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Saint Paul nonprofit seeks $5.7M to upgrade Jimmy Lee Recreation Center as culturally responsive youth hub
Summary
The JK Movement and Saint Paul partners asked the committee for $5.7 million of a $12.25 million project to renovate Jimmy Lee Recreation Center into a culturally responsive, tech-forward center and workforce pathway for BIPOC youth.
Representative Hussain presented a request to support renovations at Jimmy Lee Recreation Center and to expand the JK Movement's programming. Executive Director Johnny Allen Jr. testified that the JK Movement serves about 1,400 youth annually with mentorship and culturally responsive programming and asked the committee to help convert the center into a "healing-centered" hub with workforce pathways, technology access, and space for mentorship.
Allen said the total project cost is $12,250,000 and that the group seeks $5,700,000 in state funding. He presented the program as a partnership involving the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County and argued investment would scale proven outcomes, reduce trauma and public-safety costs and provide career pathways.
Proponents noted the project has public-private fundraising underway and framed the center as a regional asset that provides safe space for young people and workforce development. No committee appropriation was adopted at the hearing.
