In this episode, Rich Morris interviews Rattana Sengsoulichanh from the City of Minneapolis about the Blue Line Extension Project and station area planning. They discuss community engagement, development decisions, displacement concerns, and future opportunities for North Minneapolis.

Main Topics Covered

• Blue Line Extension Project
• Community Engagement and Participation
• Displacement and Gentrification Concerns
• Future Development and Investment Opportunities
• Role of City and County in Urban Planning

Resources & Links:

• Blue Line Extension Project Website

Join us in this episode as we kick off the 2026 season with a deep dive into the Blue Line Extension project, community engagement efforts, safety improvements, and economic development opportunities. Whether you're a local resident, community advocate, or transit enthusiast, this episode provides essential updates and insights for shaping the future of transit in our region.

Main Topics Covered:

• Overview of the Blue Line Extension project's current status and upcoming milestones
• Community engagement and safety measures implemented on the project
• Impact on North Minneapolis, Broadway, and upcoming station expansions
• Legislative updates and community concerns addressed
• Economic development and job creation along the transit corridor
• Affordability, accessibility, and the importance of multimodal transit options
• Future community engagement opportunities and resources for staying informed

Resources & Links:

• Blue Line Extension Project Website
• Public Safety and Security Action Plan

This episode sets the stage for an exciting year of progress, community involvement, and transformation. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates, stories, and opportunities to be part of this historic project!

Episode recorded on October 25, 2025

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Warren McLean, CEO of NEON, to talk about the future of North Minneapolis, the power of entrepreneurship, and the development of a new commercial kitchen designed to support local business owners. Warren shares how this facility will help food entrepreneurs grow, create healthier food options, strengthen the local economy, and build generational wealth in the community.

Whether you’re a North Minneapolis resident, entrepreneur, community advocate, small business supporter, or someone interested in equitable economic development, this episode highlights how public investment, community vision, and cultural pride can come together to create lasting transformation.

Main Topics Covered:

• NEON’s vision for supporting entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis
• The development of a new commercial kitchen for local food businesses
• How food connects culture, community, and economic opportunity
• The importance of creating a cultural hub rooted in North Minneapolis
• Community input and intentional design in shaping the facility
• How the project can help address food access and food desert challenges
• The role of public investment, including light rail, in supporting local economic growth
• The broader transformation happening across North Minneapolis

Resources & Links:

• NEON
• Blue Line Extension Project Website

This episode shows how food can become a foundation for community connection, business growth, and long-term wealth building. Warren McLean frames NEON’s new commercial kitchen as more than a building—it is a cultural hub, an economic engine, and a community investment in the future of North Minneapolis.