In 2016, the City of Minneapolis adopted its first Complete Streets Policy. Between the approval of that initial version and the most recent update in 2021, the city also passed its Vision Zero Action Plan, 2040 Plan and Transportation Action Plan, all of which set ambitious goals for reducing car dependency and making our city safer and more accessible to people who use other modes of transportation. Despite this, there have been many obstacles to actually implementing these policies, with l...| Streets.mn
Streets.mn is excited to announce that we are seeking writers, storytellers, photographers to research and write articles for a recently-awarded Minnesota Historical Society grant. The grant seeks to deepen our community reporting on highway development and how the named highways have impacted the communities they are built through. There are four topic areas we are seeking story ideas for, but we’re open to others you may have in mind, as long as they are highways built through a city ...| Streets.mn
Editor’s note: This article is adapted from a version published Aug. 27, 2025 by the Minnesota Women’s Press Anne Mavity has decades of experience in housing policy, advocacy and practical execution. There is no doubt in her mind what the housing problem is: “We need more housing, of every type, in every corner of the state. Period.” Mavity, who serves as executive director of Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP), noted that “we are short 100,000 homes for what we need to just ke...| Streets.mn
The Hamline-Midway neighborhood in St. Paul — the crucial stretch between University Avenue and Interstate 94 from Snelling Avenue to Lexington Parkway — sits at the intersection of two major transit lines and should be thriving. Instead, it’s littered with empty big-box shells, struggling strip malls, and businesses that seem to exist in spite of their locations rather than because of them. The problem isn’t just vacancy or disinvestment. It’s that developers and property owners ha...| Streets.mn
Hello Streets.mn community, Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota. Reading our newsletter for the first time? Subscribe here to get it in your inbox bi-weekly. New in Streets.mn: With federal bike funding potentially on the chopping block, Streets.mn contributor Aust...| Streets.mn
For the 1,800 bicyclists who used to travel to southern Minnesota every October to ride the Mankato River Ramble, memories of the picturesque ride endure: Stunning fall colors along the off-road wooded trails. A 40-foot waterfall and energy-boosting homemade snacks (peanut butter-oat balls, bumps on a log) at the Minneopa State Park rest stop. A warm small-town spirit, whatever the fall temps might bring. Best of all, flaky-crust pie from the Rapidan Dam Store (which has reopened in downtown ...| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. Light rail begins bridge tests: Sound Transit began full testing of the light rail on the I-90 floating bridge in Seattle, signaling the start of a new era in the region. The 2 Line extensi...| Streets.mn
For many years, Naomi Kritzer has compiled the most comprehensive collections of information about candidates in Twin Cities races. We sat down with her to find out her process, how it started, and what advice she has both for campaigns and voters! Links Naomi’s blog Some insight into St Paul city council drama Attributions Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck’s Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about hi...| Streets.mn
Researchers propose a three-tier framework—individual, community, systemic—to reframe urban transport as a social construct influencing equity, culture, power, and future mobility.| Streets.mn
Digging up writing from your past can be excruciating work. You have aged, and those gratuitous semicolons that once rang so profound and sure to impress are now rendered desperate. There is one writing, however, that continues to claw at me, and begs for another opportunity to showcase. It comes out of my senior thesis project, that, despite the semicolons, is something I ultimately remain proud of. The snippet from my thesis that I intend to resurface here requires some contextualization. I...| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. A new electric company: Ann Arbor Michigan is creating a power company that would build renewable energy inside the city limits through microgrids and rooftop solar. The existing power com...| Streets.mn
Brian Mitchell writes this as a resident of The Wedge near LynLake, and as a volunteer for Move Minnesota’s Minneapolis volunteer team and the Livable Lyndale campaign. These thoughts are his own and not made on behalf of either group. On August 14, Hennepin County released their final plan concept for the Lyndale Avenue South reconstruction project (though they are looking for more feedback). This plan was released months late after the comment period closed last fall, following the releas...| Streets.mn
If you’re inclined to dismiss the term “modal filter” as esoteric civil engineering technical jargon, hear me out: This is one of the most important pieces of urban infrastructure in a planner’s toolbox. When used correctly, modal filters allow communities to build a transportation system that’s better for all users. Whether you’re biking, walking, or yes— even driving — you should want more modal filters. What is a modal filter? The term “modal filter” refers to infrastru...| Streets.mn
Hello Streets.mn community, Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota. Reading our newsletter for the first time? Subscribe here to get it in your inbox bi-weekly. New in Streets.mn: Artist Hend Al-Mansour (left) poses with the artwork at Target on East Lake that, with he...| Streets.mn
A four-block long bike infrastructure demonstration near downtown Rochester installed this summer does more than create four blocks of protected bike lanes. It also makes an already existing and heavily used bike route safer. The City of Rochester partnered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to set up a four-block demonstration corridor west of downtown along 11th Avenue West. The project created protected bike lanes and added protection to a key bike and pedestrian cross...| Streets.mn
Federal rollbacks on bike and pedestrian funding expose the weaknesses of Minnesota’s fragmented transportation system, making the case for unified regional governance.| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. World’s smartest city: After gaining a reputation as being a rural outpost, Etteln, Germany, has stepped into the modern age. A digital communication strategy has connected every part of ...| Streets.mn
At a moment of transition between managing editors and editors-in-chief, let’s take a look back at how Streets.mn got started, how we have evolved, and where we are headed in the future. Links Earliest Streets.mn post that Ian could find Twin Cities Streets For People, the site that Tony Rossell was hosting before Streets.mn was formalized Greater Greater Washington Urban MSP forums Gleeman and the Geek, the Twins baseball podcast that inspired Bill An early podcast episode that Bill is pro...| Streets.mn
Editor’s Note: This is the third in an ongoing series of articles touching on aspects of the City of Minneapolis’ planned reconstruction of 35th and 36th streets in South Minneapolis. We encourage residents and users of these streets to weigh in with city officials. When it comes to streets, the devil’s always in the details. As the City of Minneapolis plans its full reconstruction of 35th and 36th streets, one of the more under-the-radar policy considerations bearing on the project i...| Streets.mn
Streets.mn will be hosting the first-ever (but not the last!) Twin Cities Bike Tour Afterparty at Arbeiter Brewing on September 14.| Streets.mn
On Saturday, May 7, Scott and I walked a stretch of the Midtown Greenway, a 5.5 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail that runs parallel to Lake Street. Traffic was heavier than usual because of the Bi…| Streets.mn
Hello, Streets.mn community, I’m so excited to introduce myself as the new managing editor here at Streets.mn. Writing, editing and community journalism education have been at the heart of my work for many years. I feel deeply honored to be able to step into this role, because I believe that conversations about transportation and land use are at the center of whatever justice and equity conversations we have. We know that historically, decisions about land use have been shaped by systems of...| Streets.mn
Some of you may have already seen local coverage of new six-unit homes being proposed near the University of St Thomas campus. You also may have heard about some pushback from neighbors in that area — specifically an ask for a moratorium on all multifamily housing construction in the area. The two multi-unit structures would replace two single-family homes at 2143 and 2149 Selby Avenue (both owned by Elliot Capital Group in Eden Prairie, according to Ramsey County records). The houses, one ...| Streets.mn
The Minnesota State Fair’s investment in options to “get there” by transit and biking sets a year-round example for the metro.| Streets.mn
This week’s roundup of urbanist news traces the heat trapped by vehicles, the psychology of density and the politics of planning.| Streets.mn
Hello Streets.mn community, Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota. Reading our newsletter for the first time? Subscribe here to get it in your inbox bi-weekly. New in Streets.mn: First-time contributor Jack Riely embarks on an odyssey to track down a six-pack of beer...| Streets.mn
I recently attended the open house where St. Paul city staff presented the plans for the reconstruction of Pelham Boulevard. The open house was well-attended, and I saw many familiar faces, including others wearing face masks like my own in light of the unhealthy air quality on the day of the event. In summary, the reconstruction plans include converting the current flexpost-separated bikeway along this section of the St. Paul Grand Round into an off-street trail, similar to those along Como ...| Streets.mn
Biking to the Great Minnesota Get-Together can be cheaper, quicker and less stressful than driving — if you can find the right route.| Streets.mn
A recent study suggests that improving infrastructure may be key in allowing more kids to experience the benefits of walking and biking to school.| Streets.mn
Metro Transit ridership is up, but it hasn’t returned to pre-COVID levels. And it won’t on light rail until trains feel safe.| Streets.mn
Inspired by the Câmbio Verde in Curitiba, Brazil, Taylor Lahey organized a bike donation drive in which all participants get tangible value out of the exchange. Links The Bike Exchange event write-up Câmbio, Taylor’s children’s book Attributions Our theme song is Tanz den Dobberstein, and our interstitial song is Puck’s Blues. Both tracks used by permission of their creator, Erik Brandt. Find out more about his band, The Urban Hillbilly Quartet, on their website. This episode was hos...| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. Trips are now a commodity: Bill Fulton notes that in the 1980s, the head of SAS Airlines Chief Executive Officer Jan Carlzon thought of the whole trip a customer takes as a journey, versus ...| Streets.mn
Effective Saturday, August 16, Metro Transit will increase service on numerous routes as it continues to recover from COVID. This is the start of implementing the Network Now makeover of the route structure, emphasizing frequency improvement, especially during weekday middays and on weekends. The goal is to make the service more convenient seven days a week. Here are the highlights: Route 6 service to southeast Minneapolis, Dinkytown and the University of Minnesota will double. Throughout the...| Streets.mn
In July, I tabled at the “Mobility Mingle” on behalf of the Saint Paul Bicycle Coalition. The event was organized by the City of Saint Paul to highlight some of the many bicycle, transit and street redesign projects that are currently happening in the city. Agencies tabling at the event included Ramsey County, Metro Transit, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Saint Paul. It also included a few non-profits like Move Minnesota. Lower...| Streets.mn
Figuring out which neighborhood to move to is one of the best ways to induce choice paralysis. There are so many places to choose from, they all seem to have their pros and cons, and the stakes are really high if you choose a place that you end up unhappy with. After I moved two years ago, we recorded a podcast episode comparing my data-driven approach to Tim Marino‘s intuition strategy. Well, I moved again this year, and I had a new spreadsheet in my tool belt this time. I’d like to intr...| Streets.mn
Coasting south on the Bryant Avenue bikeway, riders coming from all directions coalesced with me as we approached the meeting place of Genosack’s second slow-pace ride of the summer. I learned of this ride from a few friends and dear acquaintances who have been participating since the beginning way back in September 2023. If you missed the first three, do not worry. One more official ride is scheduled on Monday, September 8. And if, like last year, the weather is kind, the group might throw...| Streets.mn
Hello Streets.mn community, Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota. Reading our newsletter for the first time? Subscribe here to get it in your inbox bi-weekly. New in Streets.mn: First-time Streets.mn contributor Ilse Griffin struck a chord with their piece ‘How Dr...| Streets.mn
The Minneapolis neighborhood of Kingfield is bounded by 36th Street to the north, Interstate 35W to the east, 46th Street to the south and Lyndale Avenue to the west. It is known for a great farmers’ market, hip restaurants and the landmark Church of the Incarnation. Local restaurant Bucheron recently won a James Beard award for best new restaurant while staples like Boludo, Petite Leon and Sebastian Joe’s are city favorites that keep people coming to Kingfield. The neighborhood also c...| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. Seoul combats loneliness: South Korea has created “mind convenience stores” with ways for people to gather and relax as a way to combat loneliness in the country. Single-person househo...| Streets.mn
Editor’s note: This is part three of an ongoing series about femme/trans/women (FTW) who are leaders — either quietly or overtly — in transportation issues and advocacy throughout Minnesota. I have another batch of aunties for you! In this third installment of our “Aunties of Active Mobility” series, you’re going to learn about two metro-based powerhouses and some incredible community-building they’re both formulating. First, meet Cristina, a music-teacher-turned-bike mechanic w...| Streets.mn
Jeremy Stomberg, aka John Maddening, won the Streets.mn Podcast crew over with his playful Nerd Nite talk, “Finding Your Time in Place.” Enjoy this nostalgic, laughter-filled trip through history–and through Jeremy’s brain. Links Jeremy’s Nerd Nite presentation video and slide deck Nerd Nite St Paul Nerd Nite Minneapolis Gale Family Library | Minnesota Historical Society NETRonline: Historic Aerials CONvergence Convention | Minneapolis, MN Sci Fi & Fantasy Con and Jeremy’s Taskmas...| Streets.mn
Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from Minnesota Trails magazine, where it ran in the Summer 2025 issue. The story details the author’s experience on the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) North Shore Bike Ride in August 2024, in anticipation of this year’s 25th anniversary ride on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Click here for registration. From the moment I received the registration email, I knew I was going to have a great time on the Gitchi-Gami Trail ride in Aug...| Streets.mn
Near my Stevens Square home in South Minneapolis, the dangerous signal-controlled intersection at Third Avenue and 18th Street was recently changed to a four-way, stop sign-controlled intersection. This temporary change (while traffic signals are being fixed and replaced) spurred a question I’ve had for a long time: Are stop signs the answer to quick, effective, safe street improvements in residential areas? Third Avenue near Downtown Minneapolis is located in the most densely populated nei...| Streets.mn
We all know that it’s better for the earth to forego driving (or drive less). It’s vastly safer to have fewer cars on the road (cars being one of the main causes of death in our country). But in order to actually make significant changes in our lives and learn how to live in a values-aligned way, we need to have a personal stake in the matter. I will introduce two selfish reasons to give up your car or drive less: quality of time spent and cost of living. They both come down, more or less...| Streets.mn
I’ve long held the opinion that Northeast Minneapolis’ street design is terrible, often wide one-way designs or worse — four-lane death roads — that date back to the neighborhood’s industrial past. Note: That past is now largely missing and/or replaced by artists’ studios, wood-fire pizza restaurants and high-rise apartment buildings, mostly good changes. Yet even though the neighborhood has changed dramatically, the streets have long remained terribly dangerous, chaotic, confusin...| Streets.mn
Hello Streets.mn community, Welcome to our biweekly newsletter, delivering the latest Streets.mn news and views directly to your inbox! In each issue, our editorial team will provide ongoing stories, news, updates and event information related to Streets.mn, city life and Greater Minnesota. New in Streets.mn: Will any of us live long enough to ride the Summit Avenue Regional Trail? Photo by Dan Marshall Dan Marshall’s recent piece detailed the latest effort from the “Save Our Street...| Streets.mn
Every day, The Overhead Wire collects national and international news about cities and sends the links to their email list. At the end of the week they post some of the most popular stories to Greater Greater Washington, a group blog similar to Streets.mn that focuses on urban issues in the D.C. region. Race the L8: Transit advocates in Seattle showed up in droves to race-walk the Metro Route 8 bus, one of the busiest and consistently late in the system. The race segment they chose is sche...| Streets.mn
For almost four years, supporters and opponents have debated the idea of making Summit Avenue’s on-street bike lanes into off-street, protected paths. Both sides presented and debated their views in public meetings and in the media. For Summit Avenue trail supporters, parking-protected, off-street bike paths have three major benefits: They would make a safer, more comfortable bikeway that encourages new or more cautious riders. They would create a major east-west route to downtown that can ...| Streets.mn
Editor’s note: A version of this article appeared as two opinion pieces in the Duluth News-Tribune in spring 2025. Since then, the Minnesota Legislature has reduced funding for the Northern Lights Express (NLX) by some $77 million, and Republicans in Congress are threatening to cut off federal funds. Amid the flurry of activity at the State Capitol in May as the 2025 Minnesota Legislature worked to balance the state budget, $77 million in funding for the Northern Lights Express was realloca...| Streets.mn
Two transportation conversations may converge in transportation policy circles, stemming from efforts to rethink our car-oriented transportation system as aging interstates need to be replaced. In cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul and across the country, communities are reconsidering urban highways that once divided neighborhoods and instead exploring removal and reconnection projects. The Minnesota Legislature has also moved toward redefining highways as multi-modal corridors in statute...| Streets.mn
During a recent run along St. Paul’s Mississippi River Boulevard by the Lake Street Bridge, as I savored the blue sky, fresh breeze, chirping birds and lush green foliage, my eye caught a bright flash in the undergrowth. Running toward its source and peering into the shadows, I identified the culprit: a shiny silver snack wrapper, reflecting sunlight. Bend — reach, grab — stow, and I was back on my way in seconds, having once again practiced plogging! Shiny objects stand out amid greene...| Streets.mn
With the uncertainty of federal funding, Minnesota has an opportunity to step up and provide local funding for public transit, including trains.| Streets.mn
Shared streets legalized in Washington State, the Highway Trust Fund goes broke and how a friend group developed its own apartment building.| Streets.mn
Transportation and Land Use in Minnesota| Streets.mn
Minnesota’s suburban “donut” has devoured resources, jobs and hospitals — deepening decline in both rural towns and inner-city neighborhoods.| Streets.mn
A first-time Streets.mn contributor shares the joys, challenges and lessons learned from 10 years of running for transportation in Minneapolis.| Streets.mn
As we “Re-think” I-94, success or failure will come down to the details of implementation. The Gold Line BRT project is a cautionary tale.| Streets.mn