Twin Cities Daily Planet (https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/author/colleen-oconnor-toberman/page/4/)
It used to be that affordable housing emphasized cheap construction above all else. Thanks to the problems this caused (unattractive buildings, costly maintenance, and high utility costs, among others) most developers do better now. One growing trend is that of green affordable housing, designed with an eye towards the long-term benefits. Continue Reading
Following the Sandy Hook shooting, our country finally seems to be having some serious conversations about modern mental health treatment. One constant refrain has been that we don’t have nearly enough resources for everyone in need. It seems that in many recent violent incidents, someone knew that the perpetrator was unwell. Their friends and family tried to intervene only to be stonewalled by a lack of options, especially for adults who resist treatment. Continue Reading
Minnesota, never short on innovation, might be on the brink of its latest grassroots success story. The Northeast Investment Cooperative (NEIC) signed a purchase agreement this week for its first property, a building at the Lowry/Central intersection in northeast Minneapolis. NEIC is the first commercial-property investment cooperative in the country, though others are watching closely to see how NEIC does. Continue Reading
We recently received the disheartening news that Minnesota’s poverty rate is 10 percent, according to Census data. We have work ahead of us; however, we don’t know exactly how much work. Continue Reading
Since the “welfare-to-work” reforms of the 90s, states have supported low-income families via federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds. Continue Reading
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have had recent high-profile battles against neglectful landlords, many of whom own several problematic properties. Continue Reading
Minnesota recently came under federal scrutiny over concerns about fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly known as SNAP or food su Continue Reading
Minnesota’s proposed voter ID amendment is a complicated affair. Given the intricacies of our voting system, we should not be surprised. The ballot question reads as such:
The recent Star Tribune article about the dramatic rise in suburban homelessness should come as no surprise to those paying attention to the economic downturn’s ripple effects. Continue Reading
Now that the voter ID amendment is headed for the ballot, the effort is on to educate the public about the harms of this costly and unnecessary proposal. Continue Reading