Who We Are
Talo Table is a civic innovation and community engagement platform that bridges communities and institutions through research, dialogue, convening, and strategic partnerships.
We work alongside residents, governments, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and philanthropy to strengthen civic participation, build trust, and create lasting community solutions.
We believe stronger communities are built when neighbors know one another, institutions listen, and leadership is shared.
WITH OSMAN AHMED
Who’s at the Table?
A weekly conversation about community priorities, civic life, and the relationships that move us forward.
EVERY MONDAY
4–5 p.m. Central time
Request joining details by email.
Our Flagship Initiative
The Power and Participation Initiative
A statewide effort designed to strengthen civic participation, leadership, and cross-community relationships across Minnesota.
Core Components
• Power & Participation Tour
• Community Action & Founding Partners Network
Somali-American Economic & Civic Impact Survey
Share your perspective on work, business, safety, trust, and civic participation, including whether and how Operation Metro Surge affected your experience.
Your insights help inform community conversations, future engagement, and practical recommendations.
5–7 minutes · Opens in Google Forms
Two perspectives. One shared future.
Somali-American or Somali immigrant?
Select Yes at the opening question for the community survey.
Non-Somali community member or institutional partner?
Select No for the institutional and community partner survey.
Answer based on your identity, whether you participate as a resident, professional, or city partner.
Who We Work With
Talo Table partners with community organizations, governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, foundations, businesses, and civic leaders to build stronger relationships and create more effective pathways for participation and shared leadership.
Together, we build stronger relationships and more effective pathways for community participation and shared leadership.
Why Talo Table
We believe communities become stronger when institutions listen, neighbors know one another, and leadership is shared. Our work combines research, dialogue, partnership, and action to transform moments of community engagement into lasting relationships, partnerships, and civic infrastructure.
Community-centered approach and Research-informed engagement strategies
Experience bridging communities and institutions
Trusted relationships across diverse communities
Focus on long-term civic participation and partnership
Osman Ahmed
Founder, Talo Table
Meet the Founder
Osman Ahmed
Osman Ahmed is the founder of Talo Table, a Minneapolis based community engagement and public affairs firm.
His experience spans government, advocacy, education, and nonprofit leadership, with deep relationships in Somali-American and New American communities.
Through Talo Table, Osman helps communities and institutions listen to one another, understand shared priorities, and make practical decisions together.
Get Involved
Choose your perspective to find the most relevant way to participate.
Your experience matters.
Share your perspective, connect with neighbors, and help shape future community conversations.
At the survey’s opening question, select Yes if you are Somali-American or a Somali immigrant; otherwise select No.
Turn community insight into action.
For schools, businesses, nonprofits, and foundations: contribute your perspective and explore a partnership grounded in community priorities.
Discuss an institutional partnership
At the survey’s opening question, select Yes if you are Somali-American or a Somali immigrant; otherwise select No.
Bring more voices into city decisions.
Work with Talo Table on community engagement strategy, staff training, or a dialogue that brings residents and city leaders together.
Share the survey with your community
At the survey’s opening question, select Yes if you are Somali-American or a Somali immigrant; otherwise select No.
Whether you’re a community member, organization, business, or institution, there are many ways to participate.
Together, we’re building stronger communities through connection, participation, and partnership.
Join a growing network of community leaders, institutions, businesses, and neighbors working together to strengthen civic participation, build trust, and create lasting partnerships across Minnesota.