8.1 SR 02-07-2022Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 8.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business February 7, 2022 Zack Carlton, Planning Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Resolution: Local Decision-Making Authority Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Adopt, by motion, a resolution supporting local decision making for housing and zoning decisions.
Background
Housing industry groups have been lobbying state legislators to introduce bills aimed at limiting city land use tools
such as zoning and planned use developments. These groups claim, incorrectly, that these basic regulatory functions
are prohibiting the building of more affordable housing stock, when market factors such as labor costs, land, and
materials selection and cost are creating the challenges we see in the market today.
The attached resolution requests the legislature preserve local zoning and housing authority and keep the existing
tools in place which provide cities the opportunity to develop policies that support the unique aspects of their
community rather than following mandates from the state.
Financial Impact
None
Mission/Policy/Goal
Support the growth and development in accordance with the goals of Elk River residents and the elected and
appointed officials.
Attachments
Resolution
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020
City of Elk River
City Council
Resolution 22-____
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Supporting Housing
and Local Decision-Making Authority
WHEREAS, local elected decision-makers are in the best position to determine the health,
safety, and welfare regulations that best serve the unique needs of their constituents; and
WHEREAS, zoning regulation is an important planning tool that benefits communities
economically and socially, improves health and wellness, and helps conserve the
environment; and
WHEREAS, local zoning regulation allows communities to plan for the use of land
transparently, involving residents through public engagement; and
WHEREAS, cities across the state are keenly aware of the distinct housing challenges
facing their communities and they target those local housing challenges with available tools;
and
WHEREAS, multiple bills restricting local decision-making related to housing have been
introduced in the 2021-2022 biennium.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, supports local decision-making authority and opposes legislation that
restricts the ability for local elected officials to respond to the needs of their communities.
LET IT ALSO BE RESOLVED that this Council supports housing policy that advances
solutions to support full housing spectrum solutions, local innovation, incentives instead of
mandates, and community-specific solutions throughout Minnesota.
Passed and adopted this 7th day of February 2022.
John J. Dietz, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk