PlanIt

Have you ever thought about how urban planning in other countries around the world is similar or different from the US? Are planning issues, priorities, and processes different from one place to another? How can we learn from each other and employ best planning practices across the globe? In this episode, we explored planning in Scotland, since it is similar in size to the state of Minnesota. Alan Brown, Planning Officer with Dundee City Council talks about planning in Scotland and how approaches to similar issues are different.

When we consider planning for local wastewater infrastructure, we hear a lot about inflow and infiltration. What is inflow and infiltration? Why does it matter and how can we plan for it over the long-term? This podcast explores the intricacies of this topic and provides insight into this important planning consideration and how to best reduce inflow and infiltration through collaboration and use of data.

By 2040, the population of the Twin Cities metropolitan area is forecasted to increase by more than 500,000 people. As the region grows and additional households move into denser areas, the need for a sustainable public transportation system becomes even more evident. Twin Cities transit system has been expanding and providing a variety of options for users. One of the newer system expansions are Arterial Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines. In this episode, Katie Roth, Manager of Arterial BRT with MetroTransit, talks about the impacts of a BRT line and the roles that Cities play to make the most advantage of such investments.

We often hear about projects that have to go through an environmental review process, such as a stadium or light-rail projects. However, environmental reviews encompass much more than high profile projects. Many housing developments, highway improvements and stream realignments are also subject to environmental review. In this episode, Kristin Mroz from the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) discusses different types of environmental reviews, the requirements, and the steps needed to complete this process. Additional information and resources mentioned throughout the episode can be found on the EQB's Environmental Review Program website. 

While planning for Solar access is a requirement of comprehensive planning in the metro area, other renewable resources can be a great source of energy and economic stability. Brian Ross, Program Director at Great Plains Institute (GPI) walks us through the importance of incorporating planning for renewable resources in long-range and everyday planning efforts.

In the recent years, we have seen changes in the climate, resulting in many issues around the country, such as flooding, fire, health impacts, hot summers, and rainy winters. While a changing climate encompasses a wide range of disciplines, planners are in a unique situation to prepare and plan for a better future. In this episode, Eric Wojchik, Senior Planner at the Metropolitan Council, will talk about the regional Climate Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) project, and resources for planners to do similar analysis in their communities. Be sure to check out the Metropolitan Council CVA website, localized flooding and extreme heat story maps, and the Local Planning Handbook’s Resilience plan element.

Minnesota is well known for the extensive number of lakes and waterbodies that exist within the state. These natural resources are invaluable assets that should be protected from negative impacts of development around them, mainly in the more urbanized area. In this episode, Matt Bauman (651-259-5710), Floodplain and Shoreland Planner with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), explains standards and measures for better protection of shoreland and floodplain areas at the local level. He also provides resources for communities to more easily adopt and implement shoreland and floodplain planning.

Planners use geospatial data on a regular basis. Some use it to create simple maps, while others need data for nuanced projects. Ultimately, maps and data are visual tools that allow for better informed decision making. Geoff Maas, MetroGIS Coordinator at the Metropolitan Council, talks about his efforts in making GIS data in the Twin Cities region open and standardized, and how it benefits the planning profession. 

We have covered different planning topics since the beginning of our PlanIt Podcast Series. But we didn’t start with what the value of long-range planning is, and what could the future of planning look like. What are some considerations to keep in mind when thinking long term? In this episode, Lyle Wray, the Executive Director of Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) in Connecticut, sat with us during a recent visit to the Twin Cities to talk about the value of long-range planning, and what the future of planning could look like.

PlanIt is a monthly (for the most part!) podcast on a variety of planning topics related to comprehensive plans. If you have an idea for a new episode, email us at [email protected]. Stay tuned for the next episode!