collage of Hopkins

City Council Goals & Strategic Plan

The City Council, at its March 20, 2012 meeting, formally adopted its goals and strategic plan for 2012 and 2013.

One of the unique aspects to this particular plan is a focus on building upon Hopkins' strengths as a community. In addition to striving to provide high quality services on a daily basis, the City needs to stretch further and envision a better Hopkins. Building on what the City does well is the best way to take the community to the next level.

Goal I – Build on the Small Town Feel of Hopkins

Background: A small-town feel is a major part of the identity of Hopkins. Surveys have demonstrated that it is also one of the primary reasons people like living in Hopkins. Efforts in the future need to capitalize on and enhance this important city asset.  

Strategy 1: Create a More Vibrant Business Community

  1. street banner on MainstreetBusiness Forum – scheduled for fall
  2. Strengthen image of arts community
  3. Promote shopping local
  4. Open to business
  5. Directional signage at entry to Hopkins
  6. Shady Oak Road project
  7. Work with the marketing committee and “Think Hopkins” on business recruitment efforts.

Strategy 2: Promote and Enhance City Events

  1. Raspberry Festival Grande Day paradePromote city events large and small such as Raspberry Festival, Mainstreet Days, Hopkins in Motion, Music in the Park etc. Have a city booth at events when possible.
  2. Restructure Hopkins in Motion.
  3. Clock Tower Plaza
    1. Tree lighting
    2. Tree Plantings
  4. Partner/Meetings with service clubs, faith community and neighborhood associations.

Strategy 3: Provide Accessible and Friendly City Services

  1. Make city meetings more accessible through webcasting.
  2. Explore improved service delivery through e-commerce.
  3. Measure community satisfaction with city services through a city- wide survey.
  4. Develop interactive park, trails, and facilities directory on website.
  5. Explore methods to encourage volunteers and expand volunteer opportunities.

 

Goal II – Urban Design: Do It Right

Background:  Hopkins has been recognized as a city that encourages smart urban design. This includes the ability to walk to stores and other amenities. Advancing these goals also improves the small town feel.

Strategy 1: Improve Walkability and Physical Connections in the City

  1. parks & trails logoCreate a new sidewalk and trail-oriented master plan to connect each residential area to a regional trail, Mainstreet, and/or an LRT station.
  2. Partner with other agencies and groups (e.g., Rotary Oasis) to improve and update paths, trails, and crossings in the community
  3. Explore instituting a local shuttle service.
  4. Support the “Complete Streets” initiatives that have developed at the state and county levels.
  5. Explore pedestrian/bike overlay.

Strategy 2: Go Green

  1. Earth Day eventUtilize available grants to advance the organic recycling program.
  2. Work with the Green Team to publicly communicate green initiatives and improvements that have saved energy and money.
  3. Plan, promote, and conduct annual events in Hopkins that support a sustainable city mission.
  4. Pursue potential “Green Step” City Designation based on a program to be designed by the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC).
  5. Explore bike ride share station.

Strategy 3: Healthy City Initiatives

  1. Continue to promote wellness activities among city employees.
  2. Continue to participate in and support the county-wide Step-to-It Challenge.
  3. Support the initiatives of the Hennepin County Active Living program.
  4. Expand non-school day program activities.
  5. Offer off-site programming at senior housing facilities.

Strategy 4: LRT Planning and Transit-Oriented Development

  1. Develop a schedule for rezoning properties to the mixed-use zoning classification as guided in the Comprehensive Plan and begin implementation.
  2. Partner with Hennepin County and SWLRT cities, through the Community Works project, to maximize the benefit and reduce the conflicts of the SWLRT line. 
  3. Work with the City of Minnetonka and Hennepin County to develop a shared vision and implementation strategies for the Shady Oak LRT Station and the Shady Oak road project.
  4. Blake Rd LRT station renderingContinue to work with the Minnehaha Watershed District, Hennepin County, and interested stakeholders to implement and build off the recommendations of the Blake Road Small Area plan; including improving pedestrian and bicycle amenities, greening of the corridor and exposure of Minnehaha Creek, expansion of Cottageville Park and the redevelopment of the Cold Storage site.
  5. In addition hold a joint visioning meeting with Hopkins, City Council, Parks Commission, and the Zoning and Planning Commission on Cottageville Park and Cold Storage Site.

Strategy 5: Promote sustainable, quality, compact redevelopment that creates jobs and meets the needs of the community

  1. Continue to look for new redevelopment opportunities that support the City’s vision, while focusing on specific projects including:
    1. Hopkins Cold Storage
    2. East End Study Properties
    3. Closed BP Gas Station Site
    4. Mayon Plastics Site
    5. Block 64
    6. Park Nicollet Clinic Site
    7. Shady Oak Road – Properties on West
    8. Parking Ramp to Serve East End of CBD
    9. EBCO Site (Owned by Luther Companies)

Goal III – Take It to Them

Background:  Hopkins has a reputation for strong citizen involvement and engagement. The City needs to build upon that strength by reaching out to deliver our messages and hear from our stakeholders.  The City will also strive to better educate the community on a variety of city issues, policies and programs.

Strategy 1: Involve Minority Populations/Diversity

  1. Utilize the Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee (MAC) to better connect with and communicate with the city’s diverse population.
  2. Conduct Young American and New American Academies.
  3. Create a plan to retain the immigrant outreach position and JCPP program in place.
  4. Promote cultural celebrations
    1. Cinco de Mayo
    2. Somali Celebration
  5. Implement “Buddy Program” for children with special needs through Recreation Department.

Strategy 2: Engage the Rental Community of Hopkins

  1. Engaging Raspberry Renters eventEngage the rental community through partnerships such as Engaging Raspberry Renters and the Hopkins Apartment Manager’s Association (HAMA)
  2. Promote and increase diversity on boards and commissions.

Strategy 3: Citizen Engagement Initiatives

  1. Conduct City Council and Board and Commission meetings at off-site locations of interest.
  2. Expand the use of social media to engage and communicate with residents and businesses.
  3. Conduct presentations with different groups throughout the community on city goals and initiatives.
  4. Engage the community in the area of emergency preparedness.
    1. Residential home inspections.
    2. Promote the use of Global Connect.
  5. Neighborhood Town Hall Meetings.
  6. Pursue “Yellow Ribbon” Designation.