Join the conversation to shape the future of the Upper Lock

We aim to provide engagement opportunities for all Minneapolis communities – especially those who have been historically excluded, under-represented or under-resourced – so all can participate in public planning and decision-making to achieve equitable consensus on this project.

Friends of the Falls has also partnered with the Native American Community Development Institute to train our staff and board members on issues sensitive to the Native American community and create meaningful engagement with First Nations people.

Get Involved

WINTER 2020-2021

Engage With Us

Friends of the Falls welcomes its new partnership with NACDI, and with it, the opportunity to build authentic, long-term relationships with First Nations people.

SPRING 2021

Shared Values

We discuss people’s connection to the site, the factors that have shaped this place and shared values to guide the project.

SUMMER 2021

Project Scenarios

Through community meetings, digital engagement and design charettes, we initiate a community conversation about priorities and program opportunities.

Opportunities

Thoughtful and inclusive engagement is especially difficult today, as we must limit group gatherings and respect social distancing protocols. For the time being, we have moved most of our engagement opportunities online. Engage with us through a series of webinars, round table discussions, presentations to neighborhood associations and digital surveys. We look forward to a time when we can gather together again and envision the future of the Upper Lock.

Attend an Event

Take a Survey

Coalition

In its launch years, Friends of the Falls convened a coalition of stakeholders from over two dozen local organizations. These entities came to acknowledge not only the site’s ecological significance and industrial history, but also its cultural heritage as home of the Dakota people. Friends of the Falls recognized the need to broaden project engagement and put this missing narrative at the forefront.

This growing community of non-profits, neighborhood associations and civic institutions support transforming the Falls and restoring public access to the riverfront.