HomeMy WebLinkAbout2040 Chapter 02 - Goals & PoliciesCity of Prior Lake Goals & Policies
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 10
CHAPTER 2, GOALS & POLICIES
2.1 Introduction The Comprehensive Plan provides an overview of Prior Lake, including historical context,
population, housing, employment trends and forecasts, existing and future land use, transportation infrastructure, water resources, parks and open space, natural features,
and public facilities. The Plan also includes goals and policies for the future of the City and
proposes an implementation plan to meet these goals and objectives.
2.2 Goals and Policies The goals, objectives and policies guide public and private land use development,
redevelopment and preservation of all lands and waters within the City. These elements
have been developed in conjunction with the City’s tradition of planning and in response to the statutory requirements under the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (MLPA).
The following five overarching goals for the City of Prior Lake guided the preparation of this Comprehensive Plan update.
Maintain and promote safe, sound, and connected land use: Prior Lake enjoys a
balanced and well-planned mix of retail, entertainment, office, light industrial, high-
tech, light manufacturing and service business opportunities. This enhances the quality of life for residents by providing diverse employment opportunities close to
home. The City also values and is well-known for its recreational opportunities,
including integrated trails connecting parks, lakes, neighborhoods, and points of interest throughout the City. Connections between these essential community features
and functions are driven by sound, intentional land use policies.
Pursue partnerships to ensure reliability, quality, access and options: The City
has a reputation for positive working partnerships with the Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux Community, the Prior Lake-Savage Area School District, other cities and townships, Scott County, businesses and several community organizations.
Throughout all these partnerships, the City strives to create cooperative ventures that benefit all partners and the communities they serve.
Continue thoughtful use of all city and community resources and processes: The City of Prior Lake maintains a strong financial position, providing quality services
to residents while maximizing the value of resources. Ethical, transparent government
is emphasized, and citizen input is encouraged through interactive communications on all levels to identify problems and develop mutually acceptable solutions. Periodic
review of programs and services is part of the City’s commitment to efficient and
responsible use of valuable community resources.
Create a desirable place to live, work and play by providing economic and social opportunities in a safe and healthy environment: The City of Prior Lake has something to offer everyone. The City has a thriving downtown and a small town feel
with all the amenities of a vibrant suburb. Residential neighborhoods are designed to offer a variety of homes, meeting housing needs for all ages and lifestyles, reflecting
City of Prior Lake Goals & Policies
2040 Comprehensive Plan Page 11
the region’s diverse population. The City aspires to maintain its recreation-orientated community and strong neighborhoods to ensure the sense of community residents
have come to know and value is preserved as the City grows and develops in the years
to come. By providing several economic and small business opportunities and developing partnerships with other organizations, the City aims to help all residents
discover and enhance their individual skills and talents, further enhancing the
community and character of Prior Lake.
Encourage proactive behaviors and policies to ensure stable, safe, and efficient community: Proactive, intentional action is one way to ensure growth and development occurs in safe and desirable ways while ensuring the competitiveness of
the City within the region. To preserve community vitality, resources are prioritized toward aesthetics and the maintenance and replacement of infrastructure. Community identity is maintained by celebrating and promoting volunteerism, civic duty, and
community pride.
2.3 Purpose of the Plan
This Comprehensive Plan addresses the requirements of the Metropolitan Land Planning
Act: Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.859. The plan is intended to guide future land use
development, redevelopment, and other planning and policy concerns for the City of Prior Lake.
2.4 Regional Setting
Prior Lake is an 18.3 square mile developing suburb located about 26 miles southwest of
downtown Minneapolis in Scott County, Minnesota. Major roadways in the City include State Highway 13, County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 21, CSAH 42, and CSAH 83.
The Metropolitan Council has designated Prior Lake as an Emerging Suburban Edge community in the Metropolitan Area. Emerging Suburban Edge is defined as an area
beginning to transition toward urbanized development, but less than 40% developed. These areas are generally characterized by low-density residential development, but often
include higher density commercial development in a small downtown or retail/service
center. Communities with this designation have access to regional wastewater, transportation, and parks systems. These communities also have their own public water
supply, as well as local transportation and park systems. Incorporating natural resource
preservation in greenfield development presents both a challenge and opportunity in Emerging Suburban Edge communities.
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Figure 2.1: Community Designation