Justice Built Communities

An engine of economic justice for the Twin Cities region.

Share your vision

Justice Built Communities is working with the City of Minneapolis to redevelop 44th & Penn into a community asset. We are currently seeking community input to develop the vision of what will be developed in this space.

Powering equitable economic development with and for the community.

Justice Built Communities is an innovative community development corporation that leverages land, labor, entrepreneurship and capital to build equitable wealth for the Black and Brown residents of our region, while preventing gentrification and displacement.

Our Vision: We imagine thriving communities where every person has personal, social, and economic power.

Our Strategy

JBC stewards equitable development with an interconnected approach, leaning on all the economic levers all at once.

Land

We buy up vacant land to turn blighted areas into thriving corridors that improve quality of life.

Entrepreneurship

We provide opportunities and financial support to grow local businesses and community wealth.

Labor

We open pathways to good-paying jobs and create a pipeline of talent for regional businesses.

Capital

We leverage public and private funding sources to build self-sustaining assets long term..

Our Approach

Community-Centered Design

We use human-centered design to channel the assets and aspirations of our neighbors at all phases. Instead of telling people, “Here’s what you need,” we ask, “What can we do together?”

Art-Powered Impact

We engage local artists to enhance the unique cultural and physical character of corridors while building belonging, pride, and connection among residents.

About Pillsbury United Communities

JBC is an entity of Pillsbury United Communities, community builders with a 140-year legacy in the Twin Cities. Together with strategic advisors and supporters, we are building a more equitable and prosperous region for all who live here.

Our vision for JBCMore about Pillsbury United

Our Leadership

Cinnamon Pelly

President & CEO,
Pillsbury United Communities

View bio

Early Supporters

HWMR, Houston White
New Rules, Chris Webley
West Broadway Business and Area Coalition
Black Women’s Wealth Alliance
Powderhorn Neighborhood Association
Longfellow Neighborhood Association
Folwell Neighborhood Association
Jordan Area Community Council
Lake Street Council
Twin Cities LISC

Strategic Advisors

United Properties, Brandon Champeau
Opus Group, Phil Cattanach
The Financial Services Consulting Group, Donovan Walsh
Urban Design Perspectives, Alicia Belton

Funding Partners

Margaret A. Cargill Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation

In the Media

Deal gives anti-displacement developer exclusive rights for city-owned property in North Minneapolis

MinnPost
December 8, 2021

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Rebuilding Minneapolis: Pillsbury United invests in properties damaged after murder of George Floyd

Fox 9
October 21, 2021

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How a north Minneapolis nonprofit is building strong neighborhoods

MPR News
October 19, 2021

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North Minneapolis nonprofit acquires West Broadway parcel, planning development

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
October 19, 2021

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Minneapolis Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Pillsbury United offer grants to Twin Cities small businesses

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
June 4, 2021

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Pillsbury United Communities launches north Minneapolis rebuilding fund

Star Tribune
May 25, 2021

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Organization focuses on rebuilding north Minneapolis communities affected by unrest

Fox 9
May 25, 2021

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Pillsbury United Communities behind new north Minneapolis rebuilding fund

WCCO Radio
May 25, 2021

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Let’s Build Together

To learn about partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please contact us using the form below.

    3650 Fremont Ave. N
    Minneapolis, MN 55412
    (612) 302-3400

    More about Pillsbury United Communities