This resource guide was developed by the Department of Public Transformation and compiled and designed by Meghna Subba at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, with text contributed by Lauren Carlson. Research and contributions by Felicia Galvin and Zoua Vou through the Regional Development Partnership and the Center for Small Towns.
This resource was developed in 2020 as a guide for an artist-led process that uses community involvement to reimagine a meaningful future for available space in small towns and rural communities. Much has changed since 2020 (in the world, generally, and in DoPT’s approach to this work), but this historical document can still serve as an introduction and a springboard to continued learning!
It is a collaboration between the Department of Public Transformation, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, Homeboat, the Community Assistantship Program at University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA - CAP), and University of Minnesota Extension’s Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (SWRSDP), along with a vital network of local, regional, and national artists.
The YES! House renovations and fundraising are still in-progress (delayed in many ways by the COVID-19 pandemic), yet we are moving forward with determination. Click here to follow along with The YES! House progress.
We are in the process of developing more current resources. As you read through this “first draft” guide, feel free to let us know if you have any feedback as we work toward sharing new learning and revised processes in the near future!
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