Metropolitan Council

A system map of the B Line shows the route and stops where the bus rapid transit route cuts across Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

New Bus Rapid Transit Route Breaks Ground in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities are on a mission to become the bus rapid transit capital of the United States. The latest improvement to advance that ambition broke ground earlier this week.

May 10, 2023 - Pioneer Press

Southwest LRT

Minneapolis LRT Facing Delays, Cost Increases

Construction on the Kenilworth Tunnel has been plagued by problems and threatens the foundation of a nearby condo complex.

July 28, 2021 - Minneapolis Post

child playing in Peavey Plaza fountain in Minneapolis

Twin Cities Climate Vulnerability: Extreme Heat

State climatologists are highly confident that heat waves are likely to trend upwards in future summers in Minnesota. To address extreme heat, researchers are identifying the factors that exacerbate extreme heat.

September 16, 2020 - PlanIt - Metropolitan Council

Metro Transit Green Line

Overnight Light-Rail Service on the Chopping Block Between the Twin Cities

Since 2014, it's been possible to catch a train every hour between 2 am and 4 am on the Green Line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. A proposal under consideration at Metro Transit would end late night service,

April 18, 2019 - Pioneer Press

Grand Rounds Bike Path Minneapolis

Minneapolis Plan Could Finally Complete Grand Rounds Trail Extension

Linking up the last part of the Grand Rounds trail would create a continuous pedestrian and biking loop around the city.

January 4, 2019 - MinnPost

METRO Gold Line BRT System Map

Downtown St. Paul Loop Back in the Gold Line BRT Plan

A two-mile loop to be included in the planned Gold Line bus rapid transit route had been at risk due to political opposition. Now it's included in the preferred alternative presented for federal funding.

December 15, 2018 - Pioneer Press

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Tardy Transit Funding Arrives in Los Angeles, Twin Cities

They had to wait the better part of a year, but two major transit projects finally have the funding Congress allocated in March.

November 29, 2018 - Los Angeles Times

Southwest LRT

Contractors in Limbo While Southwest LRT Waits for Federal Funding Promise

More evidence that the Federal Transit Administration under the Trump Administration isn't interested in capital investments.

October 17, 2018 - Star Tribune

Minneapolis Traffic

Volunteer Your Travel Data for Science

The Metropolitan Council regional planning organization is looking for better data on how people move around the Twin Cities.

October 4, 2018 - Pioneer Press

Twin Cities

City Planning Criticism at a Critical Point in Minneapolis History

A columnist presents criticisms and recommendations for both sides of the density debate as Minneapolis considers a new comprehensive plan.

July 30, 2018 - Star Tribune

Costs for Minnesota's Southwest Corridor Light Rail Line Creeping Up

Increasing costs mean local agencies need to dig in their heels if they expect to receive funding from the federal government.

June 6, 2018 - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Edina, Minnesota

Density Battles in Affluent Suburbs

The city of Edina, Minnesota, provides an example of the suburban reaction to a wave of multi-family residential construction.

May 16, 2018 - MinnPost

Explained: Keys to Affordability in Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances

Zoning ordinances are one of the most powerful ways local governments regulate development, and they should work to implement the policies in a Comprehensive Plan Update.

December 15, 2017 - PlanIt - Metropolitan Council

PlanIt Podcast: Environmental Justice

The latest episode of the 2017 PlanIt Training Program on Comprehensive Plan Updates by the Metropolitan Council, a regional planning agency in the Twin Cities area.

December 8, 2017 - PlanIt - Metropolitan Council

Southwest LRT

Barrier Wall Could Delay Southwest Light Rail in Twin Cities

A proposed 1.4 mile safety barrier may require additional review, and could further delay the project

December 1, 2017 - MinnPost

Seattle Train

Riverview Corridor Streetcar Passes Major Hurdle, Still a Long Way Off in the Twin Cities

An oversight committee has approved the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Review Corridor Streetcar project that will connect Downtown St. Paul to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

October 15, 2017 - MinnPost

Twins Logo Sign

More Transportation Options Needed to Connect Workers and Jobs in the Twin Cities

A new study identifies the disconnect between employees and employers in the Twin Cities region. The report also predicts dramatic improvements if the region's long-term transportation plans are realized.

July 12, 2016 - Star Tribune

Hybrid Bus

Gold Line Busway Planning Moves Forward in Suburban Minnesota

The cities of Oakdale and Lake Elmo made their opposition to a proposed busway connecting to St. Paul known by withdrawing their support for the project. Now Gold Line transit planners are refocusing their efforts on station location decisions.

May 18, 2016 - Star Tribune

Hybrid Bus

Twin Cities Suburbs on an Anti-Bus Crusade

Residents of suburbs located east of St. Paul in Minnesota have coalesced to oppose the Gateway Corridor Gold Line project, which would connect 12 stops along a bus rapid transit line.

March 29, 2016 - Pioneer Press

Poverty Shifts to the Twin Cities Suburbs

A recent report finds that more people are living in poverty in suburban areas than in the more urban areas of the Twin Cities region.

July 25, 2015 - MPR News

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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.