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[DULUTH, MN] Duluth was recently selected to participate in the 83rd National Session of the Mayors’ Institute on City Design.

Mayor Roger Reinert joined mayors from seven other cities and leading design professionals from across the country for the collaborative workshop, which focuses on innovative approaches to the most pressing planning and design challenges facing American cities. The 83rd National Session included mayors from Duluth, Minnesota; Cincinnati, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Eugene, Oregon; Kansas City, Kansas; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Stockton, California; and Syracuse, New York.

“This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for Duluth, and we were fortunate to be selected for a program that brings together mayors and nationally recognized design experts to tackle these challenges,” said Mayor Reinert. “It’s also recognition of the work we’ve been doing to revitalize downtown, improve walkability, and bring more housing into our core urban areas. This was an opportunity to build on that progress and think creatively about what comes next.”

As part of the institute, each mayor presents a specific project or challenge from their community. Fellow mayors and a multidisciplinary team of experts in urban planning, architecture, transportation, and other fields then offer perspectives, recommendations, and potential solutions. Mayor Reinert presented on the “the freeway abyss,” or the challenge Interstate 35 creates for connections between downtown, Canal Park, and the waterfront.

“When you have to get in a car and drive four blocks because it’s that difficult to get there, you know you have a design problem," said Mayor Reinert. "We need to look at opportunities and methods to make these connections more intuitive and welcoming for people walking between these important parts of our city.”

The institute provided an opportunity to examine Duluth’s challenge alongside leaders from communities across the country, exchange ideas, and identify practical strategies that could inform future efforts to improve the downtown and waterfront experience. A detailed report will be created that can be shared with city staff and other community partners. Strategies will focus on tangible actions that can be accomplished in the near future.

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