Minneapolis 2040 Implementation Allowed to Proceed … For Now

The same judge that blocked implementation of the landmark Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan in June 2022 has allowed a temporary reprieve for planning work in the city to proceed.

1 minute read

July 28, 2022, 6:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Zoning Code Rendering

Interior 3 zoning conceptual rendering. / Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Minneapolis officials announced Tuesday that they will resume work on development projects that had been postponed after a judge tossed the 2040 Comprehensive Plan that guides development in the city,” reports Liz Navratil for the Star Tribune.

In June, Hennepin County Judge Joseph Klein halted implementation of the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan, ruling that the city had failed to address environmental concerns raised by the court. The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan famously was the one of the first citywide plans to entirely prohibit single-family zoning—for largely environmental reasons due to the emissions and land consumption effects of sprawling development resulting from exclusionary zoning

“Klein wrote in a six-page order that he sought to weigh environmental concerns brought by local activists against the city's arguments that blocking it from enforcing the plan would cause a cascade of logistical and legal problems,” explains Navratil of the latest twist in the evolving saga.

Interim City Attorney Peter Ginder is quoted in the article saying Klein’s latest ruling would allow the city to move forward with building permits, rezonings, and other matters covered by Minneapolis 2040.

The article also provides detail about when to expect a final decision about the plan, and more on the legal controversy surrounding the landmark comp plan.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 in Star Tribune

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

April 24, 2024 - Columbus Dispatch

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Wind turbines and solar panels against a backdrop of mountains in the Mojave Desert near Palm Springs, California

California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours

The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.

April 24 - Fast Company

Close-up of hand holding up wooden thermometer in front of blurred street

New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths

Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.

April 24 - Associated Press via Portland Press Herald

View of Dallas city skyline with moderately busy freeway in foreground at twilight.

AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth

Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.

April 24 - Dallas Morning News

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.