#EveryPlaceCounts Comes to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN

Today, the USDOT #EveryPlaceCounts Design Challenge begins its third workshop in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Created as part of the Secretary's Ladders of Opportunity program, the #EveryPlaceCounts challenge helps envision new locally-driven solutions for reconnecting neighborhoods split by highways and infrastructure. CNU will be on-site providing design assistance for both days of the workshop.

Over two days in Minneapolis/St. Paul, federal and state transportation officials will meet with local residents and stakeholders in communities along Interstate 94 through both cities to generate strategies for improving health, mobility, and opportunity, which were severely impacted by the highway's path. According to the City of St. Paul:

"The construction of I-94 divided the Rondo, a historically African American community in the Minneapolis metro area, and as the city has grown more diverse, ethnic enclaves are still clustered on either side of the highway now including Asian Americans and Native Americans as well. The community would like to develop exemplary models of community design and engagement to guide future corridor planning efforts."

For more information, case studies and schedules are available at CNU.org/EveryPlaceCounts. Final reports and materials from the workshops will be posted on cnu.org throughout the summer.

Want to get involved? This workshop is open to volunteers for technical and design support. For more information, check out the USDOT Every Place Counts Design Challenge page and follow #EveryPlaceCounts on Twitter and Facebook.