COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN Project Title: RiverFirst Schematic Design per Board Resolution

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1 Board Plan Approval/Review Date: 03/14/2012 Last Plan Revision Date: 1999 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN Project Title: per Board Resolution MPRB Division: Planning Project Manager: Andrew Caddock As required by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances, every construction or redevelopment project undertaken within the MPRB Capital Improvement Program (CIP) is to have a community engagement plan. The plan serves as a guide for the community engagement process through the multiple phases of planning and project development. The plan may be modified as circumstance warrants during project duration. Substantial modifications are to be communicated to stakeholders and the MPRB Board of Commissioners. Project Description and Background In August 2012, the Board contracted with the RiverFirst consultant design team to develop Schematic Design documents for several projects within the RiverFirst vision. This Community Engagement Plan is being presented to the Board at this time because staff has sought certainty about a broader engagement strategy through focused engagement with key regulatory agencies whose authority significantly influences the design. Throughout the team s work, staff has regularly engaged with advisory committees as described below by informing them of the team s progress and of the issues and the challenges faced. While the RiverFirst team s Schematic Design work is strongly rooted in the extensive Community Engagement conducted by MRDI throughout (see below), much of the RiverFirst vision is far outside the typical permitting experience of key State and Federal regulatory agencies. So, the team s efforts have been focused on developing design documents that will address the many permitting and technical challenges presented by the vision, such that key regulatory agencies indicate general consent to further development of the designs. Once that is achieved, broader outreach with the general public will be conducted to engage with stakeholders around the team s work while it is still in progress. RiverFirst is a 20 year vision for Mississippi riverfront parks that builds on our community s rich river heritage and passion for parks, nature and wildlife to create places on America s fourth coast where neighborhoods and businesses can grow and people from near and far can experience one of the four great rivers of the world through world class recreational and cultural activities. The RiverFirst vision emerged from the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MRDI), a visionary planning effort for the Minneapolis Upper Mississippi River corridor based on extensive research and analysis, design inquiry, community outreach, and consensus building. The Initiative was a collaboration among its sponsor, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB); two design

2 Page 2 firms Kennedy & Violich Architecture (KVA), Boston and Tom Leader Studio (TLS) Berkeley; HR&A Advisors, a real estate and economic development planning firm from New York City; and Groundwork City Building, a Minneapolis based planning firm which is responsible for guiding the process, with public relations firm Tableau. This began in 2010 with an international design competition which awarded the commission to KVA/TLS out of 55 entries from around the world. It culminated with this comprehensive vision and implementation framework for 5.5 miles of the Minneapolis Upper Mississippi River corridor. RiverFirst emerged from an international design competition hosted by MPRB, with the goal of reinvigorating community energy and imagination around the upper riverfront At the Park Board s meeting on March 14, 2012, following stakeholder engagement process and a standard 45 day comment period, the Board approved the RiverFirst vision and authorized staff to pursue next steps including contracting with the TLS/KVA design team for schematic design work on select RiverFirst projects. More information about RiverFirst can be found at these websites: In the spring of 2011, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board established the Minneapolis Riverfront Development Initiative (MRDI) as a special project to transform the winning proposal from the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition to a visionary plan and implementation strategy for development of parks and open space along the Minneapolis upper riverfront. The RiverFirst design team refined the vision through extensive community engagement involving input from the public and three stakeholder committees: Steering, Technical and Advisory. Other MRDI/RiverFirst engagement included the following: Six large, scheduled public meetings were held; The design team and MRDI representatives met with over 100 individuals and half as many organizations in key communities and areas of relevant expertise; A community input survey taken by more than 600 people; Promotion and participation occurred in more than 30 community events throughout Minneapolis; Three additional public meetings held in association with the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership; More than 40 presentations and meetings were held with neighborhood associations, community based non profit organizations, agencies and other stakeholder groups; Seven paid, part time and full time youth ambassador interns represented the MRDI at more than 35 community event; and The debut of River Is, a figurative gathering of people s thoughts about the Mississippi today and for the future.

3 Page 3 Summary Timeline: 2010 The Minneapolis Riverfront Design Initiative (MRDI) hosted the Minneapolis Riverfront Design Competition. RiverFIRST was selected as the winning entry MRDI engaged a broad range of stakeholders to develop the RiverFIRST vision. Six scheduled public meetings were held in the spring of In addition, from April to June, MRDI representatives met with over 100 individuals and 50 organizations in key communities and areas of relevant expertise The Board formally approved RiverFIRST: A Park Design Proposal and Implementation Framework for the Minneapolis Upper Riverfront as a vision document, and directed Staff to pursue next steps toward implementation. This includes development of Schematic Design documents based on the RiverFirst vision. Project Schedule Listed below are the conducted and anticipated meetings with the design team and stakeholders Aug Team Visit: kick off meetings Data & Analysis, site visits Oct Oct Team Visit: Concept Development Data & Analysis Meet with regulatory agencies: DNR, US Army Corps, City, County RiverFirst Initiative Steering Committee Nov Team Visit: Concept Development MID Meet with regulatory agencies: DNR, US Army Corps, City, County Nov Dec 2013 Jan Jan Feb Apr/May Riverfront TAC Team Visit: Schematic Design MID Meet with regulatory agencies as needed: DNR, US Army Corps, City, County Board presentation information only RiverFirst Initiative Steering Committee RiverFirst Initiative Steering Committee Public Open House Team Visit: Schematic Design FINAL

4 Page 4 Meet with regulatory agencies as needed: DNR, US Army Corps, City, County RiverFirst Initiative Steering Committee Board presentation action required tentative: Public Open House follow up engagement and meetings TBD Project Funding Source(s) Capital Sources Amount Expiration n/a Consulting Budget Sources Amount Expiration 1) Riverfront Development and Missing Link Fund (2012 pay as you go capital) 2) ATF Regional Park Implementation (2012 & 2013 Reg. Park bonding/legacy) 3) 2012 General Fund (Above the Falls Master Plan Update) $776,033 08/01/2013 Engagement Recommendation (provide responses to the following) Level of Engagement: Consult It is important to note that separate from this plan, another community engagement plan will be created to manage the pursuit of development on Parcel D of the Scherer site. Described here are the engagement goals, methods and desired outcomes for the RiverFirst schematic design. It will be important to keep various stakeholder groups informed throughout the work. This project will employ the following complementary Community Engagement strategies: 1. The primary community engagement goal of this project is to consult with regulatory agencies toward obtaining preliminary permitting approval of Schematic Design documents. Regulatory agencies will be engaged in order to understand their concerns relative to proposed RiverFirst projects. Subsequently, the design team will develop Schematic Design documents and technical memoranda in response to agency comment and regulations. 2. As the RiverFirst design team develops Schematic Design documents in response to agency comment, Staff and the Consultant will engage with the broader public to consult with community stakeholder groups, and to solicit and acknowledge stakeholder feedback. Staff and the Consultant will work to incorporate feedback into the Schematic Design as appropriate. 3. Throughout the work, staff will inform key community stakeholder groups of the Consultant s progress.

5 Page 5 Engagement Goal MPRB Promise to the Public Inform Consult Collaborate Partner To provide To obtain stakeholder To work directly with To partner with stakeholders with feedback on project analysis, stakeholders throughout stakeholders in each factual, balanced, and alternatives, or decisions. the process to ensure that aspect of decision timely information to perspectives are making in order to help them understand consistently understood, develop and implement the project. considered, and reflected collaborative project in project decisions solutions. The MPRB will keep stakeholders informed. Approved News Release Methods Staffed Information display Information Meeting Open house News conference Postings Website subscription Anticipated Project Outcomes: The MPRB will keep stakeholders informed, listen to and acknowledge feedback, and work to ensure stakeholder feedback is reflected in alternatives developed. Surveys: Exit/Follow up, In Person, Intercept, Mailed, Telephone, Online Comment Card Public Hearing Focus Group Public Mtg/Open House Interview Direct conversation The MPRB will work with stakeholders for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate recommendations to the maximum extent possible. Advisory Committee Public meeting Workshop Study group Design Charrette The MPRB and partner entity will be accountable to their roles as negotiated in the partnership and regularly evaluate overall success of the partnership. Contract Partnership Agreement Friends Groups Grant Agreement Memorandum of Understanding Memorandum of Agreement The intended outcome of the project is to develop Schematic Design documents sufficient for technical analysis and preliminary approval by regulatory agency staff; to estimate capital and maintenance costs; and to determine the feasibility of and implementation steps for specific project design elements. The RiverFirst vision and current Schematic Design work is supported by the MPRB Comprehensive Plan: Vision Theme: Goal: Strategy: Vision Theme: Goal: Strategy: Dynamic Parks that shape city character Parks shape an evolving city. Continue to expand physical access to the Mississippi River in a manner that is aesthetically compatible with the riverfront and sensitive to ecological function, giving priority to the Above the Falls Master Plan. Urban forests, natural areas, and waters that endure and captivate People and the environment benefit from the expansion and protection of natural resources. Balance public access to natural areas throughout the city, giving priority to acquiring, developing and/or restoring areas in north and northeast Minneapolis. Stakeholder Roles and Responsibilities All stakeholders are expected to work collaboratively to create and refine design concepts and provide input toward final project recommendations for approval by the Board of Commissioners. Participants are expected to engage in the process in a manner that promotes respectful civil discourse and

6 Page 6 enhances mutual understanding of all stakeholder viewpoints. information should be directed to the project manager. Any requests for public or project Identification of Project Stakeholders This phase of Schematic Design work focuses on engaging regulatory agencies with the goal of obtaining preliminary approvals by developing Schematic Design documents that address technical issues. Stakeholder regulatory agencies include the following: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hold primary authority over public waters and navigable waterways, respectively. The RiverFirst vision proposes significant modification to the Mississippi riverbank and public waterway to achieve recreational and programming goals within an ecological framework of improved habitat and riparian function. Hennepin County Transportation and the City of Minneapolis Department of Public Works own and operate bridges, roadways and other facilities that fall within the Schematic Design scope. The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) provides for the long term management of its water and associated land resources through the development and implementation of projects, programs, and policies that respect ecosystem principles and reflect changing community values. The MWMO assists and cooperates with member cities, other units of government, non profit agencies, and a variety of groups in managing its water resources to achieve this vision. MPRB is a member of MWMO. Community stakeholders affected by the project s outcomes include neighborhood residents and visitors of Minneapolis a diverse population comprising many cultures, age groups, recreational user types and even language groups. Below is a summary of community stakeholders and representation. Neighborhoods MPRB Community Service Areas Webber Camden, CSA #1 McKinley, Hawthorne, CSA #3 Near North, Columbia CSA #4 Park, Marshall Terrace, Bottineau, Sheridan, St. Anthony West MPRB Commissioners Dist. 1, Wielinski Dist. 2, Olson City Council Ward 1, CM Reich Ward 3, CM Hofstede Ward 4, Pres. Johnson Ward 5, CM Samuels Community Advisory Committee The existing Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee (AFCAC) is a key community stakeholder group that has convened as a representative body around upper river issues for more than a decade. Staff will update AFCAC at their monthly meetings as design options emerge from discussions with regulatory agency staff, and staff will ensure that AFCAC concerns and comments are conveyed to the Consultant. In addition, staff will rely on AFCAC to act as community liaisons for the project, to participate in public meetings, to advise MPRB staff and consultants throughout the planning process, and to present to the Board of Commissioners formal comments on the Schematic Design documents. Steering Committee A Steering Committee will be convened quarterly to bring together leaders from various constituency groups, including business, education, philanthropy and government. The Steering Committee will assist

7 Page 7 in cultivating support for the RiverFirst vision and Schematic Design work on many levels: community advocacy, media exposure, fundraising, and policy making. The Minneapolis Parks Foundation s team is charged with facilitating project communications, including engagement with the Steering Committee. Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Staff will coordinate with the existing Riverfront TAC as the TAC for this project. The Riverfront TAC includes representatives from MPRB s major agency and non profit partners, and is a wealth of expertise, shared history and mutually supported priorities. This Schematic Design work will be discussed monthly Riverfront TAC meetings and at specially convened meetings as needed. Staff anticipates that TAC members could be key supporters of the Schematic Design work in discussions with regulatory agencies. Partnerships represented on the TAC will be essential to future implementation of RiverFirst projects. MPRB staff Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Staff and the Consultant will engage with MPRB Operations and Recreation staff, in particular representatives of Operation s and Maintenance, to better understand MPRB standard practices and capacities as they relate to RiverFirst project designs. In the early phase of schematic design work, engagement will be primarily with high level management. Following Project deliverables include a technical memorandum summarizing the demands that RiverFirst projects would place on future maintenance, operations and capital replacement resources. Outreach and Research Methods This project will rely on the following approved outreach and research methods: 1. Direct, sustained engagement with regulatory agency staff (see list above) 2. Advisory Committees: AFCAC, Steering Committee, Riverfront TAC (agencies) and MPRB Staff 3. Public open house meetings co hosted by the Minneapolis Parks Foundation s RiverFirst Initiative team. Project Schedule 2012 Q3 Beginning in September, the Consultant team starts work, holds internal meetings to organize large team of subconsultants and to gather technical data. Informational presentation to Steering Committee 2012 Q4 Consultant team initiates contact with regulatory agencies and continues development of Schematic Design documents based on input from agency staff Q1 Consultant team refines Schematic Design based on regulatory agency staff input, and begins preparation of cost estimates and technical memoranda. Informational presentation of design progress to Board Informational presentation of design progress to Steering Committee Public open house held to inform community members of progress on Schematic Design 2013 Q2 Consultant finalizes Schematic Design deliverables Potential second public open house Consultant presents Schematic Design to the Board

8 Page 8 Evaluation Summary Following project completion, the project manager will analyze the effectiveness of the engagement process from both stakeholder and organization points of view and will provide a brief summary statement. The summary statement will indicate how the process advances policy goals, and will assist the Board and staff in evaluating and informing an ongoing community engagement process. Summary Statement: Statement pending plan completion.