Midway : Buzz

Minneapolis-St. Paul was recently named one of the top 10 innovative cities in the U.S. by CNN Money.

"From technology and infrastructure, to job creation and sustainability," the article stated, the cities included are "leading the pack when it comes to creatively solving urban issues."

About MSP, the article stated, "June saw the opening of a new light rail line between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Experts from around the country praised it as an example of transportation infrastructure done right -- it integrated the needs of the affected communities and used the new line to drive economic development."

The Twin Cities were also selected as "early adopters of programs to help immigrants start businesses, artists buy real estate, and enlist local execs in solving community problems. The Cities also get high marks for their public health efforts, including smoking cessation programs, cancer screening and efforts to create walkable communities."
 

Guerrilla gardeners are taking it upon themselves to beautify plots of land that are public property in the Twin Cities, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Some local officials find it annoying.

"To Hall and her furtive cohorts, beautifying ugly land can't be a bad thing. 'All it means is that a little bit of ground is being improved,' said Hall, gazing at her 8-by-12-foot garden on city property behind her town home.

"Many people have seen the work of guerrilla gardeners but don't know it. The eco-outlaws sneak flowers into land by freeway exits, abandoned city gardens, or vacant lots.

"Some make their own 'seed bombs'—green grenades made of compressed compost, fertilizer and seeds, designed to be thrown onto soil.

"'When I am riding my bike, I look for vacant lots and just throw in a couple of my seed bombs,' said Bridget McDonald of Minneapolis, who started guerrilla gardening last year.

"'A month later — flowers!'"

Read the full story here.