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

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

April 10, 2020

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. >>

A new river learning center at Watergate Marina?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

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. >>

It's time to pause $20M ask for Upper Harbor Terminal

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

In these changing times, we have more questions than ever about whether Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan can deliver promised community benefits. The city has paused the public planning process, but is continuing to seek state funds for First Avenue's concert venue on the site. >>

Minneapolis 'Parks for All' survey deadline: May 1

by Alex Roth

April 1, 2020

A field guide to the new river rules for advocates, planners and city officials

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 1, 2020

Before taxpayer funds go to Upper Harbor Terminal, the public deserves answers

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 11, 2020

The City of Minneapolis' top priority this legislative session is securing $20 million for First Avenue's amphitheater at Upper Harbor Terminal. But we still have some basic, important questions about this project — questions that deserve answers before the state invests public dollars. >>

New 'Wishbone' walkway proposed for Minneapolis riverfront

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 4, 2020

The Wishbone is a proposed new walkway that would cross the river in downtown Minneapolis. We look forward to exploring its environmental and technical considerations, and community dialogue about how this project fits into the city's riverfront park priorities. >>

Riverfront polluter Northern Metals violates laws... again

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 26, 2020

After polluting on the North Minneapolis riverfront for years, Northern Metals was given a second chance to build a new facility in Becker. However, before that facility was even fully open, a large pile of cars caught fire and burned for five days. We spoke to KSTP News about Northern Metals' history of violations and community harm. >>

KSTP TV: Ford site cleanup ‘top priority’ for neighbors [video]

February 24, 2020

Our river corridor director Colleen O'Connor Toberman gave KSTP reporters a tour of Ford Area C to explain why so many in the metro area are calling for thorough cleanup of the toxic riverfront dump site. >>

Area C community meeting draws crowds and questions

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

February 21, 2020

At a recent community meeting, 150 residents gathered to hear about the history and future of Area C, the Ford Motor Company's hazardous waste pile sitting on the floodplain in St. Paul. Out of the many questions raised, one in particular didn't have a clear answer: Will anyone make Ford clean up its mess on the Mississippi River? >>