Infrastructure and landscape factors that influence planning choices

As part of the long-range planning process, a number of land use and infrastructure features were identified as important variables that play an integral role in long-range planning. Many of these variables are factors in different parts of the long-range planning process, including factoring into localizing the regional population and employment forecasts, transportation planning within jurisdictions, water planning, housing planning, and others. Local governments may also find these data sources important as they commence their future land use planning and in determining the most optimal location for various uses within their communities.  

These factors include considerations across water supply, climate and natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and economic development and employment. As local governments dive into local planning processes, there may be additional localized features that also influence their planning decision-making. 

Water considerations

• Metropolitan Region Water Supply Planning Atlas
• Source water protection and pollution prevention
• Drinking Water Supply Management Area and vulnerability ratings
• Wellhead Protection Area and Emergency Response Area  
• MPCA Groundwater Contamination Atlas  
• County geologic atlases 
• Minnesota Hydrogeology Atlas (MHA)
• Groundwater infiltration
• Wastewater Service Area – regional and local, including the Long-Term Sewer Service Area 

Climate and Natural Resources 

• Regionally significant ecological areas  
• Extreme heat  
• Localized flooding  
• Tree canopy  
• Prime agricultural soils
• Aggregate resources 

Transportation and Infrastructure  

• Transitways  
• Existing and planned station areas  
• Freight terminals and related infrastructure

Economic Development and Employment Centers 

• Job concentrations  
• Manufacturing/distribution locations  
• Educational institutions  
• Housing affordability  
• Redevelopment opportunities

The Local Planning Handbook will provide datasets, tools, and resources to aid local governments as they conduct their local comprehensive planning processes.