This bill, H.F. No. 1826, proposes funding for a workforce development initiative in North Minneapolis. It allocates $1 million per year (for fiscal years 2026 and 2027) from the workforce development fund to support the Change Starts With Community violence prevention jobs program.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Objectives:

   • Provides year-round job training and mentorship for at-risk youth and adults, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
   • Creates onsite job opportunities at Shiloh Cares Food Shelf and Northside Community Safety Resource Center to promote community engagement and economic development.

2. Partnerships:

   • Partners with the Cargill Foundation to facilitate educational and career exposure field trips.
   • The program includes activities at the Change Starts With Community Agrihood garden to help reduce trauma for participants.

3. Job Program Positions:

   • Grant funds will be used to hire additional staff, including adult and youth food service workers, an executive director, an operations director, a program coordinator, and a food shelf manager.

4. Reporting Requirements:

   • Beginning in 2025, the organization must submit an annual report to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development, outlining:
     • Use of grant funds
     • Program outcomes
     • Impact on the targeted population
   • Reports must be submitted no later than six months after the end of each fiscal year.

Appropriation:

• $1 million in FY 2026 and $1 million in FY 2027 is allocated for the program.
• The funds are designated to establish a comprehensive workforce development initiative tailored specifically for BIPOC at-risk youth and adults at Shiloh Cares Food Shelf and Northside Community Safety Resource Center in Minneapolis.

Summary:

This bill aims to address violence prevention and economic development through job training, mentorship, and employment opportunities for at-risk BIPOC individuals in North Minneapolis. It leverages partnerships, field trips, and workforce development to provide participants with career pathways and skills for long-term employment. The bill mandates annual reporting to ensure accountability and assess program effectiveness.