Comprehensive Plan Phase One (2050 Comprehensive Plan Update) Work Session
The City Council and Planning Commission will hold a work session to review the Phase One community engagement plan for updating Richfield's Comprehensive Plan, a required state-mandated document guiding land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure decisions through 2050. The engagement effort, led by consultants TC2, Zan Associates, and Humanize MN, is set to launch publicly at Penn Fest on September 20, 2026, and will include an Advisory Committee, a new project website, pop-up events, surveys, and mailings. This is a discussion-only item with no formal action requested of the Council.
Residents will have multiple upcoming opportunities—including at Penn Fest on Sept. 20, 2026, pop-up events, an online survey, and open houses—to help shape 20-year city policies on housing (the City projects growth of 1,200 housing units), transportation, and economic development.
Concern to consider
Because this is an early planning/discussion stage with no decisions made, residents who want influence over final land use and zoning outcomes will need to stay engaged over a multi-year process running through 2028.
What happens next: Phase I engagement runs September–November 2026, launching publicly at Penn Fest on September 20, 2026, followed by Phase II (February–August 2027) and Phase III (August–November 2027); the complete plan must be distributed to adjacent jurisdictions by June 2028 and submitted to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 2028.
Approval of Minutes – August 25, 2026 Work Session (2026 Revised/2027 Proposed Budget Presentation)
The council will consider approving minutes from the August 25, 2026 work session, where staff presented the 2026 revised and 2027 proposed City budget and tax levy. The proposed 2027 levy increase is 4.55% (combined City/HRA increase of about 4.45%), with an average home value increase of 3.49% projected to raise taxes on the average home by about $130.
Key figure: 4.55% — Proposed 2027 City tax levy increase
Potential benefit
The presented budget aims to maintain city services, including public safety, streets, and parks, while keeping the General Fund at its 40% fund balance target.
Concern to consider
The proposed 4.55% levy increase and rising home values are projected to add about $130 to property taxes on the average Richfield home in 2027.
What happens next: A preliminary tax levy is scheduled for council consideration on September 22, 2026, a Truth in Taxation meeting is planned for December 1, 2026, and final budget/levy adoption is planned for December 8, 2026.
City CouncilItem 7bOutcome pendingYour input welcome
First Amendment to 2025 Public Health Preparedness Services Agreement with Bloomington Public Health
The council will consider approving a first amendment to its 2025 agreement with Bloomington Public Health for public health preparedness services. The amendment continues the city's arrangement for shared public health emergency preparedness support.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
City CouncilItem 7cOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Cooperative Construction Agreement for Trail Connecting Southdale Library, Adams Hill Park, and Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
The council will consider a resolution approving a cooperative construction agreement among Three Rivers Park District, the City of Edina, and the City of Richfield to design and build a connecting trail from the Southdale Library through Adams Hill Park to the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. Staff would be authorized to execute the agreement and proceed with the project.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Creates a new pedestrian and bike connection linking Adams Hill Park to the regional trail network and Southdale Library, improving non-motorized access across city lines.
Concern to consider
Construction activity in and around Adams Hill Park could cause temporary disruption to park use and nearby streets.
What happens next: If approved as part of the consent calendar, staff will execute the agreement with Three Rivers Park District and the City of Edina and begin project design and construction.
City CouncilItem 7dOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Updates to the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund Priorities
The council will consider approving updates to the priorities guiding how the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund is used to support affordable housing efforts in Richfield.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
City CouncilItem 7eOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Resolution Approving Affordable Housing Trust Fund 2026 Revised Budget and 2027 Budget
The council will consider a resolution approving the Affordable Housing Trust Fund's 2026 revised budget and 2027 budget, setting the funding levels for affordable housing programs supported by the Trust Fund.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Second Reading: Fire Prevention Code Amendments (Subsections 400.21 and 400.22)
The council will consider the second reading and summary publication of an ordinance amending subsection 400.21 and adding subsection 400.22 to the Richfield City Code, updating fire prevention regulations.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
First Reading: Ordinance Amending Section 617 – Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks)
The council will consider a first reading of an ordinance amending Section 617 of the Richfield City Code related to mobile food units, or food trucks, which would update rules governing where and how food trucks can operate in the city.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Updated food truck rules could expand opportunities for mobile food vendors to operate legally in more locations around Richfield.
Concern to consider
New restrictions in the ordinance could limit where or when food trucks can set up, affecting vendors and nearby brick-and-mortar restaurants.
What happens next: Following the first reading, a second reading and summary publication would typically be scheduled at a future council meeting before the ordinance can take effect.
City CouncilItem 11aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Approval: 290-Unit Multifamily Development at 6501 Portland Avenue
The council will consider a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan approval for a 290-unit multifamily residential development in two buildings at 6501 Portland Avenue. If approved, the project would add a significant amount of new housing along the Portland Avenue corridor in Richfield.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Adding 290 housing units could help address housing demand in Richfield and generate new property tax revenue for the city.
Concern to consider
A development of this scale could increase traffic, parking demand, and construction disruption along Portland Avenue.
What happens next: If the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan are approved, the developer can proceed toward permitting and construction of the 290-unit project at 6501 Portland Avenue.
City CouncilItem 12aOutcome pendingYour input welcome
Charter Commission Recommendations for City Charter Amendments
The council will consider the Charter Commission's recommendations for amendments to the current City Charter and will consider directing that a notice of public hearing on the proposed Charter Amendments be published, setting up a future public hearing before any changes are formally adopted.
final tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes
Charter amendments can update how city government is structured and operates, potentially improving clarity or efficiency in governance.
Concern to consider
Charter changes can affect residents' rights or processes related to city governance, such as elections, council powers, or petition procedures.
What happens next: If the council directs publication, a notice of public hearing on the proposed Charter Amendments will be published, setting up a future public hearing before any amendments are adopted.