Apple Valley Seeks Community Input as Work Begins on 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Published: September 25, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - The City of Apple Valley is asking residents, businesses, and other community members to weigh in on the city’s future as officials begin work on a new long-range comprehensive plan to guide development, housing, infrastructure, and other priorities through 2050.
The city is in the first phase of its 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update, a multi-year planning process that will set goals and priorities for how Apple Valley grows and develops over the next two decades. City officials say community input will play a significant role in developing the plan and have scheduled several opportunities for residents to participate this fall.
State law requires local governments in the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area to complete comprehensive plans. The Metropolitan Council reviews the plans to ensure they conform with regional system plans, are consistent with adopted policy plans and are compatible with neighboring and affected jurisdictions. Updated comprehensive plans for the current planning cycle are due to the Metropolitan Council by Dec. 31, 2028.
Community Workshop Scheduled for September 29th
One of Apple Valley's primary public engagement opportunities will be a community workshop from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 29th, at the Apple Valley Municipal Center, 7100 147th Street W. According to information presented by the city, the workshop is designed so residents can attend at a time that works for them during the two-hour window rather than having to be present for the entire event.
City officials are encouraging residents to participate early in the planning process and remain involved as the plan develops.
“We want people to engage early and stay engaged,” city staff told the Apple Valley City Council while discussing the upcoming opportunities.
The city has already begun gathering feedback. City officials held an initial engagement event during the Apple Valley Farmers Market on August 22nd, and said the feedback gathered there will help inform the planning process.
Additional Opportunities for Residents
City staff will also be present at several upcoming community events where residents can learn about the comprehensive plan and provide feedback.
That includes the Kelley Park Grand Opening Festival this Saturday, September 26th. The city says the festival itself will run from noon to 7:30 p.m. at Kelley Park.
Additional comprehensive-plan outreach is planned during Apple Valley's Fire Prevention Week open houses. According to information presented by the city, staff will be available during the October 6th open house at Fire Station 1, 1500 Hayes Road, and the October 7th open house at Fire Station 2, 13995 Galaxie Avenue. Both events run from 6 to 8 p.m. The city's Fire Prevention Week activities continue October 8th at Fire Station 3.
Online Survey Open Through October 14th
Residents who cannot attend an in-person event can participate through a brief online survey.
The survey will gather community perspectives as the city identifies issues and opportunities and develops initial goals for the 2050 plan. The survey deadline is Wednesday, October 14th.
Residents can also sign up for project email updates to receive information about future engagement opportunities and the plan's progress.
Apple Valley 2050 Comprehensive Plan information and survey
What Is the 2050 Comprehensive Plan?
A comprehensive plan serves as a long-term framework for decisions about how a community grows and changes. According to the Metropolitan Council, plans address subjects including land development and redevelopment, housing, roads and sewer infrastructure, natural resources and other community objectives. Once a plan has gone through the review process, cities can implement it through zoning regulations, capital improvements and other local actions.
Apple Valley describes its update as a process guided by community input and technical analysis, with the final plan setting goals and priorities for development, infrastructure, housing, and other areas.
The city's process is divided into three phases extending into 2028.
Phase 1, “Identify Opportunities,” runs from summer through fall 2026. During this stage, the city will identify community issues and opportunities and develop goals for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
Phase 2, “Develop Strategies,” is scheduled from fall 2026 through summer 2027. The city will refine the plan by identifying key themes, priorities, and strategies intended to guide future decisions.
Phase 3, “Build & Activate the Plan,” will run from fall 2027 through fall 2028. During the final phase, the city will finalize the comprehensive plan and share the results with the community.
Provided by the City of Apple Valley.
Before submitting the final update to the Metropolitan Council, local governments must hold a public hearing, obtain approval from their governing body, and give neighboring and affected jurisdictions an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed plan.
For questions about Apple Valley's comprehensive plan update, the city lists City Planner Terri Dill as the project contact.
With the first phase now underway, city officials are emphasizing that the current engagement period is an opportunity for community members to influence the goals and priorities that will shape the more detailed planning work to come.
Written by: Will Wight
