Critical Area

What can cities do to guide development and protect open space?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

December 15, 2021

When we work with community members involved in local development and habitat protection issues, we often hear similar questions: "What can my city leaders do about this issue?" "Does anyone have the power to change this project?" Here's a summary of how cities can shape development and protect open space. >>

From Ramsey to Ravenna, updated riverfront protections come to life

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 11, 2021

Until recently, the Twin Cities riverfront lacked consistent development standards and environmental protections. After many years of work, FMR is now supporting 25 cities and townships as they finish the final step in a long journey for better riverfront management. >>

Climate change, climate justice and FMR's Land Use & Planning program

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 11, 2021

Climate change impacts make park access and greenspace even more important for public health and equity, and guidelines for riverfront development need to respond to the shifting climate in order to protect our river. Here's how our Land Use & Planning program's work intersects with climate change and climate justice. >>

MRCCA riverfront protections update: You made a difference!

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

January 10, 2021

Minneapolis is the first city with a new ordinance to guide riverfront development and protections, and thanks to our collective advocacy, their ordinance includes provisions for migrating birds. Will St. Paul and other communities follow suit? >>

Action Alert: Minneapolis needs bird-safe riverfront buildings! [CLOSED]

November 12, 2020

Minneapolis is about to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development for years to come. With your help, we can add a requirement for bird-safe buildings along the river's crucial migratory flyway >>.

Action Alert: Invest in clean water & oppose the UHT concert venue [CLOSED]

October 10, 2020

Please take a moment to ask your legislators to SUPPORT investments to #FixThePipesMN and OPPOSE the controversial Upper Harbor Terminal concert venue >>

What's our deal with density?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

October 9, 2020

Dense urban development is crucial to fighting climate change. Here's how we balance density with other important principles of good riverfront design when evaluating development projects. >>