The Relentless Pursuit of an Economy Fueled by the Inclusion of Everyone in Our Region

About the Speaker & Event

Most U.S. cities compete with one another to attract talent and corporations. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, we compete with ourselves by overlooking growth opportunities in our own front yard. Our region will only unlock its full potential when our economy works for everyone, but to date our values of equality haven’t resulted in racial and economic equity. We need a roadmap and fuel to guide our next steps.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Andre Perry will identify inclusive practices, policy levers, and proactive roles each sector must play to ensure our region grows because of our diversity not in spite of it. Doing so will  align our actions with our values and further position Minneapolis-St. Paul as a hub for talent, investment, and innovation. 

Dr. Andre Perry is nationally recognized for his leadership, policy experience, and research focused on race and structural inequality, education, and economic inclusion. As The Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program Fellow, Perry analyzes majority-Black places and institutions in America, highlighting community assets that drive growth through increased investment. His recent New York Times op ed, “Who Gets Left Out of the Urban Tech Boom," contrasts regions who invest in communities of color as assets vs. those who exclude them and the impact on a region’s competitiveness, growth, and vitality. (See full speaker bio.)

Dr. Perry's remarks will be followed by a cross-sector panel to respond to his insights and discuss ways that leaders in all sectors can activate his recommendations in the region.

About the Series

The Center for Economic Inclusion's new POWERING INCLUSION event series will move us from conversation to  collective action to measurable impact.  

We'll catalyze ideas, partnerships, and opportunities as we directly face the choice: keep leading the nation in racial exclusion or pave the way to shared prosperity. Join us and other thought leaders in adopting best practices, amplifying community assets, and embracing the role we each play in creating an inclusive economy. 

This event is FREE but space is limited. Registration is REQUIRED.
Note: We recommend attending with a colleague to better equip you to apply the lessons learned. 
Questions? Contact us at info@centerforeconomicinclusion.org or (612) 351-8200.