Community-Based Planning in Minnesota

In Minnesota, interest in planning has steadily increased thanks to a state-level statutory scheme and grant program. Using the new law, the Community-Based Planning Act of 1997, and a series of direct grants, several regional development organizations are participating in state-funded pilot projects designed to showcase the benefits of community-based planning.

The state of Minnesota has not provided funding for its regional development commissions (RDCs) to conduct planning since 1982. Accordingly, during the 1980s and 1990s, communities interested in planning enjoyed very little guidance or input from the state. If plans were drawn, they could contain some, all or none of the elements (transportation, environmental impact, housing, infrastructure needs) traditionally found in comprehensive plans. By the mid-1990s, it became apparent that many communities had no plans or outdated plans, and that regional perspectives were lacking.

According to the 2000 NADO Research Foundation survey of regional development organizations, 84 percent administer one or more Economic Development Administration programs, including planning grants, technical assistance, public works, economic adjustment, revolving loan funds and others.

Two key funding sources have been used to promote planning. Communities can apply for planning assistance under the 1997 act, which encourages communities to plan using sustainable development principles. Although a community’s participation is voluntary, some enforcement mechanisms are present; once a community accepts the funds and produces a plan, it is bound to follow it in the future. A second important funding source is $50,000 planning and technology grants made to the RDCs by Minnesota Planning. Regions have been able to use these funds to assist communities in developing plans through traditional methods or by applying geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) technologies.

Wes Judkins of Region Nine Development Commission, an EDA district, has a long history in Minnesota planning and is glad to see investments from the state. In Region Nine, communities contribute two-thirds of the contract price for preparation of a plan, while the region supplies one-third from the grant. Commenting upon the absolute necessity of planning, he said, “Planning is hard to understand from the outside at a comprehensive level, so it helps to look at components. Also, planning is essential for communities because it is the first step in so many other important government functions: budgeting, land use and conservation, zoning, and infrastructure improvements, to name a few.”

Aaron Reeves at the Southwest Minnesota RDC (SRDC), another EDA district, has partnered with Nobles County in the southwestern corner of Minnesota to create a plan for the county based on input from 20 townships and 11 cities. Clint Sires, a planner with SRDC, reports that the planning process is much more complex than is commonly realized. Initial steps include identifying stakeholders who should be at the table and finding times and locations for a series of meetings. At the meetings, needs, assets and desires for the community are discussed and catalogued. Multiply this effort by approximately 30 communities, and it is apparent that the need for continuous and ample funding for planning staff and resources is crucial.

Minnesota planners are also making use of the latest technology. Paul Michaelson, director of the Upper Minnesota Valley RDC, an EDA district, received a $125,000 technology state grant after starting a pilot project. The region had a great deal of discretion in how to use the funds, but chose to purchase a GIS plotter, digitizing table, GPS unit and other related hardware and software, and can now print maps up to three feet in width. Michaelson said the state technology grants are a response to the realization that state agencies have detailed information that local communities need, and that GIS maps are an excellent way to store multiple layers of data. This five-county, 37-community region will soon complete parcel-based mapping of all the unincorporated areas and most major cities.

By Laura Marshall, NADO Legislative Representative

For more information, contact Wes Judkins of Region Nine Development Commission at (507) 387-5643, by email at wes@rndc.mankato.mn.us or at www.rndc.org; Aaron Reeves of SRDC at (507) 836-8547 or by email at srdc@rconnect.com ; Paul Michaelson of Upper Minnesota Valley RDC at (320) 289-1981, by email at umvrdc@umvrdc.org or at www.umvrdc.org.

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