Review Drafts of Comprehensive Plan Update and Discuss Next Steps

The purpose of this case is to review two draft chapters of the Comprehensive Plan Update. These are very early drafts and will be updated on multiple occasions. Additionally, the drafts are not in final layout/format. Staff has focused on content in order to get structure and narrative complete. The final draft (and potentially subsequent drafts moving forward) will be in a more final, polished layout.

Every ten (10) years, the City is required (as all metropolitan area communities are) to submit a Comprehensive Plan to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval. Regardless of the statutory requirements, there were a number of planning projects and updates that warranted updates to the City's long-range vision (20 years). The City has seen significant benefit in terms of securing outside funding and community consensus by having a clear vision for our community. This long-range planning also helps plan and prioritize for larger capital items such as transportation improvements, utilities, parks, trails, etc. With a limited amount of resources, it is important to plan and prioritize these important capital investments.

The draft chapters for review this evening are the following. These have been reviewed by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Planning Commission is scheduled to review these drafts on December 7, after this agenda is published.
 

1. Community Profile/Background/Demographic Information
2. Land Use

There are several remaining chapters to the update. A series of schedules is attached to this document. The remaining chapters include, but are not limited to the following.
 

1. ?Economic Development
2. Natural Resources
3. Transportation
4. Parks and Recreation
5. Water Resources (supply, wastewater, surface water)
6. Housing

There are likely to be a number of changes moving forward. Staff will provide a more detailed overview as part of the presentation of this case. The intent of this case is to make any course corrections on content and process to avoid any delays at the end of the schedule. The City has until June, 2018 to complete a draft to begin reviewing with adjacent and impacted jurisdictions.

The City has invested a significant amount of time in public engagement for this Comprehensive Plan Update. The City was much more proactive in the regional planning cycle with the Metropolitan Council leading up to the City's Comprehensive Plan Update. The City has spent nearly a year in public engagement (listening sessions) before any policy or drafts were completed. Through that process, four (4) key themes emerged.

1. ?Enhance the Balance Between Rural Character and Urban Growth
2. A Connected Community (Transportation)
3. An Active Community (Recreation)
4. A Positive Learning Environment (planning for schools and classroom space)

Also attached to this case are several documents outlining public comment received thus far as well as minimum requirements for the Comprehensive Plan Update.

30 minutes

Preparation of the Comprehensive Plan Update is being handled as part of normal Staff duties, supplemented with services by WSB Associates. The City did receive a $32,000 Planning Grant from the Metropolitan Council.

Community Development Director

Provide feedback and direction on the Comprehensive Plan Update.