2.0 SR 08-12-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Comprehensive Plan August 12, 2020 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Comprehensive Plan Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Receive information and provide feedback to Houseal Lavigne to guide development of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Background/Discussion
This will be a joint meeting between the City Council and the Planning Commission to kick off the start of
the Comprehensive Planning process.
Representatives from Houseal Lavigne will be in attendance to discuss the timeline, process, and to lead the
discussion with the Council and Commission.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
N/A
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and
community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
2021 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 2021 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July
1
Task 1: Project Initiation and Community Background
1a Staff Coordination Call
1b Staff Kick-off Meeting
1c Department Heads Meeting
1d Project Initiation Advisory Committee Meeting (AC Mtg #1)
1e Elected Officials Roundtable Workshop
1f Community Education – Branding and Collateral
1g Existing Conditions Memorandum – Community Background and Assumptions
1h Staff Review and Advisory Committee Meeting (AC Mtg #2)
2
Task 2: Public Participation Program
2a Interactive Project Website
2b map.social (an interactive web-based issues mapping platform)
2c Online Community Questionnaire
2d Key Stakeholders Interviews and Small Focus Group Discussions (Up to 12)
2e Business Focus Group - Ensuring a “Business Friendly” Community
2f Community Visioning Workshop
3
Task 3: Community Vision and Preliminart Goals and Policies
3a Community Vision Statement and Preliminary Goals and Policies
3b Preliminary Land Use and Development Framework
3c Staff Review
3d Advisory Committee Working Session (AC Mtg #3)
4
Task 4: City-wide Framework Plans and Web Meetings
4a Web Meeting #1 - Housing and Economic Development (AC Mtg #4)
4b Web Meeting #2 - Transportation, Community Facilities, and Infra. (AC Mtg #5)
4c Web Meeting #3 - Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources (AC Mtg #6)
5
Task 5: Comprehensive Plan Document and Adoption
5a Prepare Draft Comprehensive Plan
5b Implementation Strategy
5c Staff Review of Draft Comprehensive Plan
5d Advisory Committee Working Session (AC Mtg #7)
5e Community Presentation and Open House
5f Final Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission (Public Hearing)
5g Final Comprehensive Plan to the City Council
5h Interactive Web-based Plan
PROPOSED SCHEDULE
The anticipated project schedule below provides an overall framework to complete our team’s approach for each
task outlined in our scope of work. We are ready to begin work immediately and are committed to devoting the
proposed personnel and resources for the entire length of time necessary to complete the Elk River Comprehensive
Plan. Should the City favor our approach, we will work with staff to refine the process and anticipated project
schedule in a manner that is most advantageous to the project.
We are proposing adoption of the Comprehensive Plan by the end of July 2021.
Denotes Meetings to be conducted by our Team Denotes Deliverables to be produced by our Team
iCity of Elk River, MN • Proposal for the 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Houseal Lavigne’s scope of work places a significant emphasis on community participation.
We recognize the importance of using the planning process to establish community
consensus and foster a sense of stewardship for the plan. Our scope of work requires that
Elk River residents, business owners, officials, and stakeholders get involved at every step of
the planning process and be active participants that help to define issues, establish a vision,
formulate ideas, and shape solutions.
We believe our proposed scope of work will produce a meaningful and responsive
Comprehensive Plan for Elk River that will enhance quality of life for current and future
residents while ensuring long-term growth of the community that makes efficient use of
City infrastructure, promotes economic prosperity, and preserves the natural environment.
Should the City favor our basic approach, we will work closely with the City staff and
officials to further refine this process, ensuring that all local needs and requirements are met.
Each task of our proposed scope of work is presented in detail on the following pages.
Project Approach
21City of Elk River, Minnesota | Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Step 1: Project Initiation
To kick-off the planning process on the right foot, meetings and workshops will be conducted with key City staff, officials,
and an Advisory Committee prior to undertaking other community outreach activities. After the kick-off to the planning
process, our proposed outreach activities will help foster a stewardship for the Plan and the community.
1a: Staff Coordination Call
Prior to our first engagement meetings, members of the Project Team
will host a web meeting or conference call with City staff and officials
to review the project scope, schedule, and deliverables. We will also
begin the process of data needs identification, collection and issues
analysis, and clarify any outstanding matters. As needed, web meetings
and conference calls with City staff can be held throughout the planning
process to ensure a fluid communication process. This coordination
call will also be used to provide guidance on the formation of a
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.
Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC)
We recommend the formation of a Comprehensive Plan Advisory
Committee to provide a public face to the planning process and
demonstrates a commitment on behalf of the City to seek meaningful
input. The Advisory Committee should serve as a community sounding
board, meeting at key points along the process to discuss issues and
overall planning direction and provide feedback for consideration by
the various adopting bodies. Participation by Planning Commission and
City Council officials on the Advisory Committee will also help develop
champions for the plan within both adopting bodies and will help ensure
that the plan adoption process moves smoothly. Meetings will be
conducted with the Advisory Committee at key intervals throughout the
planning process.
1b: Staff Kick-off Meeting
An initial kick-off meeting will be held with the City staff assigned
to the Comprehensive Plan project as well as key City officials. This
first face-to-face meeting will allow us to review the project scope,
schedule, and deliverables and address any issues identified in previous
communication regarding the planning process. Our intent is to function
as a unified and integrated team alongside City staff.
1c: Department Heads Meeting
Immediately following the kick-off meeting with City staff, the Project
Team will host a meeting with representatives from other City
departments. Comprehensive Plan recommendations will have bearing
on a wide variety of City policies and support from all City departments
will be essential to plan implementation. The Project Team will work with
City staff to engage other department heads throughout the process to
ensure that plan recommendations are meaningful and actionable for all
City departments.
1d: Project Initiation Advisory Committee Meeting (Advisory Committee Mtg #1)
Before actual work begins, a project initiation meeting will be held with
Advisory Committee to set the foundation for the planning process
and review and discuss the overall direction and policy issues facing
the community. The purpose of this meeting will be to: (a) discuss the
panel’s role for the project; (b) review overall project objectives; (c)
refine the work program for the project; and (d) establish a preliminary
schedule for the project. The Advisory Committee Initiation Meeting will
be immediately followed by a Roundtable Workshop (Step 1d) to solicit
the views of the Advisory Committee, staff, and other elected officials
regarding their concerns and aspirations for Elk River.
1e: Elected Officials Roundtable Workshop
As part of the project initiation task and kicking off the planning process,
a workshop will be conducted with Elk River elected and appointed
officials. As the community’s policy makers, it is important that officials
and community representatives have a chance to communicate and
discuss their issues and concerns with the Project Team, as well as each
other, at the beginning of the process. This initial dialogue will inform the
Project Team’s approach to the planning process and ensure that issues
important to the City are identified on the front end. This workshop will
also educate officials about the upcoming community planning process.
22 Comprehensive Plan Update | City of Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
1f: Community Education – Branding and Collateral
As part of project initiation, this task will play a significant role in
garnering support for the planning process and piquing public interest
in the Comprehensive Plan as an important guide to improving quality
of life throughout Elk River. We will work with the staff project team
to establish a name/brand for the Comprehensive Plan that will then
be integrated into community-wide marketing efforts. The graphic
design and communications experts on the Project Team will use their
expertise in community-based marketing to create an “identity” for
the planning process as well as the plan document. Collateral such as
postcards, posters, and email blasts will be developed for use by City
staff to better promote the plan and inform and engage the community.
This task will also include the development of presentation materials
to communicate what the plan is, why it is of critical importance,
and how it will be used.
1g: Existing Conditions Memorandum – Background and Assumptions
The Existing Conditions Memorandum is an interim deliverable
collecting and presenting data and information gathered in Steps 1 and
2 under a single memorandum to City staff. Preparation of the Existing
Conditions Memorandum will be based on issues and opportunities
identified in outreach, existing land use and transportation data, recent
past plans and studies, information provided by the City and partner
agencies, and field reconnaissance conducted by the Project Team.
The Project Team will prepare a memo that will include a community
overview, demographic and market snapshot (including a review of
projections for local and regional growth), and map book of existing
conditions within the City’s planning area.
The memorandum will include discussion of contemporary planning
best practices relevant to Elk River. This existing conditions analysis
culminates in the preparation of an existing conditions memorandum for
staff and Advisory Committee review.
In addition to document current conditions, the Existing Conditions
Memorandum will identify assumptions and trends that will influence
future growth and development in Elk River. These assumptions
will be refined after review and discussion with City staff and the
Advisory Committee in Step 3.
1h: Staff Review and Advisory Committee Meeting (Advisory Committee Mtg #2)
The Existing Conditions Memorandum will be provided to City staff for
review and comment prior to meeting with the Advisory Committee.
Comments provided by staff will be summarized and presented
alongside the Existing Conditions Memorandum at this meeting. The
objective of the meeting is to reach agreement on specific issues
and concerns to be addressed moving forward, as a foundation to
further engagement with the public and preparation of the Vision and
Preliminary Goals and Policies in Step 4.
23City of Elk River, Minnesota | Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Step 2: Public Participation Program
We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach to community engagement is ineffective, and that Elk River will benefit
from an extensive and authentic outreach process. Our Project Team provides a multi-pronged approach to outreach
that will be essential in engaging the community, addressing local issues, and most importantly, ensuring the inclusion of a
diverse swath of the City’s population.
Flexible Engagement Approach
Our responsive approach allows us to be flexible to maximize resources
spent on creative planning and delivery of services. If face-to-face
engagement is not feasible or desired at a particular point in the
process, we will work with City staff to reallocate time and resources
and identify the best online engagement tools and web meeting format
to supplement outreach efforts. We are confident the suite of online
engagement tools we can provide will allow us to obtain the community
input required to provide Elk River with the Comprehensive Plan it
needs.
2a: Interactive Project Website
At the onset of the project we will design and host an interactive project
website that is linked to the City’s existing website. We are committed
to using the internet to maximize the participation and communication
between the City and its residents. An interactive project website
provides a home base for information regarding the new Comprehensive
Plan. This website will be used to promote and popularize the planning
process and be used to post project schedules and meeting dates;
display graphics, maps, and draft documents; address frequently asked
questions; host map.social; and provide online community surveys.
2b: map.social (an interactive web-based issues mapping platform)
We will feature map.social, a web-based community issues mapping tool
on the interactive project website. Developed by Houseal Lavigne, this
tool allows users to identify, map, and comment on geographic areas
of concern and valued community amenities. map.social simplifies the
mapping process and familiarizes users with all areas of the community
in a manner that is intuitive, interactive, and effective. Input from users
allows us to create a composite map of community issues to assist with
the establishment of community goals and policies.
2c: Online Community Questionnaire
To provide another means for community participation, we will prepare
an online questionnaire for the residents and business owners of Elk
River to offer community-wide opinion on a range of topics and issues.
The business questionnaire will include opportunity to provide specific
input on those issues and concerns most important to the City’s
business community. The online community questionnaire will be easily
accessible on the project website. At the close of the questionnaire
response period, we will review and summarize results as a gauge of
community priorities and issues.
2d: Key Stakeholder Interviews and Small Focus Group Discussions (Up to 12)
Key stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions allow us to
obtain first-hand insight into the community from a diverse array of
perspectives. Key stakeholder interviews are conducted with one
to two participants. Small focus groups are made up of two to three
participants gathered around a specific topic. Up to 12 confidential
interviews or focus group discussions will be conducted to obtain
additional information regarding local issues and potentials. The Project
Team will work with City staff to identify those individuals and groups
to be interviewed. We recommend a broad sampling of interviewees
who may possess unique perspectives or special insights into the
community. Interviewees could include selected property owners,
new and lifelong residents, local builders and developers, students,
local businesspersons, area not-for-profits and service providers, and
representatives from other government bodies, institutions, and civic
groups.
2e: Business Focus Group – Ensuring a “Business Friendly” Community
The business focus group will be targeted specifically to property
owners, business owners, developers, and Minooka’s corporate citizens
as an important stakeholder group. The purpose of this focus group is
to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of
the business community that have a unique insight and perspective
and whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the Plan’s ultimate
success. The focus group will be scheduled to coincide with other
in-person engagement activities and can be conducted in the early
morning to minimize impacts to business owners or scheduled as part
of a regular scheduled event where numerous property owners and
business owners are typically in attendance.
2f: Community Visioning Workshop
The purpose of a Community Visioning Workshop is to allow residents
and stakeholders to tell us what they think, before plans and
recommendations are crafted. The Community Visioning Workshop
will involve the Project Team, City staff, the Advisory Committee, and
members of the community. The workshop will begin with a large group
exercise where participants will work together to identify planning
priorities, issues, and opportunities. Participants will then break out into
small groups for a mapping exercise where they will put pen to paper
and work to develop their vision for the future of the community. The
workshop will conclude with general agreement regarding the long-term
role and character of Elk River and the projects and improvements that
will be desirable in the future.
24 Comprehensive Plan Update | City of Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Step 3: Community Vision, Goals, and Policies
The purpose of this step will be to establish an overall vision for the future of Elk River. The vision provides focus and
direction for subsequent planning activities and serves as the cornerstone of the consensus building process. Based on the
Vision and previous steps in the planning process, Preliminary Goals and Policies will be prepared.
3a: Community Vision Statement and Preliminary Goals and Policies
Following the Community Visioning Workshop in Step 2f, the Project
Team will summarize the results of the group discussions. The
preliminary Vision Statement and preliminary Goals and Policies for Elk
River will be prepared to provide more specific focus and direction for
planning recommendations. This step will be based on the Visioning
Workshop, feedback from the community outreach activities, input from
City staff, and observations from the Project Team. This deliverable,
along with the preliminary land use framework developed in Step 3b,
will serve as an outline of the Comprehensive Plan document and will
form the basis for the development of more detailed recommendations
in Step 4.
3b: Preliminary Land Use and Development Framework
Based on the outcome of the previous steps, the Land Use and
Development element will include recommendations and policies
for all land use areas in the City planning area, including residential
neighborhoods, commercial areas, industrial land uses, open space,
areas of natural environment, public and quasi-public uses, gravel mining
areas, and more.
The Preliminary Land Use and Development Framework will form the
core of the Land Use Plan element and will identify and address a
range of land use topics such as desired development patterns, new
growth areas, land use compatibility issues and mitigation strategies,
downtown revitalization, targeted infill development, and agriculture
and conservation areas. This first core element will provide the
overarching guidance to all other land use related components of the
Comprehensive Plan and will identify the preferred growth management
approach to accommodate anticipated changes in development,
expand services, and distribute resources.
3c: Staff Review
Draft Vision, Goals, and Objectives will be provided to City staff for
review and comment. The Project Team will meet with staff prior to an
Advisory Committee Working Session. Comments provided by staff will
be summarized and presented to the Advisory Committee along with
the draft Vision, Goals, and Objectives.
3d: Advisory Committee Working Session – Refine Assumptions, Confirm Vision (Advisory Committee Mtg #3)
A meeting will be conducted with the Advisory Committee to review
the draft Vision, Goals, and Preliminary Policies. The objective
of the meeting is to reach agreement on the visions, goals, and
preliminary land use recommendations before moving forward with
the development of the remaining chapters of the Comprehensive
Plan. Discussion with City staff and the Advisory Committee will be
used to evaluate the proposed land use framework, and weigh the
costs and benefits of potential alternative approaches to land use and
development. The assumptions regarding factors influencing future
growth identified in the Existing Conditions Memorandum (Step 1f) will
be also be further refined.
25City of Elk River, Minnesota | Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Step 4: City-wide Framework Plans and Web Meetings
The Framework Plans will establish City-wide policies for several different areas of concern including more detailed
discussion of housing and economic development, transportation and mobility, community facilities and infrastructure,
parks, open space, and natural resources. The Project Team will conduct a series of web meetings focusing on the key
components that will be combined to make up the Comprehensive Plan.
Each web meeting will provide an opportunity for the Project Team, City
staff, and the Advisory Committee to discuss preliminary policies, plan
recommendations, and initial maps and graphics. Web meetings will be
hosted by the Project Team and recorded for City Staff and Advisory
Committee members unable to attend. The use of web meetings will
increase the number of touch points between the Project Team, staff,
and the Advisory Committee. This will provide for a more responsive
and efficient workflow that minimizes potential for issues and time-
consuming revisions, and maximizes Project Team resources spent on
plan development. This process will also enable incremental review of
draft plan content by staff and the Advisory Committee, rather than
wholesale review which can be arduous and dilute quality of input.
4a: Web Meeting #1 – Housing and Economic Development (Advisory Committee Mtg #4)
This web meeting will provide an overview of recommendations
related to housing policy, economic development, and
accommodating long term growth and development. The Housing
Framework Plan and the Economic Development Framework Plan
will provide additional detail to land use and development policies
identified as part of the Preliminary Land Use Framework.
Housing Framework Plan
The Housing Framework Plan will consider location, types, age, and
condition of housing; owner and renter occupancy; and affordability of
housing. Leveraging the findings of the City’s 2018 housing study, this
element will identify the amount, character, density, and recommended
location for different housing products and dwelling types to meet the
current and future needs of Elk River’s residents. This will include a
discussion of anticipated impacts of reported demographic trends such
as the aging of the population and regional growth.
Economic Development Framework Plan
The Economic Development Framework Plan will consider labor
force and labor force characteristics, employment by place of work
and residence, and analysis of the economic base. This element will
provide additional detail and guidance regarding desired retail, office,
and industrial development. It will also outline policies designed to
strengthen employment, job creation, and to provide and grow a diverse
and thriving tax base for the City.
A focus of this framework plan will be to establish a vision for the areas
along the Highway 169 corridor and planned interchanges including
strategies to best leverage Elk River’s transportation assets for future
economic development. The Project Team will coordinate with City
staff and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to ensure that
future land use and development recommendations support the EDA’s
Strategic Plan efforts.
26 Comprehensive Plan Update | City of Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
4b: Web Meeting #2 – Transportation, Community Facilities, and Infrastructure (Advisory Committee Mtg #5)
This web meeting will provide an overview of recommendations
for motorized and non-motorized travel, parking, circulation, and
linkages between key areas of the City and surrounding areas. The
Project Team will also identify and inventory all community facilities
in the City and include recommendations and policies for municipal
facilities and services, infrastructure, and intergovernmental
coordination and cooperation. This will include recommendations
regarding the near-term and long-term urban service area.
Transportation and Mobility Framework Plan
The Transportation and Mobility Framework Plan will focus on the
coordination and optimization of all modes of travel within the City. The
Transportation and Mobility Plan will analyze the existing transportation
system, identify corridors and areas of City that merit the greatest
attention. The recommendations will incorporate “Complete Street”
policies to ensure a consistent design with all users in mind including
drivers, public transportation riders, pedestrians, and bicyclists as well
as people of all ages and abilities. Addressing barriers to bicycle and
pedestrian travel will to prioritized within the framework plan.
Urban Service Area Framework Plan
Based on work activities in Steps 1 through 4, the preliminary
Urban Service Area Framework Plan will be prepared. The Plan will
identify and inventory all community facilities in the City and include
recommendations and policies for municipal facilities and services,
infrastructure, intergovernmental coordination and cooperation, and
more. The Urban Service Area Framework Plan will utilize text and highly
illustrative maps and graphics to communicate planning concepts and
principles. Previous discussions regarding desired future growth and
development will inform recommendations regarding the extension of
the current urban service area. Conversely, land use and development
policies will be evaluated based on an understanding of potential
barriers to service extension. Green infrastructure strategies will also be
evaluated to identify opportunities to better leverage stormwater as an
asset within future development and minimizing the volume entering the
system.
4c: Web Meeting #3 – Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources (Advisory Committee Mtg #6)
This web meeting will provide an overview of parkland and trail
network, and unique and sensitive natural resources.
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Framework Plan
The Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Framework Plan will
identify trails, environmental protection areas, open space and parkland
(passive and active), and unique and sensitive natural resources. The
Plan will incorporate the recommendations of the Park and Recreation
Master Plan (2015) and the Trails Master Plan (2018) and include
recommendations for future updates to the documents based on future
land use and development recommendations. This element will consider
riparian corridors and other water resources (such as the Mississippi
River, Lake Orono), slope characteristics, scenic views and sites, native
landscapes, wetlands, and other environmental features influencing the
City planning area. These recommendations will establish fundamental
guidelines and a framework for sensitive and appropriate development
and the protection of valued natural areas and ecological systems.
27City of Elk River, Minnesota | Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
Step 5: Comprehensive Plan Document and Adoption
Based on the previous steps in the planning process, the draft and final versions of the Comprehensive Plan document will
be presented for review and consideration as part of the adoption process.
5a: Prepare Draft Comprehensive Plan
Based on the work activities of Steps 1 through 4, a Draft
Comprehensive Plan document will be prepared for review and
consideration. The Draft Plan will be designed not only to serve as a
legal document for guiding land use, transportation, community facilities
and infrastructure, and the natural environment, but also as a guide for
establishing City policy regarding a variety of community components
that collectively improves the overall quality of life.
Based on the input received in Step 4, the draft Comprehensive Plan will
include the following chapters:
•Community Background;
•Land Use including Housing and Economic Development Framework
Plans;
•Transportation and Mobility Plan;
•Urban Service Area Plan;
•Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Plan; and
•Implementation.
5b: Implementation Strategy
An implementation strategy will be developed that identifies the lead
and supporting agencies, including City boards and commissions as well
as partner organizations, to ensure that each action has a designated
champion to ensure implementation.
The implementation strategy will include an Action Matrix that will
serve as a checklist to track implementation progress. The action
matrix will summarize the specific actions required to carry out the new
Comprehensive Plan, including recommendations regarding updates
to City ordinances including zoning and other regulations, annexation
and growth strategy, priority improvement projects and redevelopment
sites, potential funding sources and implementation techniques, as well
as general administration and follow-up to the Plan. This section will
provide metrics and other detail necessary to allow the City to track the
progress and effectiveness of the Plan and maximize its usefulness as a
tool to achieve community goals and objectives.
5c: Staff Review of Draft Comprehensive Plan
Prior to presenting the draft Plan to the Advisory Committee, the Plan
will be distributed to staff for review. The Plan will be modified based on
staff review before presentation to the Advisory Committee.
28 Comprehensive Plan Update | City of Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
5d: Advisory Committee Working Session (Advisory Committee Mtg #7)
A meeting will be conducted with the Advisory Committee to review and
reach agreement on the draft Comprehensive Plan before proceeding
to the development of the final Comprehensive Plan document.
Appropriate revisions to the draft Plan will be made based on feedback
from the Advisory Committee, and the final Comprehensive Plan will be
prepared for public hearing presentation.
5e: Community Presentation and Open House
Prior to the public hearing, a community open house will be held to
allow residents to drop in, review the draft Comprehensive Plan, and ask
questions of the members of the Project Team and City staff. The Open
House format provides an opportunity to see and learn about the City’s
new Comprehensive Plan before the adoption process begins. Open
house presentation materials and collateral will be provided so that City
staff can facilitate additional informational meetings as desired by the
Advisory Committee. Following the community open house, the final
Comprehensive Plan will be prepared for public hearing presentation the
adoption process begins.
5f: Final Comprehensive Plan to the Planning Commission (Public Hearing)
In accordance with the State’s statutory requirements, the final
Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the Planning Commission at
a public hearing. Based on review and discussion, and based on public
feedback during the public hearing, a revised final Comprehensive Plan
will be prepared for recommendation to the City Council.
5g: Final Comprehensive Plan to the City Council
The revised final Comprehensive Plan will be presented to the City
Council for consideration and adoption. Presentation materials that
incorporate any plan revisions will also be provided to City staff to
conduct any additional adoption meetings required at the municipal
level. At the conclusion of the project, all of the background data and
information compiled by the Project Team during the course of the
study will be forwarded to City staff.
5h: Interactive Web-based Plan
The planning process for Elk River will yield a traditional “long form,”
complete comprehensive plan. A PDF of the plan will allow for printing
and on-screen viewing and easy distribution, searching, and navigation.
In addition, we will leverage ArcGIS Online Storymap to create an
“app”, providing a fully interactive version of the Comprehensive
Plan. Combined with photos, text, websites, and other media, ArcGIS
Online will power interactive maps that can be queried and explored,
providing an engaging, “digital” comprehensive plan. Plan content will
be interwoven with attractive maps, visuals, and interactive content that
simplifies navigation between related, cross-referenced components of
the plan. This step will take place after the plan is adopted, as it cannot
be completed prior to adoption. Completion of this task will not be
deemed an extension of the overall project timeline even if it extends
beyond the project’s contracted timeline.
29City of Elk River, Minnesota | Comprehensive Plan Update
Prepared by Houseal Lavigne
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C{}MPRFI IFNSIVE Pt. AN LrPt)ru t
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Elected & Appointed Officials Roundtable Workshop -
August a2,7020
l. ldentif five (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
2. List, in order of importance, the three (3) most important issues discussed
thus far.
3. ldentifr three (3) specific projects or actions that you would like to see
undertaken to improve Elk River.
4. What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
August 12-13, 2020
Project Kick-Off
AGENDA
■Project Team Introduction
■What is a Comprehensive Plan?
■Review of Project Timeline & Planning Process
■Project Initiation Workshop
■Next Steps
PROJECT TEAM
HOUSEAL
LAVIGNE
We are an innovation-based urban
planning and design firm. We pride
ourselves on creativity, collaboration, and
delivery of quality. Our team approach is
built on strong relationships, the
exchange of ideas, and a commitment to
the integration of technology. Our
priorities are to do good, have fun, work
hard, and provide responsive, visionary,
and viable solutions to our clients and
partners.
PLANNING | DESIGN | ECONOMICS
Over 350 Planning Studies throughout the Country,
including Comprehensive Plans, Downtown Plans,
Corridor Plans, and Redevelopment Plans
ALL SCALES
National Experience includes Colorado. Alabama, Arkansas,
California, Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois,
Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
NATIONAL EXPERIENCE
We push ourselves constantly, challenging each other to
find better approaches and results –and we have fun
while we do it. There is an expression in our office –we
take our work very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves
too seriously.
INNOVATIVE & FUN
WHAT IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN?
WHAT IS ACOMPREHENSIVE PLAN?
■“Roadmap” for the next 10-20 years
■Policy guide for a broad range of topics
■Articulation of local aspirations
■Context for detailed decision-making in the future
■NOT regulatory, but informs decision about zoning,
development, etc.
■Dynamic document that can be updated and maintained to reflect new trends and events.
WHY IS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPORTANT?
■Common community vision
■Attract potential investors and provide fair certainty
■Aid in review of proposed development
■Coordinated “playbook” for departments and partners
■Seek grant funding
■Plan municipal capital needs
■Align regulations and policies
COMPREHENSIVE PLANADVISORY COMMITTEE (CPAC)
■Serve as a community sounding board, meeting at key
points in the process to discuss issues and overall planning
direction.
■Provide feedback throughout the planning process.
■Inform the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of
Appeals, including consideration for adoption of the final
plan.
■Provide a public face for the planning process and
demonstrate the commitment of the City to seek
meaningful input.
PLANNINGPROCESS
PROJECT TIMELINE
June 2020 –
July 2021
PLANNING PROCESSCOMPREHENSIVE PLAN
■Step 1:Project Initiation
■Step 2:Public Participation Program
■Step 3:Community Vision, Goals, and
Policies
■Step 4:City-Wide Framework Plans and
Web Meetings
■Step 5:Comprehensive Plan Document
and Adoption
Step 1: Project Initiation
a.Staff Coordination Call
b.Staff Kick-Off Meeting
c.Department Heads Meeting
d.Project Initiation Advisory Committee Meeting
e.Elected Officials Roundtable Workshop
f.Branding and Collateral
g.Existing Conditions Memorandum –
Background and Assumptions
h.Staff Review and Advisory Committee Meeting
Step 2: Public Participation Program
a.Interactive Project Website
b.map.social
c.Online Community Questionnaire
d.Key Stakeholder Interviews and
Small Focus Group Discussions (up to 12)
e.Business Focus Group
f.Community Visioning Workshop
Step 3: Community Vision, Goals, and Policies
a.Community Vision Statement and
Preliminary Goals and Policies
b.Preliminary Land Use and Development
Framework
c.Staff Review
d.Advisory Committee Working Session –
Refine Assumptions, Confirm Vision
Step 4: City-Wide Framework Plans and Web Meetings
a.Web Meeting #1 Housing and Economic
Development
–Housing Framework Plan
–Economic Development Framework Plan
b.Web Meeting #2 Transportation, Community
Facilities, and Infrastructure
–Transportation and Mobility Framework Plan
–Urban Service Area Framework Plan
c.Web Meeting #3 Parks, Open Space, and
Natural Resources
–Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Framework Plan
Step 5: Comprehensive Plan Document and Adoption
a.Prepare Draft Comprehensive Plan
b.Implementation Strategy
c.Staff Review of Draft Comprehensive Plan
d.Advisory Committee Working Session
e.Community Presentation and Open House
f.Final Comprehensive Plan to the Planning
Commission (Public Hearing)
g.Final Comprehensive Plan to the City Council
h.Interactive Web-Based Plan
PROJECT INITIATION WORKSHOP
WORKSHOPEXERCISE
■Identify five top (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
■List, in order of importance, the three (3) most
important issues discussed thus far.
■Identify three (3) specific projects or actions that you
would like to see undertaken to improve Elk River.
■What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
WORKSHOPEXERCISE
■Identify five top (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
■List, in order of importance, the three (3) most
important issues discussed thus far.
■Identify three (3) specific projects or actions that you
would like to see undertaken to improve Elk River.
■What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
WORKSHOPEXERCISE
■Identify five top (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
■List, in order of importance, the three (3) most
important issues discussed thus far.
■Identify three (3) specific projects or actions that you
would like to see undertaken to improve Elk River.
■What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
WORKSHOPEXERCISE
■Identify five top (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
■List, in order of importance, the three (3) most
important issues discussed thus far.
■Identify three (3) specific projects or actions that you
would like to see undertaken to improve Elk River.
■What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
WORKSHOPEXERCISE
■Identify five top (5) issues or concerns facing Elk River.
■List, in order of importance, the three (3) most
important issues discussed thus far.
■Identify three (3) specific projects or actions that you
would like to see undertaken to improve Elk River.
■What are the primary strengths and assets of Elk River?
NEXT STEPS
During This Trip NEXT STEPS
■Business Focus Group
■Key Stakeholder Interviews and Small Focus Group
Discussions
■Field Reconnaissance
NEXT STEPS
■Existing Conditions Memorandum
■Staff Review and Advisory Committee Meeting
■Community Visioning Workshop