Regional Planning Process

The Metropolitan Council’s work originates from the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (§473). This law guides our work to ensure coordinated, equitable, and sustainable growth across the seven-county region. There are several responsibilities outlined in statute that the Council must fulfill, including:

• Develop a Regional Development Guide for the metropolitan area.
• Adopt long-range comprehensive system plans for transportation, wastewater treatment, parks, and water resources.
• Address regional water supply needs.
• Review comprehensive plans of local governmental units.
• Provide services for and assistance with comprehensive community planning.

All incorporated cities, counties, and townships within the seven-county metropolitan region must prepare a comprehensive plan and update that plan every 10 years. The regional planning process begins after the U.S. decennial census, using updated forecasts and local plans to inform the region’s long-term vision.

Regional Development Guide - Imagine 2050

Imagine 2050 is the Metropolitan Council’s regional development guide, shaped by input from experts, local officials, advocates, and residents across the Twin Cities region. Imagine 2050 is guided by a set of core values that shape the Met Council’s work, partnerships, and policies. These values—equity, leadership, accountability, and stewardship—reflect a commitment to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient region that supports all communities now and in the future.

Systems and Policy Plans

There are system and policy plans for transportation, water, parks, and housing that support Imagine 2050 and other Met Council efforts. These System Plans lay out needs and opportunities with respect to Council’s services, provide guidance in managing systems, and specify fiscal implications of these policies. They also provide the framework for your local comprehensive plans and guide regional investments. You can find more information about them here.

System Statements

2050 System Statements coming September 19th 2025

System Statements are individualized documents informing each community on how it is affected by the Metropolitan Council’s policy plans for regional systems – transportation, aviation, water resources, and regional parks and open space. As required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act, they are intended to help communities review and, if necessary, amend the comprehensive plan within three years of receiving the system statement. View your Community Page for more information about system statements and comprehensive plan amendments.  

Local Comprehensive Planning

Your local comprehensive plan should reflect your community’s unique needs while aligning with Imagine 2050’s regional goals. Law requires local plans to address specific topics, which are organized in the Local Planning Handbook as Plan Elements.

Sector Representatives

Sector representatives are experienced planners who provide professional planning and technical assistance on an ongoing and as requested basis to Met Council members and local governments.