Related Project Categories and Keyword

To conduct research that explores how the Metropolitan Council can best communicate with local municipalities during the decennial  comprehensive plan update process to support healthy and safe communities through the built environment.

To develop a hypothetical model for a resilience zone that highlights urban planning considerations, necessary services and infrastructure requirements, and policy recommendations that could be replicated by other local government entities interested in establishing resilience zones.

Produce an analysis and engagement process to better understand how policies can affect access to active living within suburban and rural communities; conduct a policy analysis on how communities support active living and identify any barriers for suburban and rural communities; review policies, ordinances, and plans related to active living and analyze assets, gaps, barriers, and opportunities.

Conduct an early learning program and data inventory; research what programs exist, what data is available for tracking student development, and how that data is being shared;  research what other data integration models are being successfully used elsewhere in the United States; provide recommendations for improved data sharing and potential multi-system data integration.

Assess the feasibility of creating an "open library" facility in the Scott County Library System by determining community interest, identifying technical and operational requirements, documenting best models and practices, identifying possible library locations and needed redesigns, and articulating the benefits and impacts of an open library service.

Identify the feasibility and begin planning for a "food forest" at a city or regional park or other publicly-owned land that would provide low-maintenance, sustainable, plant-based food production.

Project Goal: Identify opportunities and strategies for Ramsey County to engage, encourage, and support municipalities in the county to implement systems and policy changes that expand access to land for urban agriculture, amend zoning to allow for urban agricultural uses, and otherwise support residents and community groups interested in pursuing urban agriculture  

Research the problem of wasted food and the challenges that exist in getting still-edible food to sources where it can be distributed for human consumption; conduct interviews with local businesses and organizations to get a picture of the local landscape and identify issues specific to this region.

Develop a literature review on housing stability-related initiatives external to Ramsey County and local housing and homelessness research; provide recommendations to align and leverage County programs with external initiatives; provide assistance with planning and executing a 2018 community convening on housing stability.

Obtain and analyze data from the Adult Detention Center (ADC) in St. Paul to gain a better understanding of the health needs of individuals at the facility, propose strategies and interventions to reduce the prevalence of unmet health needs, and improve outcomes to realize Ramsey County’s vision of a community where all are valued and thrive.