Morris, Minnesota, a town of 5,500 residents, recently established a ten-year comprehensive plan for the town, with seven priorities relating to such issues as the town s economy, employment, and physical and natural resources. When it was time to research statistical data to address these issues, the town found a willing partner in the local campus of the University of Minnesota. Three faculty members designed courses around the research needs of the town with students collecting and analyzing data on Morris land use, housing, traffic patterns, and existing public utilities and circulation systems. The action research helped Morris to address six out of the seven top priorities in their town plan.
