Applications are now open for the 2026–2027 ProsperSt. Paul Renter Leadership Council.
We're looking for 10-12 renters to help explore new pathways to financial stability, community ownership, and shared prosperity.
For generations, homeownership has been one of America's most familiar pathways to building wealth. Owning a home can help families build equity, establish financial stability, and create opportunities for future generations.
But what about the people who rent?
47% of St. Paul households are renters. And across the country, the financial divide between renters and homeowners is staggering.
Behind those numbers are decades of policies, investments, and financial systems that have made it easier to accumulate wealth through homeownership. Meanwhile, renters continue to contribute to the neighborhoods and local economies they call home, often without access to the same opportunities to build long-term wealth.
What if renters had more ways to save, invest, build equity, and create lasting financial opportunities?
That's the question ProsperSt. Paul is working to explore. And renters will help lead the conversation
Introducing the Renter Leadership Council
Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation (ASANDC), through its ProsperSt. Paul initiative, is inviting 10-12 St. Paul renters to join the inaugural 2026–2027 Renter Leadership Council.
From December 2026 through July 2027, Council members will come together to share their experiences, explore different approaches to wealth-building, and develop ideas that reflect the needs and priorities of St. Paul renters.
Over eight monthly sessions, participants will explore questions like:
How can renters build greater financial stability and long-term wealth?
What can we learn from communities exploring shared ownership and collective investment?
How has St. Paul's housing history shaped the opportunities available to renters today?
What could a more prosperous future look like if renters helped design it?
The Council will combine practical financial learning, including budgeting, credit, saving, and investing, with conversations about housing history, community ownership, and collective action.
Together, members will work toward a shared vision and action plan for renter wealth-building in St. Paul.
Your experience is the expertise we're looking for
You don't need to be a financial expert, community organizer, or experienced leader to participate.
We're looking for people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of renting in St. Paul.
Whether you're thinking about your household's financial future, the future of your neighborhood, or how renters can create new opportunities together, your perspective belongs in this conversation.
Who can apply?
The Council is open to current renters living in St. Paul, with priority given to residents of Frogtown, Rondo, and Summit-University.
Members should plan for approximately six hours of participation per month, including one two-hour Council meeting. Additional compensated opportunities to participate in community stakeholder gatherings will also be available.
Applications are open now through Friday, November 20, 2026.
The application takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete and is available in English, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Spanish.
Eligible applicants will be entered into a random lottery, with an emphasis on representation from Frogtown, Rondo, and Summit-University.
Selected applicants will be notified on December 1, 2026.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Council is one part of ProsperSt. Paul, ASANDC's work to expand wealth-building opportunities for renters.
Learn more about ProsperSt. Paul →
