Abstract

Prioritizing communities’ needs and voices: A photovoice pilot collaboration with our streets mpls and cedar-riverside local businesses and community organizers

Connie Vang, MPH¹, Susi Keefe, Ph.D², Jamie Carlson³ and Anthony Meng⁴
(1)St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN, (2)St. Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, (3)Saint Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN, (4)Urban Roots, Minneapolis, MN

APHA 2024 Annual Meeting and Expo

Background: The Interstate Highway System has, and continues to, disproportionately impact and displace primarily African Americans/Blacks and Indigenous communities. The intention of the Twin Cities’s Interstate 94 (I-94) was presented as a solution to address traffic congestion but did not consider and value the communities affected by its presence. Marginalized communities already burdened with health, economic, and social disparities and inequities further experienced a growing gap in class, race, and financial status. Our Streets Minneapolis (MPLS) is a local nonprofit advocating for all communities and individuals to have access to walking, biking, and open streets by engaging community stories and experiences for a restorative justice approach that seeks to rebuild trust as part of their campaign, The Twin Cities Boulevard – which is associated with two of the ten options currently under consideration as part of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Rethinking I-94.

Methods: Our Streets MPLS’ vision seeks a pathway that addresses the historical and ongoing harms of I-94 while centering community and urban improvements. Our collaboration brings photovoice as a social justice methodology that engages the community to communicate their perspectives and needs. We choose to pilot our project in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood because: (1) three highways, including I-94, surround the community (2) Our Streets MPLS has spent the last year engaging the community, including hosting their signature Open Streets events, (3) MnDOT requested input from businesses impacted by I-94, and (4) the neighborhood and community is often ignored and neglected in processes similar to the one at hand.

Results: The pilot research findings demonstrate participants’ sentiments for (1) improved resources for space and safety, (2) equity and inclusion in contributing to decisions and policies that impact the community, and (3) a deep affection for the community's diversity and vibrancy.

Conclusion: Despite identifiable and shared challenges and barriers, Cedar-Riverside's community leads with its distinctiveness and hopes for an improved future. Specifically addressing the need for improved conditions pertaining to the community’s belonging, investments, and access to power in decision-making.

Diversity and culture Public health or related public policy Public health or related research Social and behavioral sciences