East Phillips Neighborhood Institute - EPNI

06/17/2026

You've got questions, we've got answers.

Check out our fully updated FAQs at the link in bio or at epnifarm.org/faqs ✅

While many things are emergent, we'll try our best to keep the community updated.

Our next community coalition meeting is on June 24. Join online or in-person for more details on drafted development and renewable energy plans. See previous post for information.

Our DMs and inbox remain open, thank you everyone for all the curiosity and support! 🙏

06/15/2026

We're done fighting, now we build.

On Saturday, June 13 we held an intimate ceremony to honor the historic community ownership win and all those who journeyed with us to this point. Thank you Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue for blessing us with dance and prayers. Thank you Minneapolis American Indian Center for hosting us.

As we shift into the next phase of Roof Depot development, we're inviting you once again to voice your ideas and concerns.

Join us on June 24 to gather information and share your input at the coalition meeting (see previous post for details).

06/10/2026

[EN/ES] You are invited to the next EPNI Coalition Community Meeting on Wednesday, June 24 from 4-6 PM at the Greenway Building (2801 21st Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407)!

See our new offices, reconnect with EPNI supporters, and join for a presentation about drafted Roof Depot designs delivered by architects at Ahti Studio.

🚧 This is your chance to share feedback on construction plans and renewable energy efforts.

👩‍💻 For those unable to attend in-person, we will have a hybrid option to join on Zoom for the presentation. We will record this meeting.

Email [email protected] for the meeting link! More info: epnifarm.org/news/community-coalition-call-june-2026
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Únase al East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) en nuestra presentación sobre los diseños preliminares del nuevo Roof Depot, dirigido por los arquitectos de Ahti Studio. Esta es su oportunidad para darnos su opinión sobre los planos de construcción y nuestras iniciativas de energía renovable.

¡Habrá bocadillos y bebidas! La reunión se grabará para miembros de la comunidad que no puedan asistir en persona o en vivo. Para obtener el enlace de la reunión o hacer preguntas, escriba a [email protected].

06/05/2026

WE GOT THE KEYS! 🔓🔑

Today, EPNI received key access to the Roof Depot's parking lot to begin planning the outdoor urban farm.

Words cannot express this moment.

For now, all we can offer is gratitude. Thank you. Miigewech. Muchas gracias. Pidamaya do. Mahadsanid.

We could not have done this without you, and we cannot wait to continue doing this you.

Please come to the community coalition meeting on June 24 to share your feedback on drafted construction and renewable energy plans. This will be an in-person meeting with a Zoom option (it will be recorded). More info on our website at epnifarm.org/news 📋

06/03/2026

EPNI Summer Day Camp applications are open!

🦋 Youth ages 10-14 are invited to join our farm sites from July 13-24 to learn about ecology, botany, and agriculture in an accepting environment that blends science and art.

🍉 We will provide meals. This programming is free and open to youth in Phillips, plus surrounding neighborhoods

Learn more and apply by July 6 at the link in bio (linktree) ☝

06/01/2026

Ditch those rotating compost bins and learn how to do it better! Thank you Forest for another informative composting workshop 🪏

We so appreciate all who came out, posed thoughtful questions, and stuck their hands in the dirt with us 🍃

Join us on June 13 for the next Seed Saturday and continue your plant knowledge journey 🌞

05/28/2026

Want to garden but don't have time or space? Get your fix at Seed Saturdays! Seed Saturdays begin on Saturday, May 30 🌱

Volunteer shifts start at 11 AM and continue until we're done (1-3 hours). Seed Saturdays happen every other Saturday through September (next one is June 13).

No registration is required but you can drop a 💚 in the comments if you plan on coming!

Seed Saturdays are a wonderful opportunity for youth and adults alike to learn plant identification, slow down in a welcoming learning setting, and connect with neighbors.

Instructions will be provided for activities; there will be tasks for all different abilities.

You are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and to bring water.

05/22/2026

This week was historic for the community. 

At the close of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session, EPNI has secured funding to purchase half of the Roof Depot, debt-free.

The bonding bill will transfer $4M from the state to the City of Minneapolis. EPNI will not hold any funds: the $4M is designated as part of the Roof Depot purchase agreement.

The purchase will be finalized in the next few months and brought to the City Council for approval.

Our team is working with the EPNI Board, Phillips communities, and city to draft a new Purchase Agreement that prioritizes public health, community ownership, and cultural leadership.

We have more to share in the coming weeks, but for now, we wanted to celebrate this exciting news with YOU, our dedicated supporters.

Thank you for advocating with us over the last 12 years and making the "urban farm, not toxic harm" dream a reality 🙏

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05/21/2026