Community Members for Environmental Justice (CMEJ) are a group of caring individuals, who are committed to addressing the environmental injustices occurring disproportionately in pollution-burdened neighborhoods in the City of Minneapolis. In the last decade, we have rolled out a number of initiatives that have greatly impacted North Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota.

Within the last 2 years alone, our small grassroots organization has accomplished numerous victories such as:

• The Cumulative Impacts Bill: A statewide prohibition on new scrap metal industries, chemical manufacturers, commercial laundries, combustion powered energy facilities, and large scale foundries.

• The Cumulative Impacts Ordinance: Existing old, polluting facilities can no longer expand operations that contribute to pollution.

• The EJ Checklist: Direction to the city health and planning departments to develop an environmental justice checklist to evaluate new moderate- and high-impact polluting uses that are wanting to operate or expand within the city.

For over a decade, Community Members for Environmental Justice (CMEJ) has been on the frontlines of the environmental justice movement in North Minneapolis. We were born out of the need for protection against companies like Northern Metals, a metal recycling company that made millions polluting the air, water, and soil on Northside for more than a decade. After years of community activism and relentless advocacy, Northern Metals couldn’t withstand the ongoing pressure from residents. 

However, before the Northside community could voice its vision for the future of the site, the land was acquired by an out-of-state entity. Because we are determined to ensure that this critical space benefits the community that has been impacted so severely, CMEJ is working with several community partners as well as the land owners to acquire the land & building from them at the former Northern Metals site. We signed a Purchase Agreement in August 2024, marking a significant milestone in our mission.

Now, we are launching a capital campaign to raise $19 million ($3.5 million to purchase and $15.5 million) to develop an Environmental Justice Center that will be both community-owned and operated. This center will be an example of transformative community-led development for North Minneapolis, designed to heal environmental wounds and empower local residents.

The Environmental Justice Center will serve as a multifaceted hub, including:

• A Museum: Showcasing the history of environmental movements, locally as well as worldwide.

• Educational Spaces: Offering co-operative spaces, classes and workshops on environmental justice and social justice to educate and engage the community.

• An Indoor Playground: Providing a safe, fun space for children and families.

• A Smoothie Shop: Creating a space for community healing, healthy foods and dialogue.

• A Community Greenhouse Garden: Promoting sustainability and offering hands-on learning opportunities into the regenerative food economy.

We invite you to partner with us by investing in this development opportunity. We are at a pivotal moment in history for CMEJ and North Minneapolis. We are going to purchase this building for $3.5 million in the next 3 months. Your investment will help us achieve these goals and ensure that the Environmental Justice Center becomes a cornerstone of positive change and community pride. Join us in reclaiming our future and building a legacy of justice and empowerment for North Minneapolis.