Many cities within Stearns County, especially in the eastern areas, have adopted comprehensive plans that show substantial growth into the surrounding townships. Some cities and townships have negotiated orderly annexation agreements that match or partially match these urban growth boundaries.
It is important to recognize not every city or township has a locally approved comprehensive plan that identifies growth areas. The purpose of the Transitional Areas portrayed on the Future Land Use Plan map are described below.
Stearns County held various public engagement efforts, including Township Listening Sessions to better understand how growth (i.e., Transitional Areas) should be best addressed in the Comprehensive Plan.
Key takeaways from these meetings include: