Ep 6: A Conversation with Warren McLean, President of NEON

How Minneapolis Is Planning for the Future with the Blue Line Extension

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 [https://metrocouncil.org//Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension.aspx]

2026 Season Opener: Project Updates, Community Impact, and Future Opportunities

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 [https://bluelineext.org/] * Public Safety and Security Action Plan [https://www.metrotransit.org/public-safety] 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!

Ep 6: A Conversation with Warren McLean, President of NEON

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 [https://www.neon-mn.org/] * Blue Line Extension Project Website [https://metrocouncil.org//Transportation/Projects/Light-Rail-Projects/METRO-Blue-Line-Extension.aspx] 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.

Ep 5: A Conversation with Hollies Winston, Brooklyn Park Mayor

Episode recorded on July 28, 2025 Join us in this episode as we sit down with Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston for a wide-ranging conversation about economic development, cultural identity, public safety, and the future of the Blue Line Extension. Mayor Winston shares his vision for Brooklyn Park as a growing biotech hub, a center of cultural richness, and a community where transit can connect residents to jobs, opportunity, and long-term stability. Whether you’re a Brooklyn Park resident, a community advocate, a small business owner, or someone interested in the future of the northwest metro, this episode highlights how infrastructure, economic opportunity, and community pride can work together to shape what comes next.  Main Topics Covered: *  Mayor Winston’s journey to becoming mayor of Brooklyn Park *  The role of economic development in strengthening families and reducing long-term community challenges *  Brooklyn Park’s emerging biotech district and connections to the regional medical technology corridor *  How the Blue Line Extension can support jobs, housing, restaurants, retail, and long-term investment *  Anti-displacement, community benefit, and making sure existing residents share in future growth This episode brings Brooklyn Park’s future into focus, from biotech jobs and new housing to cultural pride and regional connection. Mayor Winston makes the case that the Blue Line Extension is more than a transit project—it is an opportunity to build wealth, expand access, and help Brooklyn Park grow into its next chapter.

Ep 4: A Conversation with Jeff Lunde, Hennepin County Commissioner

Episode recorded on July 28, 2025 Join us in this episode as we talk with Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Lunde about why the Blue Line Extension matters for Brooklyn Park, North Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the entire state of Minnesota. Commissioner Lunde brings a practical, people-first perspective to the conversation, emphasizing that transit is ultimately about helping people get where they need to go—whether that means school, work, healthcare, training programs, downtown events, or the airport. This conversation explores the Blue Line Extension as a long-term investment in access, economic competitiveness, and trust. From youth programming and workforce development to international business investment and small business growth, Commissioner Lunde explains why fixed rail can create lasting confidence in communities that have too often seen promises disappear.  Main Topics Covered: *  Commissioner Lunde’s background as a council member, mayor, educator, and county leader *  The importance of listening to community concerns, including opposition and difficult conversations *  Why transportation is often the first barrier to jobs, education, youth programs, and opportunity *  The Blue Line Extension’s role in addressing disparities across North Minneapolis and the northwest metro *  How light rail, BRT, buses, roads, sidewalks, and bikeways each play a role in a complete transportation system This episode shows how transit connects far more than stations. Commissioner Lunde frames the Blue Line Extension as a commitment to people, opportunity, and regional growth—one that can help communities compete, connect, and build lasting economic strength.