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Wyoming is Asking the Right Questions About Job Creation

By on June 15, 2017 in Development, Economics, Governance

It’s no longer news that business incentive programs are controversial. A landmark New York Times investigation back in 2012 found that state and local governments gave up more than $80 billion each year to companies. Further back but closer to home, a 2008 report from Minnesota’s Office of the Legislative Auditor concluded that the now-defunct […]

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We Should Have a State Parliament

By on May 3, 2017 in Free Idea, Governance, Politics, Theory

Under the U.S. constitution, states are the most powerful level of government. The constitution delegates all power not explicitly reserved in it to the states. In practice, the federal government has devised ways to coerce states, such as by withholding funding, and the Supreme Court has interpreted parts of the constitution like the commerce clause […]

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A birds-eye illustration of a busy crosswalk and bump out with many people in bright colors crossing and walking to and fro. Text on the image reads: you walk in mpls? you care about walking? you’re a mpls walking expert! Apply to serve on the Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee! With other community members, advise our Mayor and City Council to improve walking safety, mobility, accessibility, and comfort; to promote walking for transportation, recreation, community-building, and health; and to strengthen the link between our streets and public transportation. No previous experience necessary! This is a volunteer position, but you’ll learn about the city and have a real impact on projects and policy. Apply by May 12: http://tiny.cc/iwalkmpls

Apply for the Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee!

By on May 2, 2017 in Carfree, Governance, PSA, Public Realm, Safety, Sidewalks, Walking

After a friend first told me about the Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PAC) a few years ago, it took another two or three gentle suggestions before I was willing to seriously consider applying. Despite being car-free by choice and a Minneapolitan for my entire adult life, I saw myself as neither a pedestrian nor someone […]

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Are District Councils Really Just Homeowner’s Associations?

By on April 19, 2017 in Governance, Neighborhoods, Planning

Recently my neighborhood had its yearly district council election here in Highland Park. I couldn’t help but notice as the newly elected grid representatives received the applause of their neighbors, who they were: five white home-owning men, three out of the five sporting white hair. Out of the seven seats in contention that night, only one seat […]

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Transit Cuts – How Bad Could It Be?

By on April 18, 2017 in Governance, Politics, Transit

The GOP majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate have proposed budget cuts to public transit funding by as much as 40 percent, that could have catastrophic consequences for Metro Transit riders. Local advocacy groups Transportation Forward and Transit for Livable Communities are holding a rally tonight at 6pm at the Rice Street / Capitol Green Line Station.  Independent from […]

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State Employees Lead the Way With Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

By on April 7, 2017 in Events, Fairs, Governance

Several state employees within St Paul are working on transit/earth fairs and community rides in April and May: April 11th: Electric Bike Panel, Lafayette Park April 20th: Lafayette Park Community and Transit fair April 21st: Bike to Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary from Lafayette Park May 17th: State capitol transit and health fair May 17th: Bike […]

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Into the Weeds on Safety and Cell Phones

By on February 27, 2017 in Governance, Safety

Recently state representatives Mark Uglem and Frank Hornstein introduced a bill to the Minnesota Legislature to criminalize talking on a handheld cell phone while driving. The benefits of this bill are sold to be increased safety, particularly from having two hands ready and on the wheel at all times, and easier enforcement of the texting […]

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Podcast #97: Cities, Welfare, and Block Grants with Dana DeMaster

By on February 21, 2017 in Governance, Health, Podcast

The podcast this week is a conversation with Dana DeMaster, a program evaluator who focuses on poverty and public health programs at the State and County level. Dana is also on the streets.mn board, and a long-time advocate for better bicycling in Minnesota. We sat down a while ago to discuss how cities and counties deliver […]

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Mosaic mural of people walking on a trail

Minneapolis: A City for Walkers

By on February 3, 2017 in Governance, Walking

Co-written by Janelle Nivens and Sarah Tschida Cross-posted on Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition On a recent Friday morning, 30 people attended “Minneapolis, a City for Walkers? A Conversation About Prioritizing Pedestrians” at The Turtle Bread Company in south Minneapolis. Hosted by Minneapolis Council Member Elizabeth Glidden (Ward 8), this program featured guest speakers Robin Hutcheson, Minneapolis […]

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Counties Transit Board Dissolution Plan in the Works

By on December 30, 2016 in Governance, Transit

The Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) met on December 21 to discuss the probable voluntary dissolution of CTIB and future funding options for metro rail and bus transit systems. The 78 page PDF was distributed and was the working document used at the meeting. Pages 3-7 offer a summary of the dissolution proposal as well […]

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