Discussion of Metropolitan Council's 2040 Framework Plan Process

Minnesota Statute Chapter 473 requires that communities within the seven-county metropolitan area submit Comprehensive Plans for land use to the Metropolitan Council for approval every ten (10) years. The Metropolitan Council is currently preparing to update its Regional Development Framework following completion of the 2010 Census. This is the first step in preparation for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, due in 2018. This is a critical piece in the process, as it will serve as the foundation of future land use decisions the City will be required to make as part of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. This Regional Development Framework will lead to such decisions as expansion (if any) of the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA), future land use/zoning designations, and infrastructure needed to accomodate land use patterns.

No notification required at this time.

The regional planning cycle begins with the completion of the 2010 Census. The Metropolitan Council then uses that data to analyze trends and review prior forecasts (households, population, employment). The current process is to update the Regional Development Framework, scheduled to be completed between 2011-2013. The next step is to update the Regional System Plans (Wastewater, Transportation, Regional Parks and Open Space, and Airports). The System Plans are anticipated to be updated between 2013-2015. System Statements will then be prepared for individual communities summarizing regional impacts and growth forecasts for the local community in 2015. This step begins the local Comprehensive Plan Update process, with plans due by the end of 2018.

Based on current population, household, and employment estimates from the 2010 Census, it appears that forecasts found in the the 2030 Comprehensive Plan will need to be revised. Although eventual population forecasts may be reached, it will likely be beyond 2030 as originally forecasted. This is also dependent on the community's desire to reach the ultimate population originally forecasted in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.

The purpose of this case is to simply bring the Planning Commission up to speed on the Metropolitan Council process to ensure that the City is in the best position to respond to future forecasts as they become available. Much of the feedback from the 2030 Update process was that there was not ample opportunity during that stage to discuss future growth forecasts. Staff desires to ensure that the community does have ample opportunity to respond during this update to the Regional Framework. Staff will also be compiling data on other Comprehensive Plan Amendments that impact growth forecasts from the original 2030 Comprehensive Plan to be used in discussion of Regional Development Framework and Regional Plans.

Review is being handled as part of regular staff duties.

For discussion only.

For discussion only.