Best Practice Action 9.2
GreenStep City Best Practices: Land Use
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development No. 9
Adopt commercial development and design standards for auto-oriented development corridors and clusters.
Best Practice Action Detail
Best Practice Action 2
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
a. Estimate commercial/industrial needs among all jurisdictions.
b. Jointly implement recommendations to stage highway/auto-oriented commercial development in order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low-density development.
- See "Transforming Highway Commercial Strips into Mixed-Use Centers and Corridors" in Envisioning Better Communities by Randall Arendt (American Planning Association: 2010).
- Regional development commissions work with cities on transportation and economic issues common to multiple units of government, and are all linked to from the website of the Minnesota Association of Development Organizations.
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Establish regular or as-needed meetings to include local chambers of commerce and local governmental units and ensure leadership reflects the perspectives of the entire community. |
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Adopt a joint powers agreement or the like that formalizes regional economic development/land use planning. |
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Document regional estimated needs and staging criteria. Report adopted adequate public facilities ordinances under action 9.4 |
Who's doing it
Burnsville - 3 star
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Burnsville is a Greater MSP Participant, which is regional economic development partnership. Burnsville is part of Dakota Futures. Burnsville is a founding member of RLB, which represents an association of three Dakota County communities that have joined to promote economic development in the cities of Rosemount, Lakeville & Burnsville. In order to estimate commerical/industrial needs among all jurisdictions, Burnsville participated with Dakota County CDA in the development of 2008 Maxfield Study "A Market Study for Commercial and Industrial Space in Dakota County, MN" (See attached document).
Burnsville is already developed along all highways and has redevelopment options outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for MRQ; HOC and Business/Industrial along CSAH 42. There are no areas along CSAH 42 from Savage west corporate border to east of I-35E; Along STH 13/I35W corridor adjacent to MRQ with low density development planned or zoned in Burnsville. See Comp Plan Land Use Plan for MRQ and I-3 Office & Industrial land use and zoning districts for GIH, GIM, B4, I-3 and B-3. The MRQ plan showing a new interchange on I35W midway between Black Dog Rd & STH 13 (the current interchange at Cliff Rd would be closed) has been approved in concept by MnDOT along with Chowen Avenue future interchange on STH 13 (also planned by Dakota County & MnDOT) and the interchange at CSAH 5/STH 13 which will be constructed in 2013-2014 is approved by Dakota County & MNDOT). The Comp Plan land use plan has been approved by Met Council and accepted by Dakota County and the city has implemented the zoning districts and is in process of acquiring right-of-way and official platting of some of the roadways within MRQ) The MRQ plan calls for development of high density commercial/industrial and business park/medical campus along STH 13 & I35W. Also in the MRQ plan, the only residential will be upper floor mixed use with residential on top of commercial/office/retail or the small area of attached multifamily adjacent to the future quarry lake in the NE part of MRQ. Any residential will be at least 1/8 mile from I-35W corridor based on the current plan objectives. See Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Districts for references on Burnsville's website.
Burnsville is already developed along all highways and has redevelopment options outlined in the Comprehensive Plan for MRQ; HOC and Business/Industrial along CSAH 42. There are no areas along CSAH 42 from Savage west corporate border to east of I-35E; Along STH 13/I35W corridor adjacent to MRQ with low density development planned or zoned in Burnsville. See Comp Plan Land Use Plan for MRQ and I-3 Office & Industrial land use and zoning districts for GIH, GIM, B4, I-3 and B-3. The MRQ plan showing a new interchange on I35W midway between Black Dog Rd & STH 13 (the current interchange at Cliff Rd would be closed) has been approved in concept by MnDOT along with Chowen Avenue future interchange on STH 13 (also planned by Dakota County & MnDOT) and the interchange at CSAH 5/STH 13 which will be constructed in 2013-2014 is approved by Dakota County & MNDOT). The Comp Plan land use plan has been approved by Met Council and accepted by Dakota County and the city has implemented the zoning districts and is in process of acquiring right-of-way and official platting of some of the roadways within MRQ) The MRQ plan calls for development of high density commercial/industrial and business park/medical campus along STH 13 & I35W. Also in the MRQ plan, the only residential will be upper floor mixed use with residential on top of commercial/office/retail or the small area of attached multifamily adjacent to the future quarry lake in the NE part of MRQ. Any residential will be at least 1/8 mile from I-35W corridor based on the current plan objectives. See Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Districts for references on Burnsville's website.
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Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Sue Bast (City staff) | basts@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Big Lake - 2 star
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Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Big Lake is a partner in the Region 7W Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). See attached document for more information.
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Descriptive File: view file
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For more information contact:
Hanna Klimmek (City staff) | hklimmek@biglakemn.org | 763-251-2979
Partners:
Coon Rapids - 2 star
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Year action initially completed: 2021
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The City participates in the Anoka County Regional Economic Development partnership, which allows for regional collaboration on commercial/industrial retention and recruitment.
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For more information contact:
Matt Brown (City staff) | mbrown@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6422
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Duluth - 2 star
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Year action initially completed: 2010
Implementation details:
The City of Duluth works with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission which brings together representatives from various levels of government as well as businesses and community groups to address regional issues across 8 counties. This includes the Northeast Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership that helps guide regional transportation planning to ensure a cohesive road network and set regional transportation priorities.
The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council allows the the two cities to work together to address their unique transportation needs. The Council created a bike plan to guide bike infrastructure development and encourage safe local bike traffic for the next 25 years, and completes occasional Truck Route Studies to ensure designated truck routes are still facilitating the safe and efficient transportation of goods between the cities.
The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council allows the the two cities to work together to address their unique transportation needs. The Council created a bike plan to guide bike infrastructure development and encourage safe local bike traffic for the next 25 years, and completes occasional Truck Route Studies to ensure designated truck routes are still facilitating the safe and efficient transportation of goods between the cities.
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For more information contact:
Jennifer Moses (City staff) | jmoses@duluthmn.gov | 218-730-5328
Partners:
Jordan - 2 star
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Examples of collaboration include SCALE, the 169 Corridor, as well as First Stop Shop through Scott county. City employees are also members of the Jordan Chamber and the Commercial Club. We are also part of a Joint Powers Committee between the School District and the City of Jordan.
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For more information contact:
Nathan Fuerst (City staff) | nfuerst@jordanmn.gov | 952-492-7929
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La Crescent - 2 star
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Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Th City of La Crescent is part of the La Crosse Area Planning Commission which is working on a number of different items, most extensively transportation improvement in the region. Our Mayor is an important voting member on the commission. See above link for more comprehensive information.
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Descriptive links: http://www.lapc.org/index.htm
For more information contact:
Shawn Wetterlin (City staff) | SWetterlin@cityoflacrescent-mn.gov | 507-895-4409
Partners:
Rochester - 2 star
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Done as part of the County Land Use Plan update. Meetings occur with the Olmsted County Board
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Land use, environmental, natural resource, and related issues cross political
jurisdiction boundaries. In recognition of this fact, the 2009 Plan Update has been
developed cooperatively. The ongoing planning process should continue to
encourage cooperation. Examples of such cooperation include the Township
Cooperative Planning Association (TCPA), the Rochester Olmsted Council of
Governments, cooperative agreements between townships and Olmsted
County coordinating zoning enforcement, and the Rochester Olmsted Planning
Department.
jurisdiction boundaries. In recognition of this fact, the 2009 Plan Update has been
developed cooperatively. The ongoing planning process should continue to
encourage cooperation. Examples of such cooperation include the Township
Cooperative Planning Association (TCPA), the Rochester Olmsted Council of
Governments, cooperative agreements between townships and Olmsted
County coordinating zoning enforcement, and the Rochester Olmsted Planning
Department.
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For more information contact:
Jeff Ellerbusch (City staff) | ellerbusch.jeff@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US | 507-328-7132
Partners:
Saint Cloud - 2 star
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The City of St. Cloud is an active partner in the joint district planning efforts of the surrounding jurisdictions. The following jurisdictions actively participate in the joint planning effforts: Stearns County, Sherburne County, Benton County, St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, and St. Joseph. The participating jurisdictions have complete the St. Cloud Area Joint District Plan in 2000 to govern planning activities throughout the region. The St. Cloud Joint Planning District Plan does not supercede the different entities Comprehensive Plans, but instead, it creates an area wide framework for on-going planning activities by the cities and counties. The District Plan recommends that each entity update its Comprehensive Plan to reflect the larger regional vision developed through the Joint Planning District process.
In addition, the 2003 St. Cloud Comprehensive Plan outlines master development plans for all areas of the city. A specific master plan is targeted for the I-94 Corridor to help ensure orderly and proper development.
In addition, the 2003 St. Cloud Comprehensive Plan outlines master development plans for all areas of the city. A specific master plan is targeted for the I-94 Corridor to help ensure orderly and proper development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://ci.stcloud.mn.us/Planning/jointdistrictplan/jpdp.htm
For more information contact:
Liz Kramer (City staff) | elizabeth.kramer@ci.stcloud.mn.us | 320-255-7226
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Saint Peter - 2 star
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Year action initially completed: 2011
Implementation details:
The city of Saint Peter has been involved in a regional economic developments programs in collaboration with other cities, counties and organizations which seeks to facilitate individual and regional assets and opportunities for the purpose of business development and will enable all participants enhance future economic prosperity.
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For more information contact:
Todd Prafke (City Staff) | barbaral@saintpetermn.gov | 507-934-0663
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Sartell - 2 star
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The city is involved with the Greater St. Cloud Development corporation as an investor. St. cloud Development Corporation is the regional entity for the St. Cloud Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city also holds joint meetings with Le Sauk Township. The joint meetings address land use issues, economic development, annexation, and more. The city along with surrounding jurisdictions are also active and collaborate on legislative issues pertaining to economic development. The city is also involved with the local Chamber of Commerce (Sartell & St. Cloud Area).
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For more information contact:
Nate Keller (City staff) | nate.keller@sartellmn.com | 320-258-7316
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Sauk Rapids - 2 star
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The City is an investor in the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, which is a regional economic development organization representing Sherburne, Stearns, and Benton Counties, as well as the cities within those counties that choose to participate. The Corporation is involved in many economic development activities including economic development planning. The City also has joint planning boards with Sauk Rapids and Minden Townships that address economic development planning. The City is also a member of the St. Cloud Area Joint Cities Committee, which addresses regional economic development planning.
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For more information contact:
Marilyn Patterson (Community volunteer) | mpp03@charter.net | 320-258-5300
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Albert Lea - 1 star
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Members of the City of Albert Lea, Freeborn County Administration, Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) and the Chamber of Commerce meet on a monthly basis.
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For more information contact:
Jerry Gabrielatos (City staff) | jgabrielatos@ci.albertlea.mn.us | 507-377-4316
Partners: Freeborn County, ALEDA, Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce
Crystal - 1 star
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Crystal is working with Hennepin County on the Bottineau Boulevard (Blue Line Extenstion) LRT project.
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Descriptive links: http://www.bottineauboulevard.com/
For more information contact:
Mark Ray (City Staff) | mark.ray@crystalmn.gov | 6127606712
Partners: Hennepin County
Eagan - 1 star
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This project is complete and ongoing
City is participating with local businesses, multiple local agencies, two chambers of commerce, and Dakota County to ensure planning for corridors for transport of goods, transit and broadband for economic development. Another example of regional coordination is the City's participation in the Robert Street Corridor efforts.
Already fully developed in commercial areas and in highway planning
City is participating with local businesses, multiple local agencies, two chambers of commerce, and Dakota County to ensure planning for corridors for transport of goods, transit and broadband for economic development. Another example of regional coordination is the City's participation in the Robert Street Corridor efforts.
Already fully developed in commercial areas and in highway planning
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For more information contact:
Jenna Olsen (City Staff) | jolsen@cityofeagan.com | 651/675-5330
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Elko New Market - 1 star
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The city's 2030 transportation plan and related comprehensive plan, coupled with recent significant population growth have dictated that frequent conversations occur within the city among primary actors and across all jurisdictions to jointly implement recommendations made in the plan and as is required by membership in the met council. The transportation and comprehensive plan (as well as parks plan) are regularly updated and formalize this development and land use process.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links: http://www.ci.enm.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B97941C7E-666C-4328-9370-1A15F984EEE3%7D/uploads/2030_Transportation_Plan_Appendix_A.pdf
For more information contact:
Jake Skluzacek (City Staff) | jskluzacek@ci.enm.mn.us | 952-461-2777
Partners: metropolitan council, bolton & menk
Hastings - 1 star
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Participate in the Dakota County Community and Economic Development Group. Participate in Metropolitan Council, Economic Development Association of Minnesota, and Greater MSP.
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For more information contact:
John Hinzman (City staff) | jhinzman@hastingsmn.gov | 651-480-2378
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Lake Crystal - 1 star
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Lake Crystal participates in the Region Nine Development Commission, and is the Blue Earth County commission representative for cities under 10,000. The community has worked with Region Nine while implementing a Safe Routes to School program. Lake Crystal also participates in Greater Mankato Growth.
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For more information contact:
Taylor Gronau (City staff) | lccity@hickorytech.net | 507-726-2538
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LaPrairie - 1 star
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Regional Economic Development and collaboration
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The city has become a member of the Iron Range Economic Alliance (IREA). the mission of IREA is to create a collaborative environment for economic prosperity, provide leadership,foster partnerships and employing economic development plans. Memeberships include professionals, comminities, school districts, government agencies and economic development agencies. In 2013 the city became a member of the West Range Mine Planning Board. The purpose of this organization is to regionally plan for the impacts of new mining as result of new mining techniques (Magnetation) and to plan for the reclamation of previously mined areas. The city also participates in a collaborative with Grand Rapids, Cohasset, Coleraine, Arbo Twp, Harris Twp, Calumet and Marble in an effort to create efficiencies in the delivery of services. The efficiencies include cooperative snowplowing, improving fire services, ice rink use and maintenance etc..the result has been to reduce the operation of equipment and fuel.
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - 1 star
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Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe consults with Minnesota Regional Transportation Committee Member regularly.
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For more information contact:
Brandy Toft (City staff) | air@lldrm.org | 218-335-7429
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Maplewood - 1 star
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The City of Maplewood works with the MET council on transportation and economic planning for the area, most recently with work done on highway 36. During the comprehensive planning process the city also worked with Woodbury to control land zoning between the two cities.
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For more information contact:
Michael Martin (City Staff) | michael.martin@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2303
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Mendota Heights - 1 star
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Year action initially completed: Ongoing
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Mendota Heights collaborates with MnDOT, Dakota County, the Metropolitan Council and neighboring communities on development and transportation improvements.
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For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
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New Brighton - 1 star
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The City of New Brighton actively participates in Accelerate Ramsey County with other Cities within the County. New Brighton is member of the I-35W coalition, and has served on the technical advisory committee for the design and planning of I-35W MnPASS improvements.
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The City has engaged with residents and business owners within the I-35W corridor and we have helped residents understand how a noise wall process. We have received preliminary commitments from some of the apartment owners which will go a long way to the implementation of the sound wall.
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For more information contact:
Craig Schlichting (City staff) | craig.schlichting@newbrightonmn.gov | 651-638-2056
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New Hope - 1 star
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The city is part of the Connect Blue Line Now Coalition, a group of city leaders from Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, and Robbinsdale who are united in making sure the Blue Line Light Rail Transit Extension project becomes a reality for the northwest metropolitan area and the region.
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Descriptive links: http://connectbluelinenow.com/about/
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners: Connect Blue Line Now Coalition
New Prague - 1 star
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Year action initially completed: 2019
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Half of New Prague is located within Scott County. In the early 2000s, officials from a few cities in Scott County came together to create the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE). As SCALE evolved, it became a partnership amongst the county, the cities, townships, and school districts of Scott County to advance the interests of each level of government individually and collectively. Each month, the group gathers to discuss many items, including economic development. Currently, the group is working towards an initiative to have 50% of residents of Scott County working in Scott County called Live Learn Earn. This is being done as a collective and efficiently pooling resources to advance our mission.
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For more information contact:
Joshua Tetzlaff (City Staff) | jtetzlaff@ci.new-prague.mn.us | 952.758.4401
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Pine River - 1 star
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In progress. Several Pine River community members are participating in the HUD / Region Five sustainable communities regional planning process.
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For more information contact:
John van der Linden (Community volunteer) | johnvdl@pinerivergreensteps.org | 218-587-5001
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Richfield - 1 star
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The City shares a "soft" border only with Edina where the City's residential abuts Edina's commercial uses (the other borders abut freeways and the airport). The City participates in the following organizations: MN League of Cities, Twin Cities Regional Council of Mayors, the 494 Coalition, and the Regional Indicators Initiative.
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For more information contact:
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
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Woodbury - 1 star
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Woodbury has been working with neighboring cities, Chamber of Commerce, Gateway Corridor Commission (http://www.thegatewaycorridor.com/), Metropolitan Council, and MnDot in order to plan for and understand the feasibility of a new transit corridor serving the east metro. Woodbury has already begun the process of obtaining and preserving right of way for the eventuality of an LRT or BRT project being constructed to and thru the east metro.
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Descriptive links: http://www.thegatewaycorridor.com/
For more information contact:
Partners:
Greenstep Advisor
Frank Douma, Director of State & Local Policy and Outreach of the Institute for Urban and Regional Infrastructure Finance, University of Minnesota: 612/626-9946, douma002@umn.edu, www.hhh.umn.edu/people/fdouma/