Minnesota

Twin Cities Regional Forecast Foresees Steady Growth and Big Changes
The Metropolitan Council has released "The Twin Cities Regional Forecast to 2040: Steady Growth and Big Changes Ahead" to provide a foundation for coordinated planning by the Metropolitan Council and local governments.

Skyways Inspire Debate About the Future of Downtown St. Paul
The debate over public safety in Downtown St. Paul is once again focused on the city's skyways. There, concerns about access challenge any possible solutions.

Detroit to Step Up Street Repaving Work
Perhaps it's a sign of recovery: the city of Detroit will greatly expand the amount of roads it improves over the course of the next year.

Funding for Transit in Minnesota, California Preserve Federal Budget Status Quo
Just when all seemed lost, in terms of federal funding for projects like the Southwest Light Rail Transit in the Twin Cities, the federal budget came though with needed funding.

Study: The Quality of Bike Infrastructure Matters
Another study shows what should be obvious by now: the higher quality the bike infrastructure, the better the results in terms of safety and mode choice.

Critiquing the First Woonerf in Minneapolis
You be the judge: is this innovative land use in Downtown Minneapolis a woonerf or a glorified parking lot?

Surprising Trump Effect: Many States Seek to Ramp-Up Renewable Energy Mandates
As President Trump rolls back climate and energy regulations, many states are attempting to require utilities to get more power from renewable sources. Also, fewer states are attempting to reduce or eliminate renewable energy requirements.

Twin Cities Pay More, Get Less in State's Transportation Equation
An Star Tribune analysis finds residents in the Twin Cities region are generously supporting the transportation infrastructure spending of the rest of the state.

Big Idea: A National Park in Downtown Minneapolis
Details of a proposal to create a national park at one of the Twin Cities' region most popular destinations: the lock and dam at the Upper St. Anthony Falls, on the Mississippi River where it flows through Minneapolis.

D.C.-Style Snow Disruption of Buses in Minneapolis
In a city that prides itself on toughing out cold, snowy winters, a bad delay from a few inches of snow is cause for anger and confusion.

Defining the Perfect Block Length for Walkability
Researchers at Harvard University have looked at multiple street grids around the country to identify what block size is the perfect length for walkability.

Arguing in Favor of Fargo's Embattled Flood Management Project
The Red River Diversion project, also known as the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Risk Management project, has full federal approval but was recently denied a critical permit by the state. This op-ed questions the wisdom of the state's action.

Minneapolis Pulls Out of its Regional Economic Development Partnership
The Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership (Greater MSP) will now longer have funding support from the city of Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Skyways Headed for Minneapolis Landfills?
New codes intend to make skyways more accessible for all Minneapolans, but some say that no improvements can go far enough to make Minneapolis as walkable and lively as it would be without them.

Following Setbacks for Car2Go, What's the Future of Carsharing?
Car2Go has pulled out of several cities recently, making even carsharing's most ardent believers wonder if the business model is built to last.

Former Ford Plant in St. Paul Taking Shape as a Massive Mixed-Use Development
A long-awaited plan for the former Ford plant along the Mississippi River is now open for public comment.

The Critical Role of Down-Ballot Races in State Transportation Funding
The overwhelming majority of states that increased gas taxes last year were Republican-controlled. In states where the legislature is split, it's more difficult to approve transportation funding legislation. Down-ballot races may prove decisive.

Funding Rolling in for Still-Uncertain Nicollet Ave Streetcar in Minneapolis
Several new developments are adding funds to the pot of money in a streetcar district created by Minneapolis to circumvent a politically unpalatable tax increment financing district.
Over $14 Million Awarded to Eight Projects to Find Alternatives to Gas Taxes
The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding ways to transition from the gas tax to other user-based revenue mechanisms to fund transportation infrastructure. The federal gas tax hasn't keep pace with transportation expenditures since 2008.

Minnesota's Southwest Light Rail Back From the Dead
Regional and county agencies figured out a way to move forward with the Southwest light rail plan without the help of the politically divided state. That could mean the state has time to climb on board by next year's legislative session.
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