Sauk Centre 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update – MN

SRF partnered with the City of Sauk Centre to update its Comprehensive Plan in alignment with the community’s long-term vision and evolving growth needs. The updated plan focused on improving readability of the plan, expanding community input, and aligning land use and transportation priorities with projected population and employment trends through 2040.

Community-Driven Planning Process

Public engagement was central to the plan’s development. SRF coordinated a high-visibility pop-up event during Sinclair Lewis Days to collect feedback on growth priorities and development types. An online survey, promoted through partnerships with local schools, received more than 400 responses, representing over 10% of the city’s population. Insights from residents, including high school students, helped shape the future land use and quality-of-life recommendations.

Growth Forecasting and Land Use Alternatives

Using population and employment projections, SRF identified the range of future land demand in Sauk Centre. This guided decisions about how much land to include in the updated future land use plan. While the designated growth areas exceed forecasted demand, they provide the flexibility to accommodate various development types while protecting sensitive natural features like wetlands and woodlands.

The team developed multiple land use alternatives and gathered feedback from a planning task force and the public before selecting a preferred approach. Alternatives considered downtown improvements along US Highway 71/Main Street, traffic calming strategies, and opportunities for enhanced walkability and economic vitality.

Transportation and Trail Planning

SRF also explored long-term transportation concepts, including a potential truck bypass, and gathered input on future trail connections and alignments to improve access across the city. The final plan incorporates MnDOT-programmed roadway improvements and prioritizes safe, multimodal options for residents.

Resource Links:
City of Sauk Centre
MnDOT

Internal Categories:
Community & Transportation Planning
Traffic & Technology
Parks, Trails & Recreation

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Minneapolis, MN