Minneapolis
New Stadium Succeeds in Minneapolis
Brendan Patrick Hughes examines what other cities can learn from the recently constructed Target Field.
Theft Apparently Not a Problem for Bike-Sharing Programs in the U.S.
Bike-sharing can't seem to shake its reputation for being a crime magnet, as in Paris. But here in the United States, theft and vandalism simply haven't emerged as problems, says Noah Kazis.
Managed Roads Favored Over Expansion in Twin Cities
Officials in the Twin Cities are looking to shift away from major road expansion projects and focus more on creating managed lanes that are intended to put a price on avoiding traffic within the two cities.
Downtown Improvement District Lives Up To Name
This column from MinnPost praises the year-old Downtown Improvement District in Minneapolis for helping to revive the city's downtown core and give people a reason to walk.
Portland Demoted to America's Second Most Bike-Friendly City
The city of Portland is in a state of shock after being de-throned as America's most bike-friendly city.
Twin Cities-to-Chicago Rail Plans Released
The state of Minnesota has released its final plans for a high-speed rail route connecting the Twin Cities to Chicago.
Anti-Transit Bias Revealed in Museum Exhibit
Conrad DeFebre of Minnesota 2020 went to an exhibit about transportation at the Minnesota History Center titled "Going Places: The Mystique of Mobility" and found an overt bias against transit.
A Meaner, Greener Recipe for Concrete
Concrete in a Minneapolis bridge replacing that which collapsed in 2007 is made of a concoction that boasts less environmental impact and durability. And it's self-cleaning.
Free Pancakes, Free Rides, and (Almost) Free Beer
We Americans love a discount. Wal-Mart and the discount retail boom are proof enough of that. What we love even more, though, is free stuff. Just slap the word "free" before almost anything and we'll line up. This mentality represents some challenges for cities, but also some opportunities. The challenge is that if people don't have to pay for something, they probably won't. And the opportunity is that if people don't have to pay for something, they're way more likely to want it. Let's think of this concept in terms of three innately American traditions: pancakes, mobility, and beer.
A New Plaza for a New Stadium
Target Field is the forthcoming ballpark for the Minnesota Twins, and the team and their sponsor recently unveiled their plans for the public space in front of the park. Designs include 40 ft. topiary and a giant bronze glove.
Bus Funding Plans Draw Criticism
The chairman of the Twin Cities' Metropolitan Council announced Monday plans to use federal stimulus money to fund the bus system rather than "shovel-ready" projects for which they were intended.
Twin Cities Transit Ridership Up, Funding Down
Ridership is up on transit in the Twin Cities. Fewer cars are being sold, and tax revenues are down. With little funding expected to fill the gap, transit fare increases may be on the horizon.
Impound Lot Could Find New Life in Mixed Use
The City of Minneapolis is considering a plan to convert a 55-acre site containing an impound lot into a mixed-use office and residential project.
Collapsed Bridge Reborn
Just over a year since its deadly collapse, the rebuilt Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis is scheduled to reopen as early as next week.
Builder Says Inclusionary Zoning Doesn't Work
In this op-ed, a builders association representative argues that proposals for inclusionary zoning laws in Minnesota that require a certain percentage of affordable housing do not achieve the goals they aim for.
Minneapolis Residents Take to Their Bikes
The Minneapolis area is already 2nd in the nation for the percentage of commuters who bike to work. With gas prices soaring, the number of bicyclists has soared. One route over the Mississippi River has seen a doubling of bikes from last year.
Best Ideas of the Week
Another week has passed, and some more exciting and interesting ideas have taken root in the world of urban planning.
Sales Tax for Transit Catching on in Twin Cities
Five counties in metropolitan Minneapolis have approved the creation of a new quarter-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding transit projects.
Interstate 35W Bridge Damaged in 2003, Photos Show
Photos taken in 2003 of the doomed Minneapolis bridge revealed warped gusset plates believed to have been a key point of failure in the 2007 collapse that killed 13 people.
Art, Agriculture, and Civic Identity Converge in the Great Plains
MINNEAPOLIS--If not for the Walker Art Center I would have scant reason to spend extra time in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is not lacking for charm or culture, but it certainly falls in that middle range of American cities, somewhere between New York and nondescript, which is to say that it is not a destination in and of itself, yet it offers reasons to extend a stay for those who find themselves so far north for other reasons.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Smith Gee Studio
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
