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Description

Designed for Professional Planners, this will be a hands on, interactive class where students will learn the who, what, where, when and why of drafting a comprehensive plan. To earn CM credit, planners must attend the duration of the event on both days. University of Minnesota MURP Program students will also participate in the course and earn college credit.

This 2-day class will include a combination of:
 - short lectures about the basics of preparing a comprehensive plan 
 - small group discussions about issues and topics
 - guest speakers sharing their experience
 - hands on exercises for students to try their hand at tasks
 - a home work assignment to be completed between the January and February sessions

Outline

Day 1: Jan. 31:
9 AM - Introductions and overview
9:30 AM - Why do comp planning? Who is the audience?
10:00 AM What goes into a comp plan? Where to start?
10:45 AM Break
11:00 AM Public engagement and visioning
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 PM Demographics and projections
1:45 PM Future land use map
2:45 PM Break
3:00 PM Panel discussion - what to do, not do....lessons learned 
4:00 PM Overview of homework assignment - paired assignment, opportunities
4:30 PM Adjourn

Day 2: Feb. 28 
9:00 AM - Recap Day 1
9:15 AM Technical content of a comp plan and purpose of each section (transportation, water, sewer, parks, trails)
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Implementation -how to make the plan not sit on the shelf
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 PM Pair working time
2:30 PM Group presentation
4:15 PM Debrief
4:30 PM Adjourn

Objectives

Learn the basics about what goes into a comprehensive plan, why municipalities and counties prepare them, and what makes a good comp plan.

Key Benefits

Earn 13 American Planning Association (APA) Certification Maintenance Credits.

NOTE: Attendance of both full day Saturdays is required in order to receive CM credit.

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Section Title
How to Write a Comprehensive Plan
Type
Workshop
Days
Sa
Time
9:00AM to 4:30PM
Dates
Jan 31, 2026
Campus
Twin Cities (US Central Time)
Building
Humphrey, Hubert H. Center
Room
Humphrey SPA - 50B
Type
Workshop
Days
Sa
Time
9:00AM to 4:30PM
Dates
Feb 28, 2026
Campus
Twin Cities (US Central Time)
Building
Humphrey, Hubert H. Center
Room
Humphrey SPA - 50B
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
13.0
Delivery Options
Classroom  
Course Fee(s)

Section Details

Local government planners who will be involved with the Decennial Comp Plan can receive a discount code by filling out Coupon Request.

Bring your own lunch or purchase from nearby eateries.

If you have questions regarding registration, reach out to Humphrey Registrar Karri at bitne001@umn.edu, and for those regarding course content to instructor Robin Caufman at robin.caufman@bolton-menk.com.

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