Coversheet

Board Action Request
18-0553R1

Item Description:
Neg Agmt A189387 with the MN African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 12/11/18-12/31/20, NTE $50,000 - offered by Commissioner McLaughlin and Commissioner Higgins

Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement A189387 with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, or affiliated entity, for the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery project located at Penn Avenue North and Plymouth Avenue in Minneapolis during the period December 11, 2018 through December 31, 2020, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and contingent upon one to one matching funds; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that approval of this action does not constitute or imply a future financial commitment by Hennepin County to the MN African American Heritage Museum and Gallery.


Background: Resolution No. 16-0099R1 (adopted March 2016) approved the Penn Avenue Community Works Implementation Framework as the foundation for investments in the corridor for the period 2016-2020. The framework includes a range of strategies that connect people to jobs through transit and roadway improvements, redevelop vacant properties, support new and existing businesses, support high quality rental and homeownership housing, and create a sense of place. Agreement A189387 (not-to-exceed $50,000) with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery will provide funding to support startup expenses, including costs associated with implementing and promoting exhibits and educational events on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon a commitment of one-to-one matching funds from non-county sources. CP 1001560 (Penn Avenue Community Works) resources include up to $400,000 to support new and existing businesses in the Penn Avenue corridor. The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is a non-profit enterprise that plans to host a series of exhibitions designed to enhance public understanding of African Americans’ significant role in Minnesota, and to explore various aspects of African American life, history and culture. Programming will include public and education programs including lectures, films, gallery tours, arts, crafts, and workshops. The museum as proposed anticipates the long-term creation of seven professional staff positions. Current Request: This request is for authorization to negotiate Agreement A189387 with the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, supporting a unique destination nonprofit business in the Penn Avenue Community Works project area. Impact/Outcomes: The current request will advance the Penn Avenue Community Works Investment Framework by supporting a new destination business at Penn and Plymouth Avenues that brings programming celebrating the cultural identity of the Penn corridor and the cultural heritage of African Americans. Long-term, the project anticipates creating 7 professional jobs.


Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval