What is the Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is the blueprint for the growth and development of Albert Lea. The Plan contains a community vision for the future with goals, policies and strategies for reaching the vision.  The Comprehensive Plan guides decisions of the City Council and Planning Commission in all aspects of community development.  The Comprehensive Plan serves as a tool for City Staff in operation of municipal government.

The form of the Comprehensive Plan will be determined by the needs of Albert Lea.  It is anticipated that the Comprehensive Plan will address:

  • Vision for the future
  • Areas for future residential, commercial and industrial growth
  • Redevelopment needs in downtown, along major corridors and key community nodes
  • Protection of lakes, wetlands, trees and other natural resources
  • Types and densities of residential land uses
  • Land consumption based on the pace and form of development
  • Preservation and use of historic structures
  • Location of parks, trails and recreational facilities
  • Location of other public facilities
  • Transportation corridors
  • Municipal utilities

Why is the Comprehensive Plan important?
As the guide for community development, the Comprehensive Plan influences many other decisions.  The updated Comprehensive Plan will:

  • Lead to potential modifications of the zoning ordinance and other land use controls
  • Influence the form, pace and location of new development
  • Promote the maintenance and enhancement of existing neighborhoods and commercial districts
  • Determine approaches for protecting natural resources and open spaces
  • Guide City investments in road, utilities and parks.
  • Determine the need for City roles in economic development, redevelopment and housing
  • Influence future enrollments for Albert Lea schools.

 
How is the Plan being updated?
The City Council has appointed a “Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee” to direct the planning process.  The Steering Committee will ensure that a wide range of perspectives are included in the planning process.

The City has retained professional planning consultants to assist with this undertaking.  Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. will work with the Steering Committee, City Staff and the public to prepare the Plan. You may learn more about Hoisington Koegler Group at www.hkgi.com. 

The “public” is an active and vital part of the planning process.  The more we learn from you, the better the Plan becomes.  What makes Albert Lea a special place?  What are the critical issues facing our community?  What should Albert Lea be like in 20 years?  We need your help to answer these questions. 

The planning process begins with a public workshop designed specifically to obtain community guidance on the future of Albert Lea.  More meetings will follow later in the process.  These meetings will be lead by planners from Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. and members of the Steering Committee.  The meetings will be interesting and even fun!  Each meeting will cover different topics, so plan to attend both sessions.

How can I be involved?
It is easy to be involved in the planning process.  Here are three suggestions:

Attend the public workshops.  The Comprehensive Plan meetings are designed to be fun, interesting and interactive.  The input received at these meetings help guide decisions about the Plan.

Watch the City website.  This website www.city.albertlea.org will be used to share information produced by the planning process.  Information on all public meetings related to the Comprehensive Plan will be posted here.  Bookmark this page and check back periodically.

Contact Us.  Contact the Albert Lea Planning Department, a Steering Committee member or our consultants.