Stillwater Township's Comprehensive Plan for 2050

The Metropolitan Council sets specific "elements" that a comprehensive plan MUST contain. These required elements ensure consistency and regional coordination across all municipalities in the metro area.

Once these required elements are established, it is the responsibility of Stillwater Township to craft a plan that meets those requirements while also addressing the specific needs and characteristics of our community.

A comprehensive plan can be written in various ways. Stillwater Township is using a collaborative approach, tasking the Planning Commission along with the Town Planner (TKDA) to help draft the township's comprehensive plan. This method allows for thoughtful review, community input, and professional guidance throughout the planning process.

The comprehensive plan is being developed through a partnership between:

• Stillwater Township Planning Commission: The Planning Commission provides local knowledge, reviews plan sections, and ensures the plan reflects community values and priorities.
• TKDA (Town Planner): Professional planning consultants who bring technical expertise, best practices, and guidance on meeting Metropolitan Council requirements.

This collaborative approach combines professional planning expertise with local knowledge and community input to create a comprehensive plan that is both compliant with regional requirements and reflective of Stillwater Township's unique character and needs.

Public engagement and contribution are core components of this process. 

This is your community, and your voice matters. Some sections of the comprehensive plan are more routine, while other sections may require significant updating based on changes in our community and new opportunities for the future. This page will keep you informed about which sections the Planning Commission is currently reviewing.

Ways to Participate:

• Attend Planning Commission Meetings: The Planning Commission reviews sections of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for updating monthly at their regularly scheduled meetings. All meetings are open to the public, and community input is welcomed.
• Meet Us at Town Events: Planning Commission members will be present at various town events to collect sign-ups, answer questions, and notify the public about what's happening with the comprehensive plan.
• Submit Written Comments: If you have questions, feedback, or input at any time, please contact the Clerk Department. Your participation helps ensure the plan reflects the township's vision for the future. 

The Comprehensive Plan will be drafted in sections. The outline below reflects the current project schedule and the topics the Planning Commission will review along the way. This schedule is subject to change. Check back here for the most up-to-date information as the process moves forward.

Data Collection & Review (June – August 2026 | In Progress)

• The Planning Commission is reviewing Stillwater Township's existing studies, plans, and data
• This background work shapes what topics the 2050 plan will focus on

Planning Commission Chapter Reviews (August 2026 – November 2027 )

The Planning Commission will review each chapter of the draft plan on the following schedule:

Plan Adoption (November 2027 – June 2028 | Upcoming)

• Neighboring municipalities review the draft plan
• Public hearing and formal adoption by the Town Board
• Plan submitted to and authorized by the Metropolitan Council

The Imagine 2050 Comprehensive Plan must be completed and adopted by December 2028. Check back here for event announcements and ways to get involved.

The following resources are available to help you learn more about the comprehensive planning process and review key documents:

Comprehensive Plan 2040

Review Stillwater Township's current comprehensive plan to understand existing policies and direction. 

View 2040 Plan

Met Council Handbook

Official guidance and requirements from the Metropolitan Council for comprehensive planning. 

View Handbook

Imagine 2050 Elements & Roadmap

Required elements set for the comprehensive plan from the Metropolitan Council. 

View Imagine 2050