By Emma Nelson
Stillwater is beginning a major planning process: updating its Comprehensive Plan for 2050. This multi-decade roadmap will guide decisions about everything from housing and transportation to parks and land use for the next several years. Its aim is to align city goals with new realities—and your input will help shape it.
What’s the Comprehensive Plan?
State law requires cities like Stillwater to craft and update long-range plans every ten years. These documents set the vision for growth, neighborhood character, infrastructure, natural resources, and more, and help harmonize local policy with regional standards. Stillwater’s last version was adopted in 2018; the new update will cover the city’s outlook through 2050.
Key Issues Under Review
- Land use: Where should growth happen—along major corridors? Infill in already developed areas? Open land preservation?
- Housing affordability & mix: Can the city support diverse housing types—apartments, townhomes, single-family homes—to meet needs of different incomes?
- Mobility and transportation: Questions like how to reduce traffic congestion, improve biking/walking, and better transit connections.
- Parks, open space & waterways: Protecting natural areas, improving access to trails and parks, and managing stormwater issues.
- Public engagement and community character: Residents will have chances to offer feedback, share values, and identify what makes Stillwater unique.
Recent Actions & How We Got Here
Earlier this fall, the city launched a visioning survey, inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to share what they hope Stillwater becomes by 2050. An interactive map allows people to point out places they’d like preserved or improved. City staff also plan to appear at local events to encourage participation.
How You Can Participate
- Take the survey: It’s open to all and provides basic input about priorities.
- Use the interactive map: Mark specific areas—positive or problematic—that deserve attention.
- Attend upcoming public meetings: There’s an open house scheduled at Stillwater City Hall coming up in mid-October to share ideas and ask questions.
- Reach out to planning staff: City’s Planning & Zoning department is accepting feedback via email and other channels.
The draft plan will be reviewed by commissions, followed by public hearings before formal adoption. Expect periodic updates shared through City News and meetings.
Why This Matters
The 2050 plan will influence zoning, development approvals, infrastructure investments, and quality-of-life issues for decades. It affects everything from your neighborhood’s character to affordability of homes to how easy it is to walk or bike safely. By getting involved, residents can help ensure growth supports Stillwater’s identity and meets community needs.
It’s still early in the process—your ideas can still shape the direction. Keep an eye on council agendas, city updates, and council workshops. Your feedback matters.