An official website of the Community Designations: Urban
Urban
Figure 2.2: Urban map
Urban cities represent the densest and most centrally located local governments within the metro area, proven by extensive development that includes mixed-use areas combining residential, commercial, and cultural uses.
Urban cities are fully developed, and most of these cities' growth occurred before or in the decades immediately following World War II. The influence of the streetcar network on their initial development resulted in a development pattern that is less dependent on personal automobiles, and most of their housing stock was built prior to 1965. Due to the age of their building stock and increased prevalence of interconnected neighborhoods which are more conducive to high-frequency transit, they experience the most opportunities for redevelopment, often at significant densities.
At the same time, Urban cities also confront significant environmental challenges, including elevated median surface temperatures that often exceed 93 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating strategies for urban cooling and greening to mitigate urban heat island effects.
Local governments with an Urban community designation
Columbia Heights
Hilltop
Hopkins
Minneapolis
Richfield
Robbinsdale
South St. Paul
St. Louis Park
Saint Paul
West St. Paul
