Mission | Example Projects | Current Projects | Eligibility
Application Information | Resources (coming soon!)
 SERVES: Local governments, citizen groups, and nonprofit organizations in developing communities on the edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area
PROGRAM: The University of Minnesota’s Community Growth Options (U-CGO) program provides applied research assistance to help growing communities on the edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area manage growth and development effectively. Communities work with U-CGO staff to define a research project, and U-CGO provides qualified University of Minnesota faculty member or graduate research assistant to carry out the research. There is no financial obligation on the part of the community, although matching funds are always appreciated to help us stretch our limited resources.
MISSION:
- Create and sustain the capabilities of communities on the metropolitan edge to effectively plan for land use and growth
- Help communities manage growth patterns in ways that make development more sustainable, more environmentally and socially responsive, and more economically efficient
- Activate a public participation process that helps to create and maintain a sense of place and community cohesion
- Provide University of Minnesota faculty and graduate students with opportunities to apply their research and technical skills to assist local communities in their efforts to manage the consequences of growth and development
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EXAMPLE PROJECTS: The following are examples of suitable projects (this list is not exhaustive):
- mapping significant natural resources to identify areas that are more or less suitable for future development
- analyzing community demographic or economic trends to identify future housing, service, or employment needs
- conducting a market analysis to identify economic development opportunities
- identifying strategies to encourage development of affordable and lifecycle housing
- designing and conducting focus groups, surveys, or public participation processes to get input from residents on land-use issues
- using computer mapping (GIS) to analyze or identify community trends
- creating a downtown redevelopment plan to revitalize main street
- identifying ways to support or encourage continued agricultural production
- creating a toolkit of resources to help communities establish parks, recreational trails, and open space areas
- updating ordinances for land use, natural resource preservation, or historic preservation
View a list of current and recent projects
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ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for consideration, communities must meet the following criteria:
- Geographic location—must be located in one of the following counties in Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington, or Wright.
- Organizations—citizen groups, nonprofit organizations, and township, city, or county governments or agencies are eligible for support; we do not provide assistance to individuals
- Population—Preference is given to actively growing communities with an estimated population in 2006 greater than 600 and
less than 12,000.
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APPLICATIONS: Applications for assistance are accepted on an ongoing basis, but priority is given to applications received by the following dates:
- April 15 (summer semester assistance—early June through August)
- July 15 (fall semester assistance—early September to mid-January)
- November 15 (spring semester assistance—mid-January through May).
Depending on our current work load and the University calendar, it may take several months before we can begin work on a project once it is approved for support.
U-CGO is a competitive program and only the best projects are funded. In selecting projects, we consider such things as the need for assistance, the potential public benefit of the project, community support for and involvement in the project, and the likelihood of implementation. Successful applications will have a clear product that will be used to achieve a defined community goal that is consistent with the mission of the U-CGO program.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the U-CGO coordinator before applying to discuss your project and the types of support available. For more information, to discuss potential projects, or for assistance with applications, contact program coordinator Mike Greco by phone at 612-625-7501 or by e-mail.
To apply for assistance, complete an application form and submit by e-mail or U.S. mail to:
Mike Greco
U-CGO Program Coordinator
Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA)
301—19th Ave. S.
330 HHH Center
Minneapolis, MN 55455
E-mail: cgo@umn.edu
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