During the 2024–2025 academic year, RCP is partnering with the City of Blaine, City of Chaska, City of New Brighton, City of Shoreview, Hennepin County, the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and the Metropolitan Council on projects to advance community sustainability, equity, and resilience. You can learn more about the projects below.
Does your local government agency have a project idea to build community resilience that could benefit from research or technical assistance? Learn more about how to apply for an RCP Partnership!
Projects
Research manufactured home replacement program design and funding options to help retain the community’s affordable housing stock (Project Brief)
Develop an evaluation program that establishes baseline data for pedestrian and bicycle usage so the City can track progress over time, assess unmet needs, and make strategic infrastructure investments (Project Brief)
Research historic buildings in Chaska to support the City's goal of nominating more properties that are eligible to be added to the City’s local register (Project Brief)
Create a placemaking/activation plan that can be used by the City, businesses, and the local business district as a guide and inspirational tool to foster social activity in newly constructed paseos in order to bring more people downtown to socialize, shop, eat, and explore (Project Brief)
Determine best strategic use for new Metro Area Sales and Use Tax for Housing fund to support affordable housing opportunities for residents (Project Brief)
Create a traffic calming toolbox and evaluation process to help City staff identify possible interventions and programs (Project Brief)
Create a baseline heat risk assessment, including public health indicators and impacts, and refine the County's climate vulnerability index. (Project Brief)
Evaluate current fees, rates and charges the MAC charges to non-airline companies operating at MSP, conduct a benchmarking review of rates structures at other large-hub airports, and recommend changes based on these insights. (Project Brief)
Develop a standardized set of criteria and triggers to guide the MAC about when to hire an FTE, when to hire an external consultant or contractor, and when to change from a consultant to FTE (Project Brief)
Investigate possible funding for manufactured home maintenance and outreach strategies that City staff could employ to reach residents and park owners and connect them to available resources. (Project Brief)
Investigate barriers to participation in civic activities for multifamily housing residents and conduct case studies of successful city engagement strategies. (Project Brief)