Minnesota
Questioning the 'Wisdom of Crowds' in Minneapolis
In a familiar refrain for anyone who's lamented the veto power of NIMBYs or the added cost of citizen engagement events, one writer expresses concerned about a recent succession of developments shot down by community groups in the Twin Cities.
Alleyways as Pathways to Urban Revitalization
From D.C. to Seattle, alleys are being reinvented as people-friendly spaces. Often perceived as dirty and dangerous, alleys are moving beyond garbage and garages to become havens for pedestrians, public art, and small business.
More Bikes Lanes On Less Congested Roads
Comparison of before and after counts of vehicular volume-to-capacity ratio shows replacing car lanes with bike lanes may not adversely impact vehicle traffic when bike lanes are constructed on less congested streets.
An Appeal for Churches to Embrace Multi-Modalism
As a result of the dominant development patterns and transportation practices of the 20th century, churches have receded in their role as an anchors for neighborhoods and broader communities.
Making the Case for the Redevelopment of Nicollet Mall
Some call it “Minnesota’s Main Street,” but Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis has been the subject of much debate as the city mulls a redevelopment plan for the mall designed by James Corner Field Operations.
Development Benefits of Minneapolis’ Blue Line Scrutinized
A new paper in the Regional Science and Urban Economics journal presents a lukewarm review of the Minneapolis Blue Line’s impact on development through 2010—doing little to buoy the market during the Great Recession.
Economic Impact Report or 'Siren Call'?
Marlys Harris describes a simple way to overcome the default opposition setting that determines most local politics: “the sweet yoo-hoo of the economic-impact study.”
Sow Low-Density Residential; Reap Lack of Retail
The cautionary tale of “a very suburban kerfuffle” in Blaine, Minnesota: residents of a “large, multi-builder housing development” who once opposed a multi-family residential development in the neighborhood now lament a lack of retail.
Density: Difficulties Delivering on Campaign Promises in Minneapolis
The editorial board of the Minneapolis Star Tribune calls out the Minneapolis City Council following a recent decision to protect a one-story building at the cost of a hotel development plan.
Minneapolis Scales Back Healthy Food Program
Minneapolis’ Healthy Corner Store Program launched with lofty ambitions in 2009—to help corner stores market and sell fresh food—but lackluster performance has required the city to reduce the scale of the program.
Regional Planning Approach to Attract Tourism West of the Twin Cities
Located less then 15 miles west of Downtown Minneapolis, Lake Minnetonka is already popular, but the 14 cities near the lake have created a regional coalition to improve the lake experience.
How Does A Propane Shortage Strike Amidst A Production Boom?
Propane prices in some parts of the midwest and south had tripled; governors have demanded investigations into price gouging, and shelters have opened for those unable to afford the steep prices increases, yet production increased 15% from last year.
Debate Over Minneapolis Skyways Continues
Minneapolis is working to turn the deteriorating Nicollet Mall into a vibrant public space—even hiring James Corner Field Operations (of High-Line fame) as designer. Will the revitalization of the area require the removal of the mall’s four skyways?
Can Minneapolis Shed Its "Car Town" Image?
Minneapolis is mired in a debate over the role the automobile should play in the city's mobility mix. Many neighborhoods want to reduce surface parking and ease minimum parking requirements, but people still view the city as “a car town.”
What’s In a Place Name?
Ernest Hemingway wrote in A Farewell to Arms that “only the names of places had dignity.” Has a history of cookie cutter, master-planned development robbed our places of value?
Park Project to Continue Minneapolis' Riverfront Transformation
On a site overlooking the Mississippi River's St. Anthony Falls, where Minneapolis' first sushi bar stands, officials are planning the newest addition to the city's Central Riverfront system of parks.
Families Choosing Twin Cities Urbanity Over Suburban Living
Data suggesting a dramatic shift toward the urban core are accruing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Suburbs have responded by creating walkable downtowns, but are struggling with declining school enrollment and other consequences.
Lawsuit Aims to Chop Down Proposed Minneapolis Park
A park planned to accompany Minneapolis' new football stadium has raised controversy because of the amount of proposed subsidies. While the details are worked out, planners consider the elements that will ensure its success.
Friday Funny: Pointless Diagrams
Illustrative diagrams are one of the primary tools used by architects and planners to explain existing conditions and design concepts. An art project that produces frivolous diagrams reveals the heft that well crafted drawings bring.
Technology and Robust Economies Drive Rural Town Revival
Population loss has been a fact of life for many of the United States' rural towns for decades. But if the experiences of rural towns across Minnesota are any indication, manufacturing, farming, and technology may generate a widespread rural revival.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
