Minneapolis Volunteer Team Launches — and Leads — Livable Lyndale Campaign! 

If we want to build a transportation system that puts people first, we know our advocacy has to do the same. In fall 2022, we launched our Minneapolis and Saint Paul Volunteer Teams so community members could set the agenda and identify campaign and policy priorities in the cities they care about. With the support of our staff and the resources of our organization, we wanted to create space for new leaders to step into their collective power to change their streets and communities for the better. 

That’s how the Livable Lyndale campaign was born — from the hearts and minds of people who have a personal connection to the Minneapolis corridor and want it to be safe and welcoming for everyone, no matter how they get around. 

Lyndale Avenue South is a crucial corridor in South Minneapolis, where many people live, work, eat, and play. Because of the way the street is designed, speeding traffic, narrow sidewalks, and hectic crossings make it difficult and even dangerous for people to walk, bike, roll, and ride transit in the area. But, in 2026, Hennepin County is rebuilding the entire road from scratch, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redesign this section of Lyndale in a way that better reflects the community’s priorities. 

With the Livable Lyndale campaign, community is stepping up to make it happen! For the past year, Move Minnesota has helped to convene a dedicated group of Minneapolis residents who have set the course for this campaign, made strategic decisions about how to organize, and hit the streets to get public input and support. 

Together, over the course of 2023, we set a strong foundation.

• We worked together to come up with a campaign name and key narratives to make our case
• We turned out attendees for the first county listening session on the project to make sure leaders know the design for this reconstruction is critical to a safe and sustainable corridor
• We talked to people up and down the corridor, canvassed adjacent streets, and attended Open Streets Lyndale to get community input 
• We met with business owners to understand their concerns and visions for the corridor
• We hosted multiple social events to create pathways for interested folks to get involved 
• We collected more than 500 petition signatures in favor of a Livable Lyndale  where it is easy for people to bus, bike, walk, roll–and enjoy!

And we’re just getting started!

Thanks to this initial organizing, we know there’s broad support for our vision. We’ve heard, time and time again, that community members love the businesses and restaurants on Lyndale but the street design discourages them from spending more time there. Just a few of the stories folks have shared, include:

“I’ve lived and/or worked on Lyndale Avenue for 11 years, but I rarely linger on the avenue, or visit destinations more than a few blocks apart, because this stretch of the street is dangerous to travel on and unpleasant to be around. I dream of a Lyndale that showcases and connects all that it has to offer.” Erik O.

“I live one block off Lyndale in the Lynnhurst Neighborhood with my wife and two-year-old. We often take the bus and ride our bikes to Lake Street and Lyndale to get to Bryant Square Park or go to LynLake Brewery. In its current configuration, Lyndale is unpleasant. It’s loud and busy and so we spend less time in the area than we otherwise would.” –Ethan K.

“I do all of my local shopping on Lyndale: The Wedge, Basement Lab, Aldi, and other small shops. It is my fastest connection to the Midtown Greenway and head to Lake Street. In the winter Bryant Boulevard is icy and treacherous so I always end up riding with traffic on Lyndale. Separated lanes would have a big effect on my experience on the street.” –Jacob N.

“I bike and walk on Lyndale at least weekly. Lyndale and Hennepin are two of the streets I feel most like I will be hit by a car because of how they are set up. These improvements will make it easier for people to get around safely, and increase the street level business activity.” –Alice M.

I live two short blocks away from this part of Lyndale. It’s one of my favorite streets because it has so many great local businesses on it, but it’s highly unpleasant to walk or bike down because of how fast, loud, and smelly all the vehicles are. I would love a quieter, slower, and greener Lyndale that prioritizes people, with protected bike lanes, dedicated bus lanes, and wider sidewalks with trees, more outdoor dining, and public places to sit and gather with friends and neighbors.

Regina B.

No matter your connection to Lyndale, this reconstruction is an essential step toward creating a transportation system that meets the needs of today—not the polluting, outdated ideas of decades past. It’s an opportunity to showcase how street design that works for people also boosts local businesses and protects our climate. 

Want to get involved? Check out the Livable Lyndale page to learn more about upcoming events and opportunities to show your support. 

Live in Saint Paul? Check out our Volunteer Team in your community!