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Chapter 1: Introduction / 3 <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />Chapter 1: Introduction. This chapter describes the <br />purpose of the Plan, how it is intended to be used, how <br />it was developed and how it is organized. <br />Chapter 2: Vision. The chapter on vision provides <br />a snapshot of what the members of the community <br />would like the future of Elk River to look and feel like. <br />The Vision Statement provides the basic framework for <br />planning and decision-making. <br />Chapter 3: Implementation. The Comprehensive <br />Plan is the most important tool for guiding the <br />development of Elk River, but the plans and <br />implementation strategies contained within each <br />chapter can only help achieve the community’s vision <br />for the future if the Plan is used. The purpose of this <br />section is to provide guidance on using the Plan and <br />creates a set of guidelines to do so. <br />Chapter 4: Community Context. This chapter provides <br />general background on the community and its people. <br />Chapter 5: Land Use. In order to realize the Vision <br />for the future of Elk River, this chapter sets the <br />foundation and guides the use of land. The Land <br />Use chapter considers broad community patterns <br />and questions such as how much growth should be <br />anticipated and accommodated and where should the <br />growth occur. It also contemplates how land uses <br />relate to each other and to the natural environment. <br />Chapter 6: Transportation. This chapter provides <br />an inventory and analysis of the regional and local <br />transportation system and it provides a plan to <br />address transportation issue and opportunities. <br />Chapter 7: Housing. While many aspects of housing <br />development will be controlled by market forces, <br />there are aspects of the Housing chapter that focus <br />on the type of housing envisioned for the City of Elk <br />River. These aspects include, but are not limited <br />to, affordability, housing patterns, and housing type <br />choices. The Housing chapter provides an inventory and <br />analysis of existing housing conditions and it provides a <br />plan to address housing issues and opportunities. <br />Chapter 8: Utilities. Community growth and <br />development involves a variety of municipal Utilities. <br />This chapter focuses on inventorying, maintaining, <br />sustaining, and enhancing the municipal utility system <br />within the City. <br />Chapter 9: Parks. Parks provide places for the <br />community to gather and play and also provide a <br />means for protecting natural features, open spaces, <br />and other aspects of Elk River’s natural heritage. <br />A system of trails connects the community and <br />allows for safe movement outside of vehicle traffi c. <br />This chapter provides a summary of the existing <br />park system and outlines strategies for future <br />improvements. The City is in the process of updating <br />a standalone Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan which <br />should be used for more detailed information. <br />Chapter 10: Community Facilities. This chapter <br />describes existing and proposed community facilities <br />and services in the city. This chapter also summarizes <br />the key issues and opportunities relating to <br />intergovernmental cooperation and it provides a plan <br />for joint efforts in the future. <br />Chapter 11: Environmental Resources. Elk River is <br />blessed with a variety of natural and environmental <br />resources. This chapter examines their impact <br />and importance to the future development of the <br />community. <br />Chapter 12: Community Development. This chapter <br />of the Plan discusses roles and initiatives for the City <br />to take in attempting to meet specifi c development and <br />redevelopment needs of the community. <br />Chapter 13: Community Image. This chapter <br />explores approaches to create a consistent image for <br />Elk River as it continues to grow, development and <br />redevelop, including general appearance guidelines <br />for the downtown area, major roadway corridors and <br />community gateways. <br />Organization of the Plan <br />The 2013 Comprehensive Plan builds on the City’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan. While the general guiding principles <br />of the two plans are similar, this Plan emphasizes the City’s desire to maintain (and enhance) its existing growth <br />patterns and character. The content and organization of this Plan are as follows: