Consider Response to Draft Metropolitan Council 2020 and 2030 Forecasts

The purpose of this case is to recommend an official response the draft forecasts for households, population, and employment by the Metropolitan Council for the years 2020 and 2030.

Notification is not required.

As the Planning Commission will recall, the Metropolitan Council previously completed the Regional Development Framework, known as Thrive MSP 2040, which sets the foundation for the upcoming System Plan Updates (Water Resources, Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and Housing), which will kick off the required Comprehensive Plan Update for the City.

In the City's response to Thrive MSP 2040 and the overall forecasts for the year 2040, the City noted that the capacity existed in terms of our Future Land Use Map to accommodate the forecasted growth; however, the City was not convinced of this reality from an infrastructure capacity standpoint. Specifically, the City called out two (2) major categories:
 

1. Transportation (U.S. Highway 10, T.H. 47)
2. Water Supply

As it relates to the notes above, the Metropolitan Council has released the draft Transportation Policy Plan. The Metropolitan Council has not yet released a draft of the Water Resources Policy Plan. With that in mind, Staff has developed a draft Official Response for the 2020 and 2030 forecasts. The draft response notes that the forecasts for the year 2020 seem reasonable, but don't appear to be supported from an infrastructure standpoint when looking at the draft Transportation Policy Plan. More details are included in the draft response.

Additionally, without a draft of the Water Resources Policy Plan, the City cannot determine if a regional water supply solution to groundwater and surface water will be accommodated, thus impacted our future growth rates and water capacity after the year 2020. It is possible the City may be able to construct an additional public well, but has been asked by the DNR to explore surface water solutions and water conservation measures due to our water consumption rate.

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve the draft response to the 2020 and 2030 forecasts.

Motion to recommend that the City Council approve the draft response to the 2020 and 2030 forecasts.