Minnesota

Sun Sets on Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
After losing a court battle with environmental groups, the city must revert to the land use regulations in its 2030 plan.

Twin Cities Commutes Faster Than Pre-Pandemic
Workers who have returned to in-person jobs are still experiencing less traffic congestion than in 2019.

St. Paul Approves Zoning Reforms
The zoning updates will permit multi-unit housing and promote transit-oriented development to boost the city’s housing supply.

Twin Cities Parking Reform Shows Promising Results
Minneapolis and St. Paul both eliminated parking minimums, paving the way for less parking and more housing.

Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.

Environmental Groups Win Court Battle Against the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan
A court ruling invalidated one of the most innovative comprehensive plans in recent memory, and now the city of Minneapolis must revert to its previous comprehensive plan.

More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.

Future of Minneapolis Open Streets in Question
The city denied a request for funding and ended its contract with the organizing nonprofit, placing future events in jeopardy.

Missing Middle Housing Reforms Move Forward in St. Paul
The St. Paul City Council will soon consider a legislative package designed to increase the density of residential neighborhoods, following in the footsteps of its twin city, Minneapolis.

The Advocacy Coalition Behind Minnesota’s Transit Funding Victory
The Minnesota State Legislature recently approved one of the most significant funding bills ever devoted to transit at the state level. The bill required rare political alignment and a new brand of advocacy.

More Options Presented for Minneapolis I-94 Project
Two new proposals for replacing the freeway with at-grade segments offer new visions for the future of downtown Minneapolis.

Transit Ridership Surges in Minneapolis
The city’s transit agency is reporting high rates of return to transit, aided by college students and Taylor Swift fans.

St. Paul Moves Toward Zoning Reform
The city is considering legalizing missing middle housing types and loosening other zoning regulations to encourage more housing production and density.

Minnesota Halt on Natural Burials Runs Afoul of Religious Freedom
The practice, which is gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly alternative to embalming and cremation, is in line with traditional Jewish and Muslim funeral practices.

Minnesota Budget Includes Significant Transit Investments
After a contentious debate, the state legislature passed a budget that changes how transportation projects are funded and supports increased transit service in the state.

St. Paul Proposal Would Prohibit Large Trucks From Parking on City Streets
Residents and businesses are calling for a ban on trucks, which are increasingly taking up curbside parking in the city after neighboring Minneapolis instituted a similar rule.

Minneapolis to Begin Environmental Review in Response to 2040 Plan Lawsuit
After environmental groups sought to stop the city’s ambitious comprehensive plan, Minneapolis is looking for ways to resume its implementation.

Assessing Transit Spending in Minnesota’s Proposed Transportation Bills
Two bills that will decide the fate of transportation funding in Minnesota contain historic investments in transit service and safety.

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.

Minnesota Mayors Call for Increased Transit Funding
An op-ed by three mayors explains their support for expanded transit services, calling for a sales tax increase that would fund a modernized, reliable transit network.
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