City Authorizes $15K Study of Burnsville Youth

A Minneapolis nonprofit has awarded the City of Burnsville a grant to study the town's changing youth population and to determine how The Garage may fit into the teen scene in the future.

Youthprise, a nonprofit that seeks to "ensure access to high quality afterschool programming for Minnesota youth." The money will be paid to Wendy Lutter of Lutter Marketing, LLC, a consultant who will conduct a "Communitywide Youth Assessment."

Over the course of the assessment, Lutter will examine trends in afterschool youth programming, demographic changes in Burnsville's youth population and the needs of that community. The ultimate goal of the report is to identify gaps in youth services and programming based on emerging trends, with recommendations about how best to meet them.

Of key interest will be The Garage, a teen center and concert space which has been targeted by the city council for budget reductions. Over the last year, the council has also considered an ambitious expansion project and a merger with the Boys & Girls Club, in spite of the teens' objections.