Strategy 7 Partner with developers, utilities, property owners, and agency partners to provide high-quality pedestrian and public realm improvements.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are followed by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are followed by “SUPPORT” and are colored in light gray.
Learn more about how we get thereAs population growth and development occurs, more demands and interruptions are imposed on the sidewalk system. 2018 was the third straight year in which over $1.5 billion in building permits were granted, with 2019 exceeding more than $2 billion. This strategy focuses on collaborating with developers, utility companies, and agency partners to minimize impacts to the right of way and to restore the asset to its original or better condition.
Actions to partner with developers, utilities, property owners, and agency partners to provide high-quality pedestrian and public realm improvements.
Walking 7.1
Require right of way restoration and/or utility relocation by contractor, developer or utility companies to comply with latest ADA and City standards prior to issuing additional permits, certificates of occupancy or obtaining future site plan or other approvals.
Supported goals:
Safety Equity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Design 1.4
Difficulty:
High
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
In 2023, Public Works issued a Technical Memorandum requiring all contractors, developers and utility companies to construct or reconstruct pedestrian curb ramps to the latest ADA standard when corners within City of Minneapolis right of way are altered.
Walking 7.2
Change parking ramp exit requirements to include mirrors and messaging to prioritize pedestrians; rather than alerting pedestrians that a car is approaching, messaging should alert drivers that a pedestrian or bicyclist is approaching.
Supported goals:
Safety Equity Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2030+ (Years 10+)
Status:
Not Started
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works reviews new parking ramp exits for private properties on a case-by-case basis. While mirrors and other warning systems are in place at some privately held and city-owned ramp locations to protect pedestrians and bicyclists, Public Works is not aware of a technology that would detect and alert drivers. No changes to standard practices have been made at city-owned parking ramps since 2020. This action will be revisited during the 2030 update to the TAP.
Walking 7.3
Improve driveway sightlines on high volume entrances and exits, particularly along High Injury Streets.
Supported goals:
Safety Equity Mobility
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works reviews driveway sightlines on a project-by-project basis when driveways are modified through the PDR process and other approval processes. Additionally, when 311 receives a complaint about driveway sightlines, Public Works reviews the site. If needed, Public Works recommends and implements solutions to improve sightlines.
Walking 7.4
Work with developers to implement public realm improvements called for in the Street Design Guide including filling public sidewalk gaps in conjunction with approvals for building construction and site modification.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Design 1.4
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works coordinates with developers to fill public sidewalk gaps and other public realm improvements such as providing planted boulevards and rebuilding sidewalks. One recent example approved by Public Works is a former sidewalk gap on Plymouth Ave between Aldrich Ave N and Lyndale Ave N. This gap was filled by a new development in 2024.
Walking 7.5
Secure transportation easements for public pedestrian walkways in coordination with development.
Supported goals:
Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works reviews development projects and considers whether additional transportation easements are needed on a case-by-case basis. While this is relatively uncommon, Public Works considers the need in every case.
Walking 7.6
Recognize the use of skyways as transportation routes by requiring convenient and easily accessible vertical connections between the skyway system and the public sidewalks, particularly along transit corridors and the Pedestrian Priority Network. Use the development review and permitting process in collaboration with the Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development Department and continue to work with partners to update wayfinding and signage standards in the Minneapolis skyway system.
Supported goals:
Equity Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
City staff has completed a response to a legislative directive related to the establishment, oversight, and code enforcement of skyways and their operations in Minneapolis. City staff continue to coordinate with downtown partners to improve access to the skyways.
Walking 7.7
Coordinate with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Neighborhood and Regional Park Capital Investment Projects to improve pedestrian safety and access to/from parks and parkway trails.
Supported goals:
Equity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Bicycles 2.4
Difficulty:
Low
Timeframe:
2020-2023 (Years 0-3)
Status:
Successfully completed to date and on-going
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works has coordinated with MPRB to improve pedestrian connections by supporting on studies, master plans, and capital projects. Some key plans, projects, and studies completed since 2020 include the Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles Plan, Hiawatha Golf Course Area Master Plan, Queen Ave N Bike Boulevard, and Minnehaha Ave / 50th St trail crossing projects. Many other projects and plans are in progress.
See also actions:
- Street Operations 6.5
Eliminate gaps in street grid and reopen Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street - Design 2.6
Minimize curb cuts