Serving the East Side Since 1996
Urban Roots operates as a youth development program and one of the largest youth employers on the East Side of Saint Paul. We create economic and educational opportunities for under-resourced, majority BIPOC youth, preparing them for academic and professional success while addressing immediate community needs around fresh food access, the environment, and wellbeing. We currently accomplish this important work by operating three main programs: Market Garden, Cook Fresh, and Conservation.
Our Mission
Urban Roots is a Saint Paul organization whose mission is to cultivate and empower youth through nature, healthy food, and community.
Our Vision
Urban Roots’ vision is a world where all communities have unlimited access to nature and healthy food.
Our Values
Collaboration and Inclusion
We achieve more when we work together.
Diversity
We honor different perspectives as our strength.
Stewardship
We own our responsibility to be caretakers of the resources that we are entrusted with.
Experiential Learning
We are happiest in the field or in the kitchen. Our minds and our hands are always engaged.
Fun
We enjoy what we do and celebrate each other doing it.
Continuous Improvement
We learn from our mistakes. When opportunities for growth arise, we embrace them
Social Justice and Equity
We strive for fairness in our communities and the world at large.
Transparency
We cultivate a healthy work environment where youth and staff can be true to themselves and honest with each other.
Our History
Urban Roots, formerly Community Design Center of Minnesota, was incorporated in 1969 as a 501(c)3 to empower community residents to realize their goals for better health, wellbeing, and economic opportunity. Over the years, we have provided a range of community development services in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and southern Minnesota, including architecture, urban planning, economic development and organizational development. We have operated our food and environmental programs on the East Side of Saint Paul since 1996, engaging thousands of youth in education, training, and work projects that provide service to the community, develop young leaders and improve health and the environment.