Growth & Justice

06/22/2022

Nonprofit leader and resident Jane Leonard is retiring this month.

Jane will be transitioning from her position as President at Growth & Justice, a research and advocacy organization that develops proposals on civic engagement.

"If we don't look at the world as the interrelated kind of place it is, we'll continue to just work on one issue to the detriment of other things." Leonard

06/02/2022

Big news! A new strategic alliance will transfer Growth & Justice's assets & resources to the Center For Economic Inclusion to support their work advancing racial + economic justice. Thank you for 20 years of support! We're excited to magnify the Center's work. Learn more:

Contacts: Mary Beth Hanson, External Relations 612-812-6733 / [email protected]                           

04/11/2022

🎯 Today is the day! Our 20th anniversary gathering, "Building Shared Prosperity in Minnesota," is today from 1-4 p.m. CT. There's still time to register— go to

20th Anniversary Celebration: "Building Shared Prosperity in Minnesota"

03/22/2022

Join us on April 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. (via Zoom) to celebrate and honor two decades of Growth & Justice’s research and partnerships to develop and advocate for public policy that makes Minnesota's economy more prosperous and fairer for all Minnesotans. The event features reflections forward through...

03/14/2022

What topics do you want G & J to talk more about in 2022? Democracy & voting rights? Frontline workers & the workforce?Minnesota tax policy? Send us your thoughts! Your answers may influence the content of our newsletters, social media, etc. Use this Google form to let us know:

We want your input— what issues do you want us to dedicate more attention to in 2022? Your answers may influence the content of our newsletters, social media, etc. We also have polls on our social media where you can vote for your top priority issue out of the options listed below.

03/01/2022

Join us April 11 to celebrate 20 years of Growth & Justice! Hear from an array of panelists and past G & J leaders + help us reflect & discuss the path forward. Event is free & virtual! Tickets are available now. Find more info & registration details here ➡️

Join us on April 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. (via Zoom) to celebrate and honor two decades of Growth & Justice’s research and partnerships to develop and advocate for public policy that makes Minnesota's economy more prosperous and fairer for all Minnesotans. The event features reflections forward through...

02/28/2022

Up next in the MN Equity Map Spotlight 🔜 Stories about economic development equity work! Stay tuned and check them out on the map at https://growthandjustice.org/mnequitymap!

The Center for Small Towns and Growth & Justice began a partnership in 2020 to build and launch the Minnesota Equity Map. It’s an evolving platform through which we can all recognize the vital and often underappreciated work done by community organizations and activists to foster regional, racial,...

02/23/2022

MN Equity Map Spotlight! ⬇️⬇️

Cook County Higher Education (Grand Marais, MN) addresses issues caused by a lack of nearby higher ed opportunities. They offer college prep + help locals earn diplomas/degrees. They are actively working to remove any barriers for BIPOC students, board members, staff, teachers, partners, vendors, + community members & created an anti-racism committee. During COVID-19, CCHE has helped support distance learning, offering computers, printers, study spaces, + more for students. Read their story on the Equity Map and find them at

Learn More College Prep Get help with college applications, financial aid/FAFSA, college searches, placement testing, and more. All of these services are FREE. Learn More College Courses CCHE collaborates with accredited regional colleges and universities to bring degree programs here, to our reside...

02/02/2022

From the MN Equity Map:

Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas (Saint James, MN) aims to help marginalized community members feel welcome. They’ve organized many programs/projects, like Culture through Cuisine, annual Multicultural Fiestas, the “Your Story, My Story, Our Story” book & more. Read more on the map!

The Center for Small Towns and Growth & Justice began a partnership in 2020 to build and launch the Minnesota Equity Map. It’s an evolving platform through which we can all recognize the vital and often underappreciated work done by community organizations and activists to foster regional, racial,...

01/24/2022

MN Equity Map Spotlight:

Staples Welcoming Communities Advocacy Group (Staples, MN), in partnership with Region Five Development Commission, works on projects to make Staples a more inclusive community. Examples of these projects include increasing access to books by BIPOC authors in local elementary schools and implicit bias training for community businesses. To learn more about this organization, read their story on the map and head to their webpage:

Developing equitable economic ecosystems by expanding cultural agility and creating asset building systems that improve livelihoods for individuals, organizations, and communities.

12/14/2021

MN Equity Map spotlight!

Conexiones (Stevens County) began as a way to support new immigrant families. They offer relocation services, connect immigrants to health services, support students in local schools, and host events to educate & connect the Stevens County community. You can read the full story about them on the MN Equity Map, or head to their website for more info. (Story by Adam Schnieder)

Over the years, the Latino population in the Morris, Minnesota (Stevens County) area has grown to become an essential part of our community by contributing to and enriching the local economy and culture. As more families join our community it is vital that resources are available which enable a succ...