Local planning related links: general resources

• American Planning Association This web site is the definitive source of information about planning efforts, resources and organizations. Contains links to publications and periodicals, as well as current issues in planning. 

• Brookings Institution This organization analyzes and critiques public policy issues related to economic and government studies. 

• Built Environment Center The center is an electronic workplace and a forum for information and services regarding urban and community development, buildings and facilities, infrastructure and open space in the built environment. 

• Center for Policy Alternatives This nonprofit public policy and leadership development center works to find community-based solutions that strengthen families and communities.

• Center for Urban and Regional Affairs This University of Minnesota group produces research on critical issues for Minnesota and the region.

• Cyburbia This site maintained by the State University of New York at Buffalo contains thousands of links to planning topics and is an excellent search tool. 

• Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis The Minneapolis branch of the Federal Reserve Bank conducts and publishes community information for the area.

• Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs This University of Minnesota institute researches public policy issues. 

• Municode  Site contains codes of ordinances for municipalities.

• NorthStar Main search engine for web sites of Minnesota state government.

• Planners Network Online This site provides information for physical, social, economic and environmental planning in urban and rural areas. 

• Planners Web Excellent site managed by the publisher of The Planning Commissioner. 

• Planning Minnesota Online This site, hosted by the Minnesota chapter of the American Planning Association, contains information on local activities and events, links to other resources and a bulletin board for planning questions.

• University of Michigan Statistical Resources This site contains resources about many topics, include agriculture, demographics, economics, energy, environment, health, housing, tourism and transportation. 

• University of Minnesota Extension Service This educational outreach arm of the University of Minnesota has offices in every county of the state and delivers educational programs about topics that include water quality, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and tourism development.