DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Approval Of 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Approve the Planning Commission Work Plan for 2026.
SUMMARY
Dakota County Ordinance No. 118 establishes the powers and duties of the Planning Commission to make recommendations on plans, policies, and programs as directed by the County board. County Policy No. 1015 provides direction regarding citizen advisory committees and states that the Planning Commission is required to consult annually with the County Board to seek concurrence regarding the topics they will study or on which they will advise the County Board. The County Board has identified the following topics for 2026 (Attachment: Draft 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan):
Plans and studies in progress in 2025
• Mississippi River Greenway Long-Range Plan
• Parks Natural System Plan
• Parks Greenway Plan Update
• Spring Lake Park Reserve Cultural Landscape Management Plan
New plans and studies for 2026
• 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update
• Parks Visitor Services Plan Update
It is anticipated that the Planning Commission will need to meet approximately six times in 2026 to fulfill their advisory responsibilities, meeting every other month throughout the year.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Approve the Planning Commission Work Plan for 2026.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None.
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☒ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
Holding three to four fewer Planning Commission meetings in 2026 will save the County approximately $1,200 - $1,600 in typical annual per diem expenditures.
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County Ordinance No. 118 establishes the powers and duties of the Planning Commission to make recommendations on plans, policies, and programs, as directed by the County Board; and
WHEREAS, County Policy No. 1015 provides direction regarding citizen advisory committees and states that the Planning Commission is required to consult annually with the County Board to seek concurrence regarding the topics they will study or on which they will advise the County Board; and
WHEREAS, the County Board has identified topics for 2026, including the preparation of plans for natural resources, parks, greenways, and transportation; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission’s 2026 Work Plan is consistent with County Board projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the Planning Commission’s 2026 Work Plan as presented to the Physical Development Committee of the Whole on December 2, 2025.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft 2026 Planning Commission Work Plan
Attachment: Presentation Slides
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: Kurt Chatfield