An employer-led civic alliance focused on building a thriving economy and expanding prosperity for all.

 

 

Welcome to the Itasca Project

The Itasca Project members are drawn together by an interest in new and better ways to address regional issues that impact economic competitiveness and quality of life in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. Its 70-plus participants are leaders from across the business, philanthropic and public sectors, with leadership coming from the private-sector CEOs. The group also includes a number of public and nonprofit leaders, including the office of governor of Minnesota, the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the chair of the Metropolitan Council, the leaders of the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State, and leaders of major nonprofits and foundations.

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Why?

Vibrant communities require cross-sector collaboration to create new opportunities and solve persistent problems.

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What?

The Itasca Project seeks to raise regional economic competiveness, improve quality of life and expand prosperity for all.

We are a virtual organization that enables business leaders and other major employers to make a positive impact on the long-term societal challenges facing our region — challenges that stand in the way of equitable regional prosperity and the ultimate success of their organizations.

 

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How?

We take action through cross-sector, non-partisan task forces led by senior executives address up to three issues each year. They begin with a comprehensive base of knowledge and compelling case for change, followed by a set of recommendations to be implemented by previously identified community partners. Itasca also convenes established leaders around important civic issues, and cultivates our region’s next-generation civic leaders from private, public, nonprofit, education and philanthropic sectors to strengthen social capital and provide hands-on opportunities for cross-sector problem-solving. 

A volunteer, cross-sector working team provides ongoing guidance for Itasca.