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

Is Upper Harbor Terminal Minneapolis's best rebuilding idea?

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. >>

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Minneapolis park board cuts ties with Minneapolis Police

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. >>

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A new future for the downtown Minneapolis riverfront

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. >>

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Spring Lake Park: Take the survey by May 31!

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. >>

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Crown Hydro's Minneapolis riverfront project rejected again

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? >>

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Upper Harbor Terminal: North Minneapolis voices

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. >>

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The untold story of our national park's founding

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.  >>

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FMR board member featured in 'Architecture MN'

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. >>

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Action Alert: Support bonding for the River Learning Center [CLOSED]

With your support, the City of St. Paul could begin work on a new River Learning Center later this year. This special site would strengthen public access to the river and serve as a destination for the National Park Service, environmental learning, and recreation. >>

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A new river learning center at Watergate Marina?

If all goes well at the State Capitol this spring, the City of St. Paul could begin designing a new River Learning Center at Crosby Farm Regional Park later this year. >>

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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