The Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association recognized the team of Ramsey County, Bolton & Menk, Forecast Public Art, and 4RM+ULA with the 2021 Excellence in Community Engagement Award for their work in defining a community-driven vision for Rice Street. The awards committee evaluates nominees based on originality and innovation, engagement, implementation and effectiveness, quality, and promotion of planning.
Ramsey County Public Works is developing a plan for a portion of the Rice Street/CSAH 49 corridor in St. Paul. In addition to modernizing the aging roadway, the visioning project will promote economic growth and community investment by providing businesses opportunities, creating an inviting environment, enhancing pedestrian safety, maintaining and augmenting transit service, and improving vehicle safety.
The project team is tasked with creating engaging public involvement activities to gather input on current conditions and operations to create a shared corridor vision that addresses all community goals. The process uses inclusive engagement practices, including community liaisons, online interactive tools, and arts-based practices. It is currently being adjusted to accommodate limitations due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
“We were excited by the opportunity to partner with Ramsey County and the team on this innovative project to create a holistic vision for corridor planning in a diverse urban community. Inclusive, equitable engagement has been a cornerstone of the whole effort. Particularly during this challenging time, we have really needed innovative thinkers and doers to connect creatively and effectively with people in the community, and to find ways to build local capacity and understanding.” – Haila Maze, AICP, Deputy Project Manager
Learn more about how we ensured equitable engagement along Rice Street using both in-person and digital methods, here!
