City staff requests authorization to submit an application to the Metropolitan Council for a Planning Assistance Grant of $40,000 to go towards the costs incurred by the City in creating and drafting the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. 

Planning assistance grants are non-competitive grants offered by the Metropolitan Council to support 2050 Comprehensive Plan updates. All eligible communities who submit a complete application by Nov. 6, 2026, will be awarded a grant at the base award levels. As a sewered community, the City of Corcoran is eligible for a base award level of $40,000.

In addition to the base-level funding, grantee communities are eligible for two opt-in incentive grants: an Early Plan Completion incentive of $4,000 and an Advancing Regional Goals incentive of $10,000. Further details on these incentives are discussed in the attached 2026 Local Planning Assistance Grant Guide. All eligible applicants are automatically eligible for these awards when they apply for their Planning Assistance Grant. There is no further action required at the time of application to be considered for this incentive funding.  

The 2050 Comprehensive Plan is anticipated to be paid for out of the City's Long Term Planning fund. This grant will reduce reliance on this fund by at least $40,000. Staff is in the process of development of a detailed work plan and budget in the coming weeks for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

Staff recommends approval of Resolution 2026-66 authorizing staff to submit and execute a grant application and agreement to the Metropolitan Council.