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

Mapping for environmental justice in the Twin Cities

Curran, a Youth Empowerment Program participant, used data and mapping skills to visualize environmental injustice across Minneapolis and St. Paul. >>

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Metro communities begin adopting new river protections

Metro-area cities and townships are beginning to adopt new baseline riverfront protections. Is your city is on the list of communities writing their ordinances this fall? Find out how you can shape river rules based on your community's values and priorities. One example: Minneapolis might require bird-safe measures for new riverfront construction, since migrating songbirds are especially vulnerable to collisions in cities on the Mississippi flyway.  >>

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Star Tribune highlights expanded monitoring at Ford Area C

Thanks to advocacy by FMR and its partners, new monitoring wells have been installed at Ford Area C. These wells will provide a better understanding of any hazards posed by this dumpsite on the floodplain.  >>

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Minnesota to update invasive carp action plan

A record catch of invasive carp in the Mississippi River in southern Minnesota has raised concerns about the species' spread upriver. How is Minnesota responding?  >>

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What's been happening at Area C?

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.  >>

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Action Alert: Oppose state funds for First Avenue's concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal [CLOSED]

The city of Minneapolis and First Avenue are seeking $20 million in state bond funds for a concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal on the North Minneapolis riverfront. We’re not sure whether the community will benefit first from this project. Take action now. >>

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Northside faith leaders: Police brutality, Upper Harbor Terminal share same racist legacy

Seven faith leaders from North Minneapolis have submitted a powerful letter to elected leaders outlining how police brutality, land ownership and Upper Harbor Terminal are connected. They state, "The killing of Black and Brown bodies by the police is directly connected to the history of the United States' quest for land and profit... The proposed Upper Harbor development in North Minneapolis continues to perpetuate this injustice."  >>

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Our interactive riverfront developments map

Explore FMR's interactive map of riverfront developments and park planning processes to learn more about what's happening along the Twin Cities riverfront.  >>

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Area C solar project could jeopardize dumpsite cleanup

A planned solar array on top of the Ford Area C dumpsite sounds appealing, but poor timing for the solar project could jeopardize cleanup of the toxic site. Our recent letter in the Highland Villager explains why we're concerned.  >>

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FMR board member writes in Star Trib: Revamp the Upper Harbor project

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." >>

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Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 20, 2024 - 9:30am to 12:00pm
West River Parkway and 36th Street/44th Street, Minneapolis
Applications due Friday, May 3 by 5 p.m.
Virtual and in-person
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hampton Woods Wildlife Management Area