July 10, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports that the continuing decline of small agricultural communities in the Great Plains is fueling a search for ways to keep people from moving away. Increasingly, rather than looking to federal or state governments for aid, townspeople are trying to save themselves.
July 10, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that The Minneapolis City Council is struggling to figure out the city's next step in light of tax reform that substantially limits future money for a popular neighborhood development program, Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Neighborhood activists are also not sure whether to try for a referendum in November to make up the funding that was cut.
August 14, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley reports on housing struggles some migrant workers find themselves in while working in the southern Minnesota town of Plainview. Four months out of the year, the population of 3,190 grows by more than 200 residents. Migrant workers come to town to can peas and corn at Lakeside Foods. But while the work is there, housing is not, leaving many temporary workers searching for a place to call home.
August 16, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich reports on Larry Hosch, a young mayor finding his feet. For eight months, one of the country's youngest mayors has been settling into his job in the central Minnesota town of St. Joseph. Hosch admits he isn't steeped in the politics and local relationships that have shaped the town. To some that means a fresh viewpoint; to others it's the regrettable end of an era.
November 28, 2001 - MPR’s Jeff Horwich presents a Mainstreet Radio series looking at the growing role of Spanish in the Minnesota work place. Horwich spent an evening with one rural Minnesota police officer helping his department relate to the town's changing population.
December 6, 2001 - An analysis by the Associated Press shows that St. Paul has the highest level of segregation among cities with large Asian populations. While the AP's segregation index doesn't distinguish among the various Asian populations, experts agree the highly-concentrated living patterns of St. Paul's Hmong citizens boosts the city's segregation rating.
December 10, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Our Town” project, Rob Schmitz reports on Viroqua, Wisconsin…a dying small town that revived itself by transforming its identity.
December 11, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Our Town” project, Bob Reha reports from Fargo-Moorhead, where small town life has become a draw. Since September 11th, some people are realizing they can find the good life by coming home to the Midwest.
December 11, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Our Town” project, Stephanie Hemphill reports on debate in Duluth between preservationists and those wanting new buildings. The city's old Armory is the lastest battlefield in that ongoing conflict.
December 12, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Our Town” project, Tom Robertson explores what's gained and what's lost when a small town like Bemidji grows big.