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Land Use Policies <br />Setting the Stage <br />The Twin Cities metropolitan area is a thriving region of interconnected places with a shared <br />future. The Council intends to be a good steward of the region's assets, and to capitalize upon <br />them in our efforts toward prosperity, equity, livability, and sustainability. Among those assets <br />are a diversified economy and numerous educational institutions; healthy downtown and <br />suburban business centers; a vibrant arts and cultural community; abundant open space and <br />natural resources; and a diversity of urban, suburban, and rural communities. <br />Over the last 40 years, the region has made significant investments in the regional systems of <br />parks and trails, transportation, and wastewater collection and treatment that support the built <br />environment we have today. Today, however, new issues are pressing on our development <br />choices. Because of fiscal, environmental, and political forces at all levels of government, the <br />region is moving from a period of infrastructure expansion to one of maintenance, strategic <br />investments, and getting more out of what we already have. <br />In 2007, the Legislature passed a law calling for a 15 percent reduction in the state's <br />greenhouse gas emissions by 2015, and 30 percent reduction by 2025.9 As a part of achieving <br />these goals, the region will need to address our transportation and land use patterns. <br />As a result of demographic and market changes, investment and intensification is occurring in <br />the urbanized area; and though more slowly than in decades past, suburban communities on <br />the edge are filling in. More communities are taking on the challenges and opportunities related <br />to reuse, infill, and redevelopment; development along mixed use corridors; and the creation of <br />walkable districts centered around transit. <br />The land use policies set forth in this section balance both urban and rural qualities to create the <br />most viable atmosphere for a successful metropolitan community. The goal is to achieve a <br />prosperous future for everyone in a region that is equitable, livable, and sustainable. The vision <br />within Thrive can only succeed through local and regional partnerships. Regional perspective <br />does not displace local efforts, it depends on them. It is this integrated focus on which Thrive <br />relies. The land use policies in this chapter are intended to support the Thrive vision, to <br />maximize opportunities, achieve growth, and strengthen the region's economic competitiveness. <br />Community <br />Roles <br />for each <br />land use policy <br />Community <br />Roles <br />by community <br />designation <br />E <br />� 1 <br />Requirements <br />from system and <br />policy plans <br />Community <br />responsibility <br />} <br />Policy language that applies to a community is located in several places. System Statements, which will be <br />issued in late 2015, will provide individualized guidance to help communities update their comprehensive plans. <br />9 Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. <br />DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT <br />Last revised: February 21, 2014 62 <br />