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

Minneapolis: Don't skip environmental review!

With 48 acres of city-owned riverfront, the Upper Harbor Terminal site in North Minneapolis presents a rare opportunity for equitable, creative, transformative community development. Unfortunately, the city's plan falls short of this potential.

Tell the city not to approve the plan before conducting an environmental review. >>

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Congress clarifies future of Upper St. Anthony Falls

The years-long process to determine the future of the Upper St. Anthony Falls lock and dam has had a few interesting twists and turns in recent weeks. Congress has intervened to make sure that future plans are flowing in the right direction.  >>

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Minneapolis Parks for All plan open for comment

Through July 18, 2021, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is seeking public comment on its draft Parks for All comprehensive plan, which will guide the park board for the next ten years. Review FMR's recommendations for the plan and learn how to submit your own.  >>

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Action Alert: Share your comments on Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan [CLOSED]

Minneapolis is seeking comments on the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan. Learn why we have concerns about the plan, and submit your comments >

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Upper Harbor Terminal public comment process begins

After years of planning and controversy, the city of Minneapolis has released its coordinated development plan for a mile-long stretch of riverfront. We're offering many ways to learn more and get involved in this pivotal project in the coming days.  >>

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Traveling murals call for a better Upper Harbor Terminal development

Three large murals have been traveling around North Minneapolis yards this fall to raise awareness of the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment project. Lead artist and community organizer Sebastian Rivera recently shared his concerns about the proposed development and his hope for a better UHT.  >>

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New riverfront memorial offers healing, calls for justice

A new Memorial to Survivors of Sexual Violence, the nation's first, stands near the Mississippi River in Boom Island Park. Project leaders told us that the public location offers healing and recognition to victim-survivors while calling all of us to seek justice and create a better future.  >>

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

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 >>.

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Belt Magazine asks: Will Minneapolis’s Upper Harbor Terminal project be good for its neighbors?

A recent article in Belt Magazine explores the history of disinvestment and racial disparities in Minneapolis and poses the question: Will Upper Harbor Terminal lead to real change? FMR's staff and board member share their concerns.  >>

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What's our deal with density?
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Upcoming Events

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Friends of the Mississippi River office in St. Paul
This school year
In your classroom or outside
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Rosemount Wildlife Preserve and North 20 Brewing, Rosemount