The Commissioner — Summer 2004

Commission Profile

Growth and Its Pressures on the Minneapolis Planning Commission

Faced with the challenge of a growing population and the need for more housing, the Minneapolis Planning Commission agenda is full. The commission may tackle more than 100 agenda items during semi-monthly, public hearings. The toughest projects, says Commission Chair Judith Martin, are the big downtown projects. Several years ago, for example, the commission oversaw the relocation of the Federal Reserve Bank. Another challenge springs from the city's charming spacious neighborhoods, which also translate into low urban density. "Minneapolis is a city and one of the things that distinguishes a city is density," says Martin. This is also on the commission's agenda.

Established in 1922, the 10-member planning commission is "both advisory and quasi-judicial," says Martin who has served as chair for two years and is director of Urban Studies at the University of Minnesota. The first zoning codes date to 1926. This "citizen's committee" is charged with long-range planning for the city and advises the city council on matters of development, zoning, and capital improvements. Commissioners come from diverse backgrounds such as small business, planning, and a nonprofit. All commissioners have worked on planning issues, many at the neighborhood level. "No one is a complete neophyte," says Martin. Two interesting aspects of Minneapolis planning are the relationships the city has with St. Paul, its twin city along the Mississippi River, and the regional commission, the Metropolitan Council. The Minneapolis Planning Commission ensures that the city's planning is informed by larger, regional issues.

The composition of the Minneapolis Planning Commission is unusual. It is composed of the mayor (or a designee), four mayoral appointees who serve two-year terms, a city council member, representatives from the Hennepin County Commission, and the city's library, school, and park boards. The intent is to coordinate essential city programs and planning efforts through the commission. While this make-up can work well, it can have drawbacks. Gary Schiff, the council member on the commission, is critical of its composition, noting that those from the city boards and the county are not always completely active participants. The commission's composition allows for a variety of perspectives as well as insight into issues, says Barbara Sporlein, Minneapolis Planning Director. In practice, Sporlein says, at least over the last year, limited participation has presented quorum issues.

Minneapolis's charter calls for those planning commission members representing city boards to be members of those boards. In contrast, Hennepin County may appoint an individual to fill its slot. "What we want is full, representative participation," says Sporlein. She acknowledges that "serving on the planning commission takes a lot of time, and it can be difficult for someone who must attend other board meetings."

The Minneapolis Commission also works with the Metropolitan Council on specific projects. The Council's "Livable Communities program provides funds to Minneapolis," according to Bonnie Kollodge, Media Relations Coordinator.

Kollodge says the largest projects are the preservation and reuse of the Milwaukee Depot and the Near Northside Redevelopment project, which is a 145-acre redevelopment of 900 units of mixed-income housing.

High on the commission's upcoming agenda are transportation (see below) and housing. Between the planning necessary to create transit options and the anticipated development, "the commission will be busy," Sporlein says.

What insight has Martin gained? It is often difficult for communities to understand why they must provide adequately for all types of needs and future uses — such as industrial uses and high density housing — yet that is the commission's role.

Housing and Transportation in Minneapolis

Transit is hot in Minneapolis. With its first light rail line having opened in June, the city is preoccupied with transportation options, says city Planning Director Barbara Sporlein. By December the 12-mile line, the first in Minnesota, will connect downtown Minneapolis with the Mall of America in Bloomington. "People are paying close attention to the transportation debate, especially those in the business community," says Sporlein. "All the anticipated development associated with the LRT has created both interest and anxiety."

"There have been great discussions about street cars," said Sporlein. Council member Gary Schiff, a member of the planning commission, "is passionate about bringing them back," she says. Another councilmember, Dean Zimmerman, has been pushing personal rapid transit, says Sporlein. PRT, which arrives on demand and isn't tied to a schedule, has been described as a tiny vehicle traveling 50 mph on a three-foot-wide guideline that meanders some 20 feet above the ground.

Major road reconstruction in Hennepin County and a proposed redesign of part of Interstate 35 helped fuel the discussions. "Our plans and policies support multi-modal public transportation," Sporlein says.

The transportation debate is not taking place in a vacuum, says Planning Commission Chair Judith Martin. "This is one of the most sprawled-out areas in the country. We need to create lifestyle options for people," she says, "and housing and transportation are a big part of that."

Projections indicate that the population of the metropolitan area will grow by a million people, to roughly 3.6 million, over the next 15-20 years, says Martin. "Our comprehensive plan has as one of its goals to grow the city and create new housing options. Our challenge, as a commission, will be to encourage density — to use infill — and come up with a new mix so that people have choices." In a region where the vast majority of people live in single-family homes, "and don't want anything else," Martin knows the commission has a tough road ahead. It's not easy convincing people that "Minneapolis is a city and one of the things that distinguishes a city is density," she says.

Minneapolis Planning Commission website