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Minnesota Capitol Mall Design Framework: Phase 3 Open Comment Period Summary

Major themes include:

1. Urban Connection and Accessibility

1. Many commenters want better connectivity between the Capitol, downtown, and

surrounding areas

1. Suggestions include:

1. Removing or transforming I-94 into a boulevard

2. Creating pedestrian-friendly spaces

3. Improving connections over/around the highway

4. Adding housing options in the area

2. Parking and Transportation

1. Significant concerns about parking, especially for state employees

2. Requests for:

1. Affordable parking options

2. Consideration of employees who work late or come from outside transit

areas

3. Bike parking infrastructure

3. Landscape and Green Spaces

1. Strong support for:

1. Native plant and tree installations

2. More trees, particularly native species like Bur Oaks

3. Creating inviting public spaces

4. Adding benches and gathering areas

2. Some concerns about potential misuse of public spaces

4. Cultural Recognition

1. Requests for:

1. Acknowledging Dakota land and engaging with Native communities

2. Recognition of diverse communities (e.g., Slavic community)

3. Potential for cultural education and interpretive signage

5. Safety and Perception

1. Mixed views on safety in the area

2. Some commenters feel unsafe due to concerns about homelessness and crime

3. Suggestions for improving security, like emergency call boxes

6. Specific Design Suggestions

1. Modify or remove the Veterans Building

2. Potential for a farmers’ market

3. Reconsider the pedestrian bridge and road designs

Overall Sentiment: Most comments are constructive and show a desire to transform the Capitol

Mall into a more vibrant, accessible, and meaningful public space that honors the area's history

and serves diverse community needs.

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Capitol Mall Design Framework

Phase 3 In-Person Public Engagement Summary

Executive Summary pg 1

Phase 3 in-person engagement for the Capitol Mall Design Framework (CMDF) took place in May 2024.

Public Engagement Events and Outreach:

Pop-Ups:

May 1: Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) Grand Reopening and Powwow, 5 – 9 p.m.

May 15: Honoring Our Youth Community Celebration at South High School, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Meetings:

May 13: Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) Art and Culture Committee Meeting, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30

p.m.

Native news outreach:

The project team sent CMDF information to 12 Native news publications on April 23 with details about the

upcoming pop ups and a heads up about the upcoming public comment period.

In-person Engagement Goals:

In-person engagement in Phase 3 had the following goals:

• Increase project awareness within Native American Communities

• Learn what stories/symbols people would like told in the design, and how the Capitol Mall can honor

the past and present

• Inform and encourage people to visit the project website and participate in the public comment period

once opened

Methods:

During Phase 3, participants were asked the following questions:

• How can the Capitol Mall honor the past? What stories do

you want told in the design?

• How can the Capitol Mall honor the present? What would

make you feel honored and respected in this space?

• What symbology/signage is important to you and your

community?

The questions were featured on a table plot where participants

could write down their answers or have staff write their answers as

they spoke.

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Phase 3 In-Person Public Engagement Summary

Executive Summary pg 2

The project team had a secondary activity geared toward kids which asked:

• What do you like most about your community? What do you want for your community?

Participants were welcomed to write or draw their answer on a leaf and hang it on a “community tree”.

Those who did not have time to participate in the activity were invited to leave their feedback online during the

public comment period. Staff handed out postcards and fact sheets to those who were interested and

encouraged everyone to learn more at home.

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