This System Statement begins the official process for updating the City's long term land use vision for the community.

The City has commented on the various System Plans previously adopted by the Metropolitan Council (Housing, Parks/Recreation/Open Space, Transportation, and Water Resources). Primarily, the City noted concern about the rate of forecasted growth in households, population, and employment, noting that these forecasts may be aggressive. Additionally, the City noted a lack of investment in System Plans for Parks, Transportation, and Water Resources as a contributing factor to a future reduction in growth if investment is not made.

That being said, there is no penalty for not reaching forecasted growth. This is an estimate of growth patterns based on known variables at the time of development. The City's current Future Land Use Map can sustain the forecasted growth, and actually provides for growth beyond the 2040 planning period. The City has received no formal requests to amend our Comprehensive Plan in a manner that would be inconsistent with the current System Plan. It is possible that there are requested revisions to the Comprehensive Plan during citizen engagement that may influence the City's final response.

Finally, it is noted that this is not the only opportunity to request a change to the System Statement. As the City embarks on a broader Citizen Engagement Framework beginning in 2016, the City will learn additional detail that may influence a desire to amend the System Plan. It is that time that Staff would feel more comfortable requesting an amendment to the System Plan as compared to disputing the System Plan today. It is noted, however, that the current window is the official dispute period, if so desired. While it is possible to amend the System Statement at a later date, this would follow a slightly different process.