July 7, 2008 (MINNEAPOLIS)— A proposed new nonprofit corporation to facilitate continued riverfront revitalization in Minneapolis has recently taken important steps towards implementation. The 2008 Minnesota legislature approved legislation authorizing the creation of the nonprofit, conditioned upon approval of the legislation by the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Those approvals were both granted the week of June 16 and subsequently signed by the Mayor.

This new organization will be the outcome of an inter-agency study to explore organizational changes that would allow Minneapolis to continue its riverfront revitalization efforts in a more effective, efficient manner.

"I’m excited to have contributed to the creation of the Riverfront Corporation, which will give new life to how the citizens of the Twin Cities interact with the river," said Council Member Diane Hofstede, Ward 3.  "In the future, Minneapolis residents will look back on the authorization of this new nonprofit as a significant turning point in helping us achieve our riverfront vision." 

A Riverfront Blue Ribbon Task Force was convened to advise the study and, after reviewing various options, recommended the creation of a new nonprofit that will have four general functions:

"Minneapolis is here because of the Mississippi River, and we hope this new organization will help all of the partners do even more to protect the river as an ecological, recreational and historical asset," said Park Board Commissioner Scott Vreeland.

The new nonprofit will have a small staff and be led by a public/private board. The geographical scope of the corporation will be the entire Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis, but with an initial capital priority in the Upper River area.

Upcoming organizational steps will include the drafting and filing of articles of incorporation, the drafting and approval of bylaws, the recruitment/appointment of board members and initial fundraising to support the hiring of staff.