In a recent Star Tribune commentary, FMR board member Paul Bauknight and Reverend Robin Bell call for a new approach for Minneapolis's Upper Harbor Terminal riverfront redevelopment — one that truly centers community design and wealth building rather than the current project's "public funding for white-owned business wrapped in the holy cloth of equitable development." >>
River Corridor Land Use and Development Blog
As more cities move to embrace the river and capitalize on its exceptional value, FMR works within metro river communities to ensure that public access, scenic views, historic preservation and environmental quality are respected.
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.
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. >>
June 10, 2020
The official process for cleaning up a hazardous waste site like Ford Area C in St. Paul takes time, and it can be tough to keep up with the developments. Here’s a summary of what you (FMR supporters) have helped accomplish towards a better future at this floodplain waste dump so far, and what's still to come. >>
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. >>
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. >>
May 12, 2020
Weigh in for the importance of preserving and restoring natural areas (home to animals such as this fisher) while also serving the needs and interests of the most people at this important Dakota County riverfront park. >>
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? >>
April 30, 2020
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. >>
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. >>
April 24, 2020
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. >>