Willmar Council approves contract to rewrite its zoning code – West Central Tribune

Willmar City Council Initiates Zoning Code Rewrite to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Project Overview and Alignment with SDG 11

The Willmar City Council has approved a contract with Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2) to comprehensively rewrite the city’s zoning code. This initiative is a direct implementation of the new “With Willmar” comprehensive plan and represents a significant step towards achieving SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The primary objective is to create a regulatory framework that fosters inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban development for the city.

Consultant Selection and Partnership (SDG 17)

The selection of TC2 demonstrates a commitment to effective public-private partnerships, a key component of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The city’s Planning and Development Department conducted a thorough review process to secure the necessary expertise for this critical urban planning project.

• Total proposals received: Eight
• Firms shortlisted for interviews: Four
• Selected consultant: Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2)

The contract was awarded to TC2, which presented the most competitive bid among the finalists. The financial details are as follows:

1. Transportation Collaborative & Consultants (TC2): $87,030
2. SRF Consulting: $93,348
3. Cardo Urban Design & Town Planning: $99,500
4. Bolton & Menk: $120,122

The council approved a contract not to exceed $100,000 to account for contingencies, ensuring responsible fiscal management while pursuing sustainable development objectives.

Fostering Inclusive and Participatory Planning (SDG 11.3)

A core element of the project is extensive public engagement, scheduled to continue through the summer of 2026. This approach directly supports Target 11.3 of the SDGs, which aims to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization through participatory planning. The city will employ multiple methods to ensure all community voices are heard:

• Community surveys
• Focus groups and neighborhood meetings
• Pop-up engagement events
• Public open houses and workshops
• Formal public hearings

Broader Implications for Sustainable Development

The updated zoning code is expected to have a wide-ranging positive impact, contributing to several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The new code will provide a framework for developing resilient infrastructure and encouraging innovative, sustainable land use practices.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By integrating modern planning principles, the code can incorporate climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, such as promoting green spaces and sustainable transportation options.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): A modernized zoning code can stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth by creating a more predictable and attractive environment for investment and development.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article discusses the city of Willmar’s initiative to rewrite its zoning code based on a new comprehensive plan. This action is central to urban planning and management, which is the core focus of SDG 11. The goal is to make cities more sustainable and inclusive, and updating zoning regulations is a fundamental step in achieving this.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The article highlights the role of the Willmar City Council, a local government institution, in making transparent and accountable decisions. The process of receiving bids, selecting a consultant, and planning for extensive public engagement demonstrates the functioning of an effective and inclusive institution at the local level, which aligns with the principles of SDG 16.

Specific Targets Identified

1. Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

   • The rewriting of the zoning code is a direct act of “sustainable human settlement planning and management.” The article explicitly mentions that this process will involve “extensive public engagement through the summer of 2026,” including various methods like surveys and workshops, which directly addresses the “participatory” aspect of this target.

2. Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.

   • The article refers to the “With Willmar comprehensive plan” as the basis for the new zoning code. A comprehensive plan is a key tool for “regional development planning.” By taking concrete steps to implement this plan, the city is strengthening its development planning framework.

3. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.

   • The process described in the article, where the city council received eight proposals, narrowed them down, and approved a contract based on a competitive bidding process, showcases an “accountable and transparent” institutional procedure for managing public resources.

4. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

   • The Willmar City Council, as an elected body, represents “representative decision-making.” The commitment to “extensive public engagement” with “community surveys, focus groups and neighborhood meetings” is a clear mechanism to ensure the decision-making process for the new zoning code is “inclusive” and “participatory.”

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 11.3: Existence of a participatory process for urban planning and management.

   • The article explicitly states that the process will include “community surveys, focus groups and neighborhood meetings, pop-up events, open houses and workshops,” as well as “public hearings.” These activities serve as direct indicators of a participatory planning process.

2. Indicator for Target 11.a: Adoption and implementation of a local development plan.

   • The article mentions the “With Willmar comprehensive plan” and the city’s action of hiring a consultant to rewrite the zoning code to align with it. This action is a measurable indicator of the plan’s implementation.

3. Indicator for Target 16.7: Mechanisms for public participation in decision-making.

   • The detailed plan for public engagement (“community surveys, focus groups and neighborhood meetings, pop-up events, open houses and workshops”) is a direct indicator of the mechanisms being put in place to ensure public participation in the development of the new zoning code.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: wctrib.com