Updates and Articles

Is Upper Harbor Terminal Minneapolis's best rebuilding idea?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 17, 2020

Our concerns about state bonds for Upper Harbor Terminal are nothing new (see the video above from Fox 9 in late 2019). But in light of recent events, we're more concerned than ever. Is public funding for First Avenue's privately-operated concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal still a priority for Minneapolis leaders? Learn more and take action now. >>

A call for justice, equity and inclusion in our 2020 special sessions

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

At FMR, we believe that the Mississippi River belongs to all of us. As long as people of color live in fear of police violence and are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in public spaces, the river does not belong to them. That must change. And we need to support this change during Minnesota's special session. Learn more and take action >>

Action Alert: Support POCI Caucus police and justice proposals [CLOSED]

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

In addition to our preexisting legislative priorities, FMR is following proposals from the Minnesota Legislature’s 19-member People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. We urge you to to support them for a more equitable Minnesota. >>

Say 'Yes!' to Dakota County parks and natural areas

by Betsy Daub

June 12, 2020

If you live in Dakota County or use and value its parks, you now have the opportunity (through July 3) to advocate for protecting and restoring additional parks, natural areas and greenways. Learn about and give the county a thumbs-up for their draft conservation plan. >>

Local storytelling legend Loren Niemi on the power of stories and how the river changed him

by Sara DeKok

June 4, 2020

We're thrilled to engage noted local storyteller Loren Niemi in planning and curating Our Storied River: An Evening Celebrating the Mississippi River this fall. In a recent interview, we learned more about his life as a storyteller, how the river has changed him, and how he plans to work with our story-sharers. (Will you be one of them?) >>

Minneapolis park board cuts ties with Minneapolis Police

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 3, 2020

In recognition of our commitment to public spaces that are safe and welcoming to all, we applaud the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's recent decisions to reduce its relationship with the Minneapolis Police Department. Read more, including our letter of support. >>

Potato fiasco turns even more rotten

by Peter LaFontaine

June 2, 2020

According to new disclosures, an enormous scofflaw corporation is trying to skirt basic environmental regulations in order to make billions on ... potatoes. >>

Justice for George Floyd

May 28, 2020

We are deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. We stand in solidarity with those who seek justice for his murder.

As long as people of color live in fear of police violence, environmental justice is not possible. And as long as people of color are made unwelcome or unsafe, we cannot have truly public spaces.

Read more, including ways you can help. >>

Minneapolis parks are getting the wrong kind of blooms

by Peter LaFontaine

May 22, 2020

The Parks Department is warning of potentially toxic algae blooms in some of Minneapolis's most-loved lakes. Here's what you need to know. >>

2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>