1. A Vision for the District: Perspectives from the City
Presentation at Alliance workshop
December 6, 2008

2. Accommodating Growth The city needs to grow in order to thrive
To maintain quality of life and level of public services
To be a more sustainable center for the region
Growth is best when directed to designated areas
To create walkable, bikeable, transit-friendly places
To minimize impacts on neighborhood character
City policies and investments will support this vision
Through zoning and other land use regulations
Through investments in infrastructure and public facilities

3. Sustainability The city plans to become more sustainable
Environmentally – as good stewards of natural resources
Socially – strengthening a healthy social fabric
Economically – with high quality jobs and solid finances
Growth and sustainability aren’t contradictory
The city as a sustainable alternative to suburban/rural areas
Decreasing overall reliance on driving alone
Enabling and showcasing sustainable innovations
Sustainability is a moving target
Flexible policy to respond to emerging best practices
Commitment to pursuing cutting edge strategy
Moving from voluntary to incentivized to mandatory to given

4. Land Use Corridors, nodes and centers will accommodate growth
Growth centers – major employment areas with supporting services, homes
University of Minnesota area
Activity centers – lively, day-to-night activity with variety of uses
Stadium Village
Dinkytown
Cedar Ave/Seven Corners
East Hennepin
Commercial corridors – major transit-oriented commercial destinations
Cedar Ave
Riverside Ave
University Ave (part)
Community corridors – connecting roads accommodating residential density
Como Ave
4th Ave
Industrial employment districts – preserved for industrial development - SEMI
Transit station areas – prioritized for transit-friendly development
Commercial nodes – small commercial centers in neighborhoods

5. Housing Desire to provide a diverse range of housing options
Life-cycle housing for range of household types
Affordable to people at variety of levels of income
City intervention mainly for affordability
De-concentrating distribution of low income housing
Interest in ensuring all development is good quality
Commitment to maintaining quality housing stock
Through development review process
Through inspections and licensing
Though heritage preservation and related conservation efforts

6. Transportation Investment in Primary Transit Network
Central Corridor LRT
Improved bus system, including high frequency service
Part of overall citywide and regional plan
Support for transit-friendly development
Pedestrian oriented development and design
Incorporating transit-friendly design elements into building
Bicycle and pedestrian networks
Citywide plans underway, integrating throughout city
Significant investments planned in District area
Connections with land use, density, transit facilities, major destinations, open space, etc.

7. Summary From a broad perspective, the District is
The intersection of a number of features which suggest a relatively high level of density and activity within certain areas
A sustainable place that preserves valued resources, while planning and adapting in light of future needs
A transit hub that can built upon existing assets to further reduce car dependence
A major employment hub that will power the area’s economy and help support needed community services
A unique and special home for its residents that needs to be preserved while accommodating future growth