Connection Project, led by the Loppet Foundation in partnership with the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) Kris Nelson Community-Based Research Program, is working to bridge historical divides and create a more inclusive outdoor space for marginalized communities.

Uncovering Historical Barriers

The Stories of Connection Project emerged from crucial conversations with Black community elders in North Minneapolis. Despite…

By Cirien Saadeh, PhD

A Historic Policy Change

What are CURA Stories?

• Also, CURA’s support of anti-displacement work receives the 2024 Kingsley Impact Award
• And other legislative and policy news from 2024

Housing advocates and place-based community organizations are celebrating a $10 million initial investment from the Minnesota State Legislature in funding the new Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program…