Land Use & Planning

A new future for the downtown Minneapolis riverfront

May 14, 2020

What could be next for the locks and dams in downtown Minneapolis? We spoke with the Star Tribune about opportunities to get creative about our riverfront's future. >>

Crown Hydro's Minneapolis riverfront project rejected again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 6, 2020

In the latest twist in a 25-year saga, a controversial hydroelectric project in downtown Minneapolis has been rejected yet again. Now the project has no funding, no location and no local government support. Is this the end of the road for Crown Hydro? >>

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>

Action Alert: Support bonding for the River Learning Center [CLOSED]

April 10, 2020

With your support, the City of St. Paul could begin work on a new River Learning Center later this year. This special site would strengthen public access to the river and serve as a destination for the National Park Service, environmental learning, and recreation. >>

A new river learning center at Watergate Marina?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

If all goes well at the State Capitol this spring, the City of St. Paul could begin designing a new River Learning Center at Crosby Farm Regional Park later this year. >>

It's time to pause $20M ask for Upper Harbor Terminal

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

In these changing times, we have more questions than ever about whether Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan can deliver promised community benefits. The city has paused the public planning process, but is continuing to seek state funds for First Avenue's concert venue on the site. >>