Every week, Alliance for a Better Minnesota will highlight the important work being done in the progressive community. Focusing on issues that impact Minnesotans’ lives, this important work helps Minnesota continue moving forward.

Transformed Cities In 2015: MinnPost took a look at the major developments under construction in the Twin Cities, and highlighted ten that promise the most significant changes in each. Some of the projects include an expansion of the Ordway Center in St. Paul and a redesign of the Nicollet Mall.

State Of Community: The Corporation for National and Community Service released their Volunteering and Civic Life in America Report this week, and Minnesota was one of the highest-ranking states for volunteerism. We scored third in the nation, with nearly 40 percent of residents spending some of their time doing volunteer work. Minnesota was only behind Utah and Idaho.

Decreased Drunken Driving Arrests: The rate of arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Minnesota has been on the decline in 2014, with 21 percent fewer arrests than there were at the same time in 2013. If the decline continues, this year is on track to produce the fewest number of DWI arrests in state history.

New Laws Next Month: Starting on January 1, 2015, new laws will take effect in the state, including one that establishes a “Woman Veteran” license plate for female veterans.