Larkin Hoffman attorneys sponsored and presented at the recent American Planning Association Minnesota Chapter’s (APA MN) annual conference. The event brought together planning and engineering professionals, educators, local officials and more around the theme of “Shaping Minnesota’s Future Together.”

Shareholder Jacob Steen, chair of the Firm’s land use and real estate department, was a panelist on “The Data Center Dilemma: Balancing Growth, Resources and Public Trust.” Steen provided a legal overview of Minnesota’s data center landscape and what planners should know in areas including zoning strategies, utility provisions, noise concerns, the environmental review process, and transparency with communities. His presentation highlighted key legal considerations for local governments as they evaluate data center proposals and develop regulatory approaches to these increasingly complex projects. The panel also featured Adam Kienberger, community development director for the City of Rosemount, and Mackenzie Love, senior program manager and transportation planner at the Great Plains Institute.

Attorneys Raya Esmaeili and Sam Richie co-presented a Legislative & Law Update, giving attendees a summary of the 2026 legislative session, with discussion of the November general election and legislative activity that may be likely in 2027.

Larkin Hoffman has a decades-long history of collaborating with planners in land use and real estate matters throughout Minnesota. With a legal team that includes professionals with previous careers in planning, city attorneys, and general counsel for engineering firms, the firm is known for helping clients navigate complex land use matters and work effectively with municipalities.