Minneapolis’ Riverfront Revitalization
Working Vision
Minneapolis treasures the Mississippi River as one of its premier assets and the reason Minneapolis exists. Leadership and resources are committed to assuring that both people and nature benefit from a healthy ecosystem, exceptional riverfront parks, world-class history and culture and a vital, livable community.
A healthy ecosystem
Minneapolitans are active stewards of the Mississippi River, treasuring it as a special, world-class resource. Humans and the built environment coexist harmoniously with the natural environment. Development uses sustainable approaches, accommodates river access and protects water quality. When the Mississippi River leaves Minneapolis, the water quality is as good as or better than it was when it entered the city. And, the river corridor provides a successful habitat for native plants and animals.
Exceptional riverfront parks
The river is lined with publicly accessible open spaces that feature the river and offer people recreation and places to enrich their spirits by connecting with nature. These open spaces are connected along the river and into the rest of the city by parkways, trails and greenways, so that all of Minneapolis feels like a river city. Appropriately located recreational features (including some that use the river itself for recreation) take advantage of natural and historic resources and provide a variety of activities for people of all ages and abilities.
World-class history and culture
Preservation and interpretation protect and build upon the authentic history and natural resources of the river, providing a distinctive sense of place. A variety of historical, cultural and educational features and programs attract people to the riverfront for unique and memorable experiences. These programs also reach out into all of Minneapolis to help residents understand how the river and the city have shaped each other. High quality design by both the public sector and private developers complements the significance of the river and, where appropriate, provides signature design that is an attraction itself.
A vital, livable community
Minneapolis’ status as a renowned river city adds to the quality of life that attracts residents, businesses, employees and investors. The riverfront and riverway offer a thoughtful mixture of land and water uses that meet today’s and tomorrow’s needs and provide great places to live, work, play, learn and do business. Continued riverfront revitalization brings more housing, jobs, taxes, business opportunities and economic vitality to the city without jeopardizing the natural environment. Riverfront land uses benefit from proximity to the river, while also providing a benefit to the river corridor.
Download printable PDF version of our vision statement.
Approved by the Riverfront Policy Oversight Task Force on December 12, 2006