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

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 15, 2020

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." >>

Our interactive riverfront developments map

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

July 14, 2020

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

Area C solar project could jeopardize dumpsite cleanup

July 13, 2020

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. >>

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

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 23, 2020

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." >>

Is Upper Harbor Terminal Minneapolis's best rebuilding idea?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 17, 2020

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. >>

Minneapolis park board cuts ties with Minneapolis Police

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

June 3, 2020

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. >>

A new future for the downtown Minneapolis riverfront

May 14, 2020

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. >>

Spring Lake Park: Take the survey by May 31!

by Sophie Downey

May 12, 2020

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. >>

Crown Hydro's Minneapolis riverfront project rejected again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

May 6, 2020

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? >>

Upper Harbor Terminal: North Minneapolis voices

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 30, 2020

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. >>