Land Use & Planning

As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to advocate for public access, equity, environmental sustainability, and community enjoyment of the river. 

Here are the park plans and developments that our river corridor team has its eye on. Learn more about the program, how we evaluate development plans and all the places we work.

Development and land use updates are also shared on social (Facebook and Twitter) and in FMR's Mississippi Messages newsletter.

Join us! Sign up to be a River Guardian to receive email action alerts when we need your help the most, plus invitations to educational happy hours and other events.

POSTS

Upper Harbor Terminal: North Minneapolis voices

Over 90 Minnesotans have contacted their legislators over the past few weeks to oppose $20 million in state bond funds for First Avenue's proposed concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal on the North Minneapolis riverfront.

North Minneapolis residents wrote about how the project prioritizes private developers' interests over community members' and perpetuates racial and environmental disparities. While these writers' voices are their own, we share their concerns. >>

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The untold story of our national park's founding

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.  >>

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FMR board member featured in 'Architecture MN'

We're happy to see FMR board member Paul Bauknight interviewed for the most recent issue of Architecture MN magazine.

Bauknight, a registered architect and designer, discusses his excitement for a new riverfront park in North Minneapolis, and how building trust with community members is crucial to any design process. >>

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

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. >>

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A new river learning center at Watergate Marina?

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. >>

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

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. >>

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Before taxpayer funds go to Upper Harbor Terminal, the public deserves answers

The City of Minneapolis' top priority this legislative session is securing $20 million for First Avenue's amphitheater at Upper Harbor Terminal. But we still have some basic, important questions about this project — questions that deserve answers before the state invests public dollars.  >>

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New 'Wishbone' walkway proposed for Minneapolis riverfront

The Wishbone is a proposed new walkway that would cross the river in downtown Minneapolis. We look forward to exploring its environmental and technical considerations, and community dialogue about how this project fits into the city's riverfront park priorities. >>

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Upcoming Events

This school year
In your classroom or outside
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Virtual
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount