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

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

5 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of California High-Speed Rail station with bullet train.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself

The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

May 19, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Red SF Muni ticketing machine.

San Francisco Muni Raises Fares a Second Time

A 10–cent fare hike for adults is part of the agency’s plan to chip away at a growing budget deficit.

2 hours ago - San Francisco Examiner

Electric car charging station with several Chevy Bolts charging in parking lot of store in Bellingham, Washington

Electric Grid Capacity Could Hamstring EV Growth

Industry leaders say the U.S. electric grid is unprepared for the increased demand for power created by electric cars, data centers, and electric homes.

3 hours ago - GovTech

Top view new development riverside residential and commercial neighborhood with vacant land in Texas, USA.

Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas

Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.

4 hours ago - The Texas Tribune

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.