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INTRODUCTION "Communities and regions of Minnesota are blessed with a rich heritage and a promising future. However, as pressure for - change mounts and the signs of age increase, they must seek out new opportunities to achieve their greatest potential, correct existing problems, and preserve the important values of their past. Planning is the best available method for accomplishing this threefold task." (Introduction, Comprehensive Planning, Minnesota State Planning Agency, January 1976) Prior to 1976, local comprehensive planning efforts were the result of local initiative. In 1976, however, the Minnesota State Legislature passed the Metropolitan Land Planning Act (MLPA) which required all municipalities in the Twin Cities to prepare new or revise existing Comprehensive Plans. The MLPA was an expression of concern by the legis- lature that problems of urbanization and development transcend local governmental boundaries. To address these concerns the Comprehensive Plan should include a uniform and complete description of present and projected conditions to assure that municipal and regional growth will be harmonious. The plan would thus be not simply a catalog of zoning ordin- ances or other legal tools, but rather an overall vision of the future based on existing uses, values, and trends projected towards common goals, and achievable through a variety of prescribed programs, laws, and fiscal strategies. It is to become a framework through which all community growth can be directed to reach their desired ends. Since each community will be required to review the plans of adjacent communities, responses will hopefully minimize conflicts and maximize mutual benefits. Each Comprehensive Plan is to be divided into 3 sections - Land Use, Public Facilities, and an Implementation Program. The following summarizes the elements of each section.