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

Ford Area C updates email list

Sign up for updates, including public meeting announcements about Ford Area C. >>

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Can we just talk about this UHT concert stadium?

Minneapolis city leaders are proceeding as if the concert stadium at Upper Harbor Terminal is a done deal, but it's not. Rather than debating venue names, we need to discuss public subsidies, living-wage jobs, and how the community will benefit from this or any development at this important mile-long riverfront site. >>

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Residents say affordable housing critical at Upper Harbor Terminal

Community members are clear that truly affordable housing should be a key part of the Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment. At one point an attendee asked, "How many of you are here because you or someone you care about is affected by the high cost of housing?" Nearly every hand in the room went up. We should expand the timeline to figure out this vital aspect of this riverfront redevelopment.  >>

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FMR voices concerns around Upper Harbor Terminal process

As we've watched recent Upper Harbor Terminal community engagement activities unfold, we've seen a rushed, confusing and inadequate process that's failing to center community vision. We've written a letter to the Minneapolis City Council and mayor outlining our concerns.  >>

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Reconnecting with the river: MPR and North News share North Minneapolis' river stories

Recently, two local media projects from MPR and North News highlighted North Minneapolis residents' relationships with water and our Big River. 

The MPR stories are a riveting listen, while the stunning North News issue is both a refreshing read and a graceful portrait of a community's multi-faceted relationship to the river. >>

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Bold riverfront development plan rises in St. Paul

In the past, development proposals for the former county jail site in downtown St. Paul have fallen through. It's a challenging area: a bluff, railroad tracks and Shepard Road separate the river's edge from the city. But AECOM's proposed Riversedge project thinks big about how to overcome these challenges — and might ultimately deliver.   >>

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Northern Metals granted extension to continue polluting

Following a settlement nearly two and a half years ago, Northern Metals Recycling agreed to stop its polluting operations on the North Minneapolis riverfront by August 1, 2019. That deadline has come and gone, yet Northern Metals is still operating. >>

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Landslides are on the rise in Minnesota

Wetter weather has increased landslides that slough slopes into our roads and rivers, sometimes with dangerous consequences for water and life. A mapping project aims to identify risk areas so we can safeguard our slopes.  >>

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FMR supports protection of sacred sites at Indian Mounds Park

The discovery of additional potential burial sites at Indian Mounds Park will require rerouting trails. FMR supports the city's decision to protect sacred land while also calling for improved parks and trails elsewhere in the neighborhood. >>

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My reflections on the Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table

FMR River Corridor Director Colleen O'Connor Toberman recently attended the first Upper Harbor Terminal community learning table. Community members brought many concerns and ideas about this important and large-scale riverfront development in north Minneapolis (shown filling in with plant-life above). Now the question is how city leaders will respond. >>

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Ole Olson prairie, Mississippi River, Minneapolis skyline

Celebrate 30 years of FMR!

For our 30th anniversary, our wish is for you to join us in restoring, protecting and enhancing the Mississippi River.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Hastings Sand Coulee SNA, Hastings
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Nicollet Island Pavilion, Minneapolis
Giveback Days all Sept. + visit FMR in-store Sept. 14 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Orvis - Miracle Mile, St. Louis Park