An official website of the Metropolitan Council

How was imagine 2050 created?

Imagine 2050 includes policies that impact every resident in the Twin Cities region. That’s why we used a carefully constructed, collaborative strategy to create it.  

The previous regional development guide, Thrive MSP 2040, served as the foundation for Imagine 2050. From there, we used census data to forecast where to expect growth over the next 30 years and went to work researching, compiling data, and partnering with colleagues before crafting the policies and action plans that define Imagine 2050. Then, we reached out to key stakeholders for valuable insight and feedback on the key issues, challenges, and possibilities we’ll face together.   

Community engagement

From elected officials and city planners to business leaders and community advocates to your friends and neighbors, the Met Council sought feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to build a better, brighter future for everyone.

Local experts. We created the core vision, values, and goals for Imagine 2050. Then, we asked knowledgeable, insightful experts to put the best ideas into action. Even better, we continue to partner with them to promote and implement Imagine 2050 policies, including in the comprehensive plans for the 181 cities and townships in the region. 

  • Local, regional, and state government officials
  • Business leaders
  • Nonprofit leaders
  • Community advocates

At left, Met Council Member Deb Barber talks with community leaders from Shakopee-based Mi C.A.S.A.

Residents. Imagine 2050 is designed to improve everyday life for Twin Cities residents. So, we needed to hear what’s most important for the people who live and work here. Not only did we encourage feedback on our public policy drafts, we engaged with community organizations, groups, and residents like never before in a wide range of venues:

  • Workshops (nearly 500 participants in 26 workshops)
  • Artwork on transit and in regional parks
  • Interactive displays at community events
  • Public forums

At right, Artist Will Siasoco (left) designed a large poster (right) on which he encouraged people to draw what housing looks like to them.

Learn more about our Community Engagement work

Read our Community-centered Engagement Framework

Read our Community-centered Engagement Commitments 

Public Comment period

Before Imagine 2050 was adopted, the Met Council hosted a public-comment period for drafts of the guide. We invited the public to share feedback through a wide range of channels – including letters, community gatherings, and an interactive engagement website. 

More than 500 people and organizations sent more than 1,200 comments. We compiled every comment into a comprehensive report for policymakers for each policy and system plan chapter. Those public comments helped shape the policies in the guide when Imagine 2050 was adopted in February 2025. 

Read the Policy Plans