Land Use & Planning

What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

October 24, 2023

St. Paul's city council will probably vote on a new critical area ordinance this fall or winter. Here are three provisions we'll be looking for in their next draft. Read more

Sunset from Harriet Island over the river.

St. Paul continues to dodge new riverfront development rules

September 25, 2023

St. Paul's promising ordinance has been stalled for months, with no explanation from city leaders. Read more

The downtown St. Paul skyline stretches across the top of the frame, with the river and residential housing in the foreground.

Is the Minneapolis 2040 plan good for the environment? Yes.

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

September 6, 2023

The plan's many environmental policies, including denser housing, are crucial responses to climate change. Here's why. Read more

The Minneapolis skyline, reflective against the orange evening sky with the Mississippi River in the foreground.

What the research says about how to stop invasive carp

August 4, 2023

Where and how are invasive carp moving? Why do we need a bioacoustic fish fence? What about native fish? We tagged along with Dr. Peter Sorensen to the Driftless Area to get firsthand experience of the latest research. Read more

Dr. Peter Sorensen works from a boat on the river

Army Corps study on the future of two metro locks and dams enters new phase

July 17, 2023

What will the Corps focus on in their years-long study about the future of two metro locks and dams? The release of the Corps scoping documents gives us a picture of what questions they'll investigate — and what could go unanswered. Read more