History:
The 1967 law establishing the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) was originally codified as Minn. Stat. 15.50; the statute was renumbered in 2003.
The CAAPB's 2024-2025 biennial report describes their history and work: "The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Commission was created in 1967 to restore a higher standard of quality to the Capitol Area (comprised of 60 blocks surrounding the Capitol Building), after buildings deemed architecturally inappropriate to the Capitol Area were built in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In 1974, the Legislature changed the Commission to a Board and designated it as the zoning authority for the 60-block Capitol Area, instead of the City of Saint Paul. The Legislature intended that the Board be comprised of gubernatorial, mayoral, and legislative appointees; and that the Board report directly to the Legislature, unfiltered by any party, special interest group or person, and thus remain protected from political influences. The [CAAPB] oversees planning, zoning, and design for a 60-block area on and around the State Capitol campus."
Membership:
The CAAPB has 12 members: the lieutenant governor; four members appointed by the governor; three members appointed by the mayor of St. Paul with the advice and consent of the city council, one of whom must be a resident of the planning council district that includes the Capitol Area; two members of the House, appointed by the Speaker of the House; and two senators, appointed by the President of the Senate.
The lieutenant governor serves as chair of the board. The attorney general is the legal advisor to the board. The board may elect a vice-chair. The vice-chair may preside at meetings in the absence of the lieutenant governor. The board may elect any other officers that it considers necessary to carry out its duties.
Entries for this agency in the Annual Compilation and Statistical Report of Multi-Member Agencies Report:
2024, 2023, 2022, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978.
Note: This report provides membership details as well as meeting information and a summary of the group's activities.
Documents/Articles:
What will the $3M for public safety/outreach near state Capitol entail?. St. Paul Pioneer Press, 7/15/2025.
Lt. Governor Flanagan announces appointments to Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board Advisory Task Forces. Governor Walz's Website, 10/15/2020.
News clippings and documents. Agencies Notebook Collection, 1967-2020.