planning

St. Paul's riverfront: Weakened rules, troubling development plans and 2 toxic dumps

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April 15, 2025

This flood of St. Paul river issues means FMR and community members have opportunities to push for stronger riverfront protections, walkable access to the river in line with community plans and quality cleanups for two toxic riverside dumps. Read more

4 years overdue: When will St. Paul adopt its riverfront rules?

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January 13, 2025

St. Paul was supposed to adopt a new Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area ordinance to guide riverfront development by January 2021. Four years later, the process has stalled and city leaders won't share why. Read more

The latest on the Twin Cities' lock and dam studies

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November 18, 2024

The Army Corps of Engineers' study about the future of two Mississippi River locks and dams continues to move ahead — slowly. FMR and our partners are still busy with research, engagement and advocacy to bring the right information to the table. Read more

The Atlantic takes on Minneapolis 2040

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January 29, 2024

Because of our advocacy for climate-smart dense urban development, national magazine The Atlantic reached out to FMR Land Use & Planning Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman to get our perspective on Minneapolis 2040. Read more

How does FMR evaluate development plans?

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January 11, 2024

What do we consider "good" development? FMR keeps tabs on riverfront development proposals and community response to them. Here's an overview of our process and the criteria we use to evaluate potential big changes to our river and its banks. Read more

Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis with buildings, bridge and Pillsbury Flour sign

What St. Paul's new riverfront rules should include

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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