Land Use & Planning

The untold story of our national park's founding

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 29, 2020

You may know that the Mississippi River through the Twin Cities is a national park. But few of us know how our special river became a national park in the first place. We interviewed National Park Superintendent John Anfinson about the development proposal that started the fight to protect our park and the surprising role that this exact same site — the potential home for a new River Learning Center — could play in its future. >>

Action Alert: Support bonding for the River Learning Center [CLOSED]

April 10, 2020

With your support, the City of St. Paul could begin work on a new River Learning Center later this year. This special site would strengthen public access to the river and serve as a destination for the National Park Service, environmental learning, and recreation. >>

A new river learning center at Watergate Marina?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

If all goes well at the State Capitol this spring, the City of St. Paul could begin designing a new River Learning Center at Crosby Farm Regional Park later this year. >>

It's time to pause $20M ask for Upper Harbor Terminal

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 7, 2020

In these changing times, we have more questions than ever about whether Minneapolis' Upper Harbor Terminal redevelopment plan can deliver promised community benefits. The city has paused the public planning process, but is continuing to seek state funds for First Avenue's concert venue on the site. >>

A field guide to the new river rules for advocates, planners and city officials

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

April 1, 2020

Before taxpayer funds go to Upper Harbor Terminal, the public deserves answers

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 11, 2020

The City of Minneapolis' top priority this legislative session is securing $20 million for First Avenue's amphitheater at Upper Harbor Terminal. But we still have some basic, important questions about this project — questions that deserve answers before the state invests public dollars. >>

New 'Wishbone' walkway proposed for Minneapolis riverfront

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

March 4, 2020

The Wishbone is a proposed new walkway that would cross the river in downtown Minneapolis. We look forward to exploring its environmental and technical considerations, and community dialogue about how this project fits into the city's riverfront park priorities. >>