Brendan Patrick Hughes examines what other cities can learn from the recently constructed Target Field.
By delivering on the kind of promises for infrastructure improvements that typically go unmet in publicly funded stadium projects, the $550 million Target Field has had a "transformative effect" on Minneapolis, writes Hughes. Light rail extensions, new bicycle lanes, an accompanying bike-share program, and nearby transit-oriented development are among the upgrades.
City officials are confident the stadium will have a lasting impact, Hughes says. He quotes Andrew Dahl, assistant to Minneapolis's economic development director:
"Transit, biking and pedestrian access to games and through the neighborhoods has soared. Restaurants and bars are bursting at the seams. A few accompanying policy changes have resulted in the city's first pedicabs and street food vendors. I think when we look back 10 or 20 years from now at what Minneapolis has become, this stadium will really be the definitive turning point."
FULL STORY: City Study: Minneapolis

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.

California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.

HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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