Stringent zoning, high costs, and a culture of skepticism directed at developers have hampered efforts to introduce infill redevelopment into some of Minneapolis' most prime locations.
Marlys Harris, of the MinnPost, outlines the reasons why development in Minneapolis is occurring at less than a snail's pace. Developers are simply finding development in the city too expensive, requiring extensive variances and time. "'Stop' may be Minneapolis' secret mantra," says Harris, who asks developers, planners, and land use experts for their opinions on the causes for the quagmire.
Unmitigated resistance from residents and public officials against anything new seems to be one such reason. "The attitude toward anything new seems to be negative at the outset," reports Harris. "Unless the developer is trying to put an abattoir in a residential neighborhood, maybe we should take a breath before taking a stand...The question should not be: How do we stop this, but how can we make it work for all of us?"
Perhaps stemming from this culture of skepticism is the city's strict zoning codes. "We should make the zoning code more flexible and expressive of what the city really wants built in that area," says Harris. "And, if no one wants to put up the specified development, well then, maybe the zoning is infeasible and needs to be changed."
FULL STORY: Why (almost) nothing seems to be getting done in Minneapolis

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions