City Council Goals & Strategic Plan

The City Council, at its July 20, 2010, meeting, formally adopted their goals and strategic plan for the remainder of 2010 and for 2011.

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.

Summary

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.  

Goal II – Enhance and Promote Smart Urban Design and Walkability

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.

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.

Goal 1—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. Conduct a city-wide business forum to gauge the current status and the needs of the entire Hopkins business community. 
    1. street banner on Mainstreetpartner with the Hopkins Business and Civic Association (HBCA) in conducting a business survey.    
  2. Implement “Hopkins Artstreet” in conjunction with the city service clubs and business associations. 
  3. Implement a “Shop Local” campaign
  4. Explore ways to enhance the sense of place in commercial centers which include the installation of banners and directional signage.
  5. Adopt design guidelines and standards for Mainstreet from 12th Avenue to Shady Oak Road. 

Strategy 2- Promote and Enhance City Events

Raspberry Festival Grande Day parade Music In The Park
  1. Continue to promote and improve city events such as Mainstreet Days and the Raspberry Festival with the cooperation of event organizers.
    1. Continue the presence of a “City Booth” at events
  2. Promote smaller city events such as the Elks holiday tree lighting and Music in the Park.  
  3. Continue to develop the “Hopkins In Motion” event that promotes an active lifestyle through the city trail and sidewalk system.
  4. Partner with film producers to host a premiere event for the Hopkins-filmed movie “The Convincer”.
  5. Continue to develop and expand the Hopkins Arts Festival.

Strategy 3- Provide Accessible and Friendly City Services

  1. Better communicate and promote the customer-focused nature of city services.  
  2. Explore methods to better utilize the volunteer force (e.g., CERT members, police reserves) that exists in the City. 

Goal 2—Enhance and Promote Smart Urban Design & Walkability

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

parks & trails logo
  1. Create 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 methods to improve sidewalk and trail snow removal.

Strategy 2 – Go Green

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

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. Participate in the Kids Corner program.
  5. Participate in the Rec-Tivity program.

Strategy 4 – LRT Planning and Transit-Oriented Development

  1. Adopt the mixed-use zoning classification as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan that supports transit oriented development around proposed SWLRT stations.
  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 plans and implementation strategies for the Shady Oak LRT Station and the Shady Oak road project.
  4. Blake Rd LRT station renderingWork 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, and the redevelopment of key sites. 
  5. Institute a policy or plan whereby all new developments are reviewed to ensure pedestrian-friendly design.

Goal 3—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- Business Recruitment

  1. Work with the Marketing Committee and “Think Hopkins” on business recruitment efforts.
    1. Updated business brochures

Strategy 2- 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. 

Strategy 3- Engage the Rental Community of Hopkins

  1. Engaging Raspberry Renters event Continue the “Engaging Raspberry Renters” program which focuses on community building and citizen engagement in rental populations in Hopkins.
  2. Partner with the Hopkins Apartment Manager’s Association (HAMA) to advance communications and relationships with the rental community.

Strategy 4- Citizen Engagement Initiatives

  1. Conduct City Council and Board and Commission meetings at off-site locations of interest.
  2. Explore 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. Pursue designation as a “Storm-Ready” City
    2. Conduct Quarterly CPR classes
    3. Implement Fire Safety program for seniors
    4. Enhancing CERT

    5.