Share your priorities for Minnesota's future
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Imagine yourself at your current age 50 years in the future. What would your life be like in the following world?
- The majority of goods and food are produced within 350 miles of where we live.
- Minnesota experiences success in some industries (water exporting, wind energy).
- Technological innovations open new ways of communicating, manufacturing, and teaching.
- Small towns thrive; people are moving from urban centers to small towns throughout state.
Read the full You Betcha! scenario here, or download it in a pdf.
(Note: This scenario was designed for the sole purpose of stimulating discussion about the future of Minnesota and transportation options and principles. It does not reflect an official forecast or prediction about the future.)
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1.
Where do you choose to live in this hyper-local world?
- Urban area
- Regional center
- Small town
- Rural area
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2.
In this all-things-local world, how do you get to work or school?
- Personal vehicle (car, scooter, etc.)
- Carpool
- Traditional mass transit (train, bus, etc.)
- Self-powered travel (walk, bike, etc.)
- Fun new travel option (zip line, super slide, giant people mover, etc.)
- Telecommute
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3.
Other: please remark here
Recent answers given:- I'd guess that the distances I would be traveling in my hyper-local small town would be short enough to walk and bike (and maybe even snowshoe or ski).
- Next step in bike trail evolution is to cover/heat them.
4.What sort of transportation options would you want in this all-things-local world?
Recent answers given: (view all in new window)- I would want options for traveling the longer distances between small towns, regional centers, and urban centers. It seems that in a small town, I would have no need for a personal vehicle. It would be nice to be able to take a train, bus, vanpool, etc. to leave my small town.
- Intercity trains to visit people. Bike lanes on most streets.
- public transport: electric trains and buses (NOT battery operated)
- still a desire for clean-burning, reliable public options.
5.How does the stuff you buy (dental floss, furniture, etc.) get to you in this all-things-local world?
- Stuff is produced locally or regionally, shipped, and I buy it at local stores.
- Stuff is produced in factories, I buy it online, and it comes to my door.
- Nearly everything is produced and distributed locally. We live with a lot less stuff.
6.What transportation principles are most important to be successful in this all-things-local world? (choose up to 3)
- Align system with other public purposes
- Build to a maintainable scale
- Emphasize reliability / predictability
- Ensure accessibility
- Ensure regional connections
- Expand choice
- Support existing communities
- Use partnerships
7.Other: please remark here
(No answers yet given)8.What’s the least important thing in this all-things-local world? (choose 1)
- Ensure regional connections
- Expand choice
- Fix it first
- Maximize safety
- Use partnerships
- Other: please remark below
9.