More than 50 people from industry and government across the U.S. (and beyond) attended the “Economic Impacts of Freeway Corridors” webinar held on March 23. Speakers discussed rethinking freeway corridor designs both in Minnesota and nationally.
Christopher Coes, executive director of AmericaFWD, discussed how transportation projects in the U.S. have historically been used to divide communities. Pointing to the Rondo neighborhood of St. Paul as one such example, Coes highlighted the ongoing health and economic costs freeway construction continues to impose on affected communities. Moving forward, he recommended three key actions:
- Restore communities harmed by past infrastructure decisions.
- Repair outdated and damaging infrastructure.
- Reimagine transportation systems to prioritize equity, access, and community well-being.
Dawn Hjelseth, vice president of marketing and communication at River City Company, shared a case study from Chattanooga, Tennessee, where leaders worked with residents to revitalize the struggling downtown and riverfront with a multifaceted project. Through long-term planning and partnerships, the project transformed an underused area of the city and resulted in:
- Museums and parks that helped bring people back downtown.
- A redesigned riverfront that removed barriers and improved public access.
- Large-scale redevelopment projects through public-private partnerships.
- Over $2 billion in investment generated from the riverfront development.
Amber Ilcisko, director of operations, and Jacob Nathan, park director, both with the 195 District, presented a case study on Providence, Rhode Island, where the relocation of Interstate 195 freed up 26 acres of land for redevelopment. The project led to the creation of an Innovation District—a vibrant neighborhood that brings together public and private partners focused on economic development and programming. Key planning elements included:
- Walkability and transit—A strong focus on biking, public transit, and pedestrian access.
- Environmental remediation—Coordinated cleanup and management plans for the brownfield.
- Flexible zoning authority—District control of land use to ensure cohesive development.
The webinar was held as part of the ongoing Freeway Corridor Economic Impact study and was hosted by the Institute for Urban and Regional Infrastructure Finance (IURIF). Founded in 2017, IURIF aims to advance research and engagement on strategic issues of infrastructure investment across urban and rural areas. It promotes and amplifies the scholarship in the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs in multiple areas of expertise, including state and local public finance, infrastructure sustainability, and urban and regional affairs.
