MIND OUR DUST!

Supporting Businesses

During Constructio

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Va-Megn Thoj, Executive Director, Asian Economic Development Associationwww.aeda-mn.org, www.LittleMekong.com

Rail~Volution 2014Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

AEDA’s business support during CCLRT/Green Line development

• Planning & pre-construction• Construction• Post-construction and beyond

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Planning & pre-construction

• Organizing• Education• Advocacy• Connection to decision making

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Planning & pre-construction

• Outcomes• Greater business participation, awareness, &

preparedness• Focus on immediate survival needs• Mitigation funding – Ready for Rail loans

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Construction

Objectives: mitigating loss of access, physical damages; greater access to resources• Communication• Mitigation resources• Monitor & troubleshoot [include link here]• Connecting businesses to decision making

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Post-construction & beyond

Objectives: recovery & capturing opportunities • Available programs & resources• Civic participation• Placemaking & asset building• Growing businesses

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AEDA’s strengths

• Connection & knowledge of the community• Relevant cultural skills• Founded by the businesses we serve• Ability to bridge across barriers & differences

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Lessons learned• Invest in empowering & working with

organizations in underrepresented communities• Build relationships with business owners• Recognize the need for assistance & mitigation• Commit to emergency assistance resources

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Va-Megn ThojContact:

vamegn@aeda-mn.org

www.aeda-mn.orgwww.LittleMekong.com

facebook.com/LittleMekong

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