Community Vision
Community
Every community in the greater St. Cloud area continues to invest in a shared vision for long-term growth, quality of life, and regional vitality. Local governments and planning agencies across the metro have updated or expanded major plans that guide land use, redevelopment, transportation, parks, and environmental stewardship.
St. Cloud has launched its new 2025 Comprehensive Plan, now in development, which places significant emphasis on downtown investment, future land-use patterns, housing mix, and coordinated redevelopment. Sauk Rapids adopted its 2040 Comprehensive Plan in 2024, outlining strategies for housing diversity, riverfront access, economic growth, and connected neighborhoods. Sartell advanced a master parks plan in 2023 to strengthen its trail network, expand recreational amenities, and guide open-space planning, along with ongoing redevelopment of its former industrial riverfront.
Sauk Rapids formally adopted a new 2040 Comprehensive Plan in early 2024, replacing its previous 2005 plan. The plan outlines a broad community vision, from preserving natural resources and riverfront amenities, to encouraging a mix of housing types, revitalizing downtown, expanding economic opportunity, and improving transportation (including greater support for walking, biking, public transit).
In 2023, Sartell approved its first master parks plan. That plan inventories the city’s parkland (neighborhood and regional parks, open space), and outlines a network of interconnected trails for walking, biking, and recreation. The plan also sets up a newly formed Parks Commission to oversee implementation, signaling a commitment to recreation and open-space planning.
Waite Park is embracing a renewed strategic vision for growth and community-building. The city is working under an updated comprehensive plan (2023) and a reactivated Economic Development Authority to guide future land use, attract new business and residential development, and shape long-term growth. Key “growth areas,” including land along the Sauk River and around former quarry sites, are being planned for mixed uses: residential, commercial, light industrial, and open space.
Together, these plans reinforce a coordinated regional approach to growth—one that supports strong neighborhoods, a resilient economy, accessible transportation options, and exceptional natural resources. The St. Cloud region is committed to thoughtful, high-quality development that enhances opportunity and elevates the standard of living for all who call this area home.
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BUILDING INFLUENCE
Business advocacy is critical to regional business success. The St. Cloud Area Chamber’s leadership as a business advocate is proven over and over again as elected officials make the Chamber a preferred stop when seeking access to the business community or addressing regional business issues.
The Chamber’s advocacy efforts include:
- Regular meetings with St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Joseph, Sartell and Sauk Rapids mayors and city council members.
- An annual trip to Washington, D.C., to visit with Minnesota’s Congressional delegation.
- Hosting “Evening at the Capital” to showcase Central Minnesota to statewide legislative leaders.
- Visiting with over 50 Central Minnesota CEOs and business owners as part of our Grow Minnesota! economic development program.
- Hosting area mayors’ annual State of the City Addresses
