Mission | Program Focus Areas | 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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PROGRAM FOCUS AREAS: Highest priority is given to applications for projects that fall within one or more of the following U-CGO program focus areas (although other worthwhile projects that are consistent with the program mission above will be considered):

1. planning for compact, higher density, mixed-used development along major transportation corridors

2. preparing for demographic changes such as an influx of younger families, the baby boomer “age wave,” and increased ethnic diversity

3. understanding and accounting for the fiscal impacts of development

4. achieving an appropriate balance between employment opportunities and affordable workforce housing in a community

5. preserving high-quality farmland and natural areas to support food production, protect natural resources and ecosystem functions, and retain rural character

6. promoting sustainability in the areas of land use, transportation, building and site design, energy, and stormwater and water usage

7. enabling and encouraging effective citizen participation in local planning and zoning decisions

View a list of current and recent U-CGO projects

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• 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 a 2000 population under 13,000.

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APPLICATIONS: Applications must be received by the following dates to be considered for support during the time period identified:

• March 15 (summer semester assistance—late May through August)

• July 15 (fall semester assistance—early September to mid-January)

• November 15 (spring semester assistance—mid-January through May).

U-CGO is a competitive program and only the best projects are funded. Successful applications will have a clear product that will be used to achieve a defined community goal that is consistent with the mission and program focus areas of the U-CGO program. In selecting projects to support, we also 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.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact U-CGO 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, simply 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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