‘Anchor strategy’: Twin Cities’ urban-revitalization methods stand out
Anchor institutions — including colleges, universities, nonprofits and health care organizations — join with neighbors to boost inner-city communities.
Jay Walljasper
Transcending barriers: At a time of division, cross-cultural experiences offer a genuine dose of hope
The dream of an inter-connected world never seemed more possible than when I saw an Augsburg University student play guitar for a roomful of expectant mothers in Nicaragua.
Minneapolis’ lakes are a major asset — so how are they doing?
No other big American city matches us on lakes. That’s a big reason Minneapolis’ park system has been ranked America’s best for the past five years by the Trust for Public Land.
Summit to focus on walking to promote social, economic and community health
A St. Paul summit will strategize ways of making sure the advantages of walking can be shared by all, no matter what their income or where they live.
Brew pubs, tech hubs, diversity: Another side of rural Minnesota
Willmar, Marshall, Luverne and the Lower Sioux Reservation: Community initiatives, learning centers and investing in relationships help enliven rural areas.
Debunking the myth that Minnesota’s rural towns are doomed
New London, Milan and Albert Lea are examples of communities showing signs of vitality — and unraveling many preconceptions of small-town life.
Augsburg College looks to transform its campus into an urban arboretum
Even before the first sapling is planted, Augsburg’s campus exceeds the basic arboretum requirement of 25 identified species.
Friendly Streets: Bottom-up St. Paul project changes the way people look at their city
“The whole point of FSI is to transform streets of fear into streets of joy, in ways both large and small, affecting the physical environment and the emotional one,” said Lars Christiansen.
Towns like Fergus Falls and Alexandria invest in quality-of-life efforts to ensure vitality
Committed residents pull together to enliven Main Streets, attract businesses and young families, nurture the arts, improve education and instill confidence that their towns will thrive.
It’s time for a new narrative about Greater Minnesota
Forget “the story of decline that we’ve been told since the 1950s,” says U of M sociologist Ben Winchester.
How thoughtful design can reduce racial inequity
A growing sense of urgency about inequities in Minnesota was reflected in the 5th annual Placemaking Residency, where “Design for Equity” was the focus at 13 public events.
In 2016, it’s not your mother’s North Shore
As more vacationers seek authentic experiences, the region’s distinctive identity flourishes.
How Duluth bounced back from economic oblivion
Duluth is earning recognition as a lively, livable place with unmatched opportunities for outdoor recreation along with thriving local arts, beer and food. Its neighbor, Proctor, also exudes vitality.
Exploring new economic and cultural prospects, Iron Range seeks life beyond mining
“The secret to success is making places where people want to live,” says Aaron J. Brown, 35, who lives near Grand Rapids. He’s skeptical of “boom chasers, smokestack chasers, these big things that promise to put 100 guys in work clothes.”
How innovative programs are opening pathways to good health-care jobs for inner-city youth
“Many of our students were not aware that some of these jobs even existed before coming to camp,” says Tracy Wilson of Saint Paul College.
Southeast Minnesota’s gorgeous scenery is making it a tourism destination
Southeast Minnesota is quietly becoming a Midwestern New England, with vibrant cultural assets, scenic tourism attractions and a dynamic economy.
Reinvigorating the agricultural economy in Southeast Minnesota
Southeast Minnesota’s economy and way of life is driven by agriculture and the local food movement.
Rochester’s economic engine shifts into overdrive with Destination Medical Center plans
Pine Island and Plainview are two nearby towns with different strategies for capitalizing on the DMC initiative.
Southeast Minnesota explores how to make hay in the emerging creative economy
Small towns need help gaining the confidence to go in a new direction and stand out — that’s what you need to thrive,” says the U of M’s Tom Fisher.
Albert Lea shows how walking and other healthy habits can rejuvenate a rural community
What Albert Lea has accomplished over the past five years offers both lessons and inspiration for smaller towns and cities across the country.
