Environmental Lawsuit Against Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan Tossed by Judge

The Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, Minnesota Citizens for the Protection of Migratory Birds, and Smart Growth Minneapolis sued Minneapolis on environmental grounds after the city approved its landmark Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

1 minute read

May 5, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Metro Transit

John Watne / Wikimedia Commons

"Hennepin County Judge Joseph R. Klein dismissed a lawsuit this week alleging the 2040 Comprehensive Plan could be disastrous for the environment, allowing the plan to proceed unhampered by the courts," reports Andy Mannix.

"Hennepin County Judge Joseph R. Klein dismissed a lawsuit this week alleging the 2040 Comprehensive Plan could be disastrous for the environment, allowing the plan to proceed unhampered by the courts," adds Mannix.

Klein had the last word, however, ruling this week "that the law didn't require the city to conduct a review before it approved the plan last December, and there isn't evidence to support claims that the plan poses of a serious threat to the environment."

More coverage from January offers additional perspective on the motivations of the lawsuit. Opposition from environmental groups threatened to derail the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan at the 11th hour, back in December 2018.

Friday, May 3, 2019 in Star Tribune

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Yellow electric school bus with preteen students exiting.

California Invests Additional $5M in Electric School Buses

The state wants to electrify all of its school bus fleets by 2035.

April 25 - Associated Press

City Hall building in Austin, Texas.

Austin Launches $2M Homelessness Prevention Fund

A new grant program from the city’s Homeless Strategy Office will fund rental assistance and supportive services.

April 25 - Spectrum Local News

Brick school building with mid-sized tree on front lawn.

Alabama School Forestry Initiative Brings Trees to Schoolyards

Trees can improve physical and mental health for students and commnity members.

April 25 - Governing