For the first time, the state of Minnesota is offering money specifically for urban agriculture, in a win for urban farmers who want to challenge the notion that agriculture is necessarily a rural enterprise.

Though relatively modest, Minnesota's new urban agriculture grants may nurture a change in perceptions. Taryn Phaneuf writes, "Advocates said state investment is crucial because it lends credibility to what [one grant recipient] calls the 'changing face of agriculture.' Such state funding, even a small amount, can usher in a shift toward seeing urban areas as potential farms and their residents as fellow food producers."
The legislation that established the new grants took several years to get passed, primarily though the efforts of bill author Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis). Grants total $10 million a year, and they're funded through Minnesota's Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation program (known as AGRI), which supports agriculture and renewable energy in the state.
While the grants are only guaranteed through next year, advocates hope urban agriculture will retain its seat at the state table. Phaneuf elaborates: "A local food system – which includes everything from growing food to processing it to buying and consuming it – also creates jobs, income, and infrastructure. That’s the mindset used to justify public spending on agriculture development in Greater Minnesota, like one that helps farmers modernize their livestock operations by, say, expanding their facilities to hold more animals."
FULL STORY: State grant program offers money, and legitimacy, for urban agriculture

New White House Housing Initiative Includes Zoning Reform Incentives
The Biden administration this morning released a new program of actions intended to spur housing construction around the United States.

The California High-Speed Rail Project Illustrates America’s Transit Issues
Slow progress and a bloated budget have plagued the High-Speed Rail project linking San Francisco to Los Angeles, exposing deeper issues with American transit projects.

‘Mega-Landlords’ Threaten Housing Stability for Renters
As institutional investors buy up a larger share of single-family homes, the families renting them are increasingly vulnerable to rent increases and eviction.

Europe's New Energy Infrastructure Begins to Emerge
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin hoped to quickly redraw national boundary lines in Eastern Europe. The region's energy infrastructure, particularly pipelines carrying natural gas, may change sooner.

Making the Case for E-Bikes
A new white paper lays the groundwork for better e-bike incentive programs.

How To Slow the Wave of Commercial Vacancies
Empty storefronts depress property values and suppress small business growth. What can cities do to fill these vacancies?
County of Napa
Clarion Associates
Urban Planning Partners
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Redwood City
City of Rohnert Park
City of Hot Springs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.