St. Paul

Free Pancakes, Free Rides, and (Almost) Free Beer

Thu, 03/19/2009 - 12:22
We Americans love a discount. Wal-Mart and the discount retail boom are proof enough of that. What we love even more, though, is free stuff. Just slap the word "free" before almost anything and we'll line up.

This mentality represents some challenges for cities, but also some opportunities. The challenge is that if people don't have to pay for something, they probably won't. And the opportunity is that if people don't have to pay for something, they're way more likely to want it. Let's think of this concept in terms of three innately American traditions: pancakes, mobility, and beer.

Bus Funding Plans Draw Criticism

The chairman of the Twin Cities' Metropolitan Council announced Monday plans to use federal stimulus money to fund the bus system rather than "shovel-ready" projects for which they were intended.
6 February 2009 - 11:00am
Pioneer Press

Twin Cities Transit Ridership Up, Funding Down

Ridership is up on transit in the Twin Cities. Fewer cars are being sold, and tax revenues are down. With little funding expected to fill the gap, transit fare increases may be on the horizon.
5 February 2009 - 11:00am
Minneapolis-St.Paul Star Tribune

Investing in Communities During the Mortgage Crisis

Former Indianapolis Mayor Stephen Goldsmith is impressed by Mayor Christopher B. Coleman's efforts to revitalize depressed areas of his city, St. Paul. Coleman keeps the focus on increasing local investment through his 'Invest St. Paul' program.
14 October 2008 - 11:00am
Governing Magazine

Builder Says Inclusionary Zoning Doesn't Work

In this op-ed, a builders association representative argues that proposals for inclusionary zoning laws in Minnesota that require a certain percentage of affordable housing do not achieve the goals they aim for.
4 August 2008 - 5:00am
The Pioneer Press

Best Ideas of the Week

Fri, 04/04/2008 - 16:00

Another week has passed, and some more exciting and interesting ideas have taken root in the world of urban planning.

Sales Tax for Transit Catching on in Twin Cities

Five counties in metropolitan Minneapolis have approved the creation of a new quarter-cent sales tax that will be dedicated to funding transit projects.
3 April 2008 - 10:00am
Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
Syndicate content