Planning Assistance Grant - Shoreview Comprehensive Plan
To adopt Resolution 26-79, identifying the need for funding to complete the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update and authorizing an application for $40,000 in planning assistance grant funds. The City Council also authorizes staff to pursue the available Early Plan Completion and/or Advancing Regional Goals incentive grants if it is determined that the applicable requirements can reasonably be incorporated into the City's comprehensive planning process.
The Metropolitan Council is offering Planning Assistance Grants to eligible communities to provide financial assistance for the required update of local comprehensive plans. The grants are intended to help offset the significant time, resources, and expertise required of communities to complete their 2050 Comprehensive Plan updates.
The City of Shoreview is eligible for a base grant award of $40,000. The grant is non-competitive, meaning all eligible communities that submit a complete application by the November 6, 2026, deadline will receive the base-level funding. Staff is requesting City Council adoption of Resolution 26-79, as well as authorization to apply for the Planning Assistance Grant and, if awarded, authorize execution of the associated grant agreement.
Minnesota Statutes Section 473.864 requires communities in the metropolitan area to review and update their comprehensive plans as part of the decennial planning process. Shoreview is currently preparing for its 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, which will provide an opportunity to evaluate the City's long-term vision, policies, and priorities related to land use, housing, transportation, parks and trails, natural systems, climate, economic development, and other community needs.
The Metropolitan Council adopted eligibility criteria and maximum grant amounts for the Planning Assistance Grant program on December 17, 2025. Shoreview qualifies as one of 60 sewered communities eligible to receive the $40,000 base grant. In addition to the base funding, eligible communities may pursue two incentive grants:
These incentives provide an opportunity for Shoreview to receive up to an additional $14,000 in grant funding if the City meets the applicable requirements. Staff will evaluate the requirements for each incentive and determine whether it is appropriate for the City to pursue them as part of the comprehensive planning process.
The grant funding would help offset costs associated with the City's 2050 Comprehensive Plan update and support the City's ongoing planning efforts. Because the grant is non-competitive, there is no disadvantage to applying, provided the City submits a complete application
Staff recommends that the City Council Resolution 26-79, authorizing the City to apply for $40,000 in Metropolitan Council Planning Assistance Grant funds to support the City's 2050 Comprehensive Plan update.
Staff further recommends Council authorization to pursue the available Early Plan Completion and/or Advancing Regional Goals incentive grants if it is determined that the applicable requirements can reasonably be incorporated into the City's comprehensive planning process.