Eagan

A Vision for Eagan’s Next 20 Years

Forward

Make no little plans;

they have no magic to stir men's blood

and probably themselves will not be realized.

Make big plans;

aim high in hope and work […]

Remember that our sons and our grandsons

are going to do things that would stagger us.

— Daniel Burnham, American Architect and Urban Planner

Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Strategy 1: Eagan is a Place for All People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Strategy 2: Eagan is a Healthy City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Strategy 3: Eagan is Creative & Innovative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Strategy 4: Eagan is a Destination Community . . . . . . . . 24

Strategy 5: Eagan has an Updated Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Strategy 6: Putting it to Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Things We Learned in the Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Thank You’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Methodologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Appendix: Eagan’s Quality of Life v. Benchmark Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

About

Next Generation Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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Why Eagan Forward?Why now? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

C O N T E N T S

Why Eagan Forward?

Why now?

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“Eagan has low poverty, high median income, and high education levels.”

“Eagan is a great place to live.”

“Eagan has great schools.”

“Eagan is one of the best-run cities in Minnesota.”

“Eagan is business friendly and has

a well-trained workforce.”

So, why embark on a 20-year visioning process like Eagan Forward, when things seem to be working just fine?

Because the best don’t rest. Being a great place to live is not something that’s accomplished once and then crossed off the list. The Minneapolis-St. Paul area has many examples of suburbs that were “great places to live” a generation ago, but are floundering today.

Eagan’s City Council initiated Eagan Forward because of their commitment to ensure that Eagan is future ready and remains a great place to live for its next generation of kids and grandkids.

The timing for Eagan Forward, a community wide initiative to imagine Eagan 20 years from now, is important for several reasons:

Eagan is at a critical point in its growth. The suburban boom that fueled Eagan’s last three decades is nearly over. Eagan has developed most of its empty available land, and now must shift to re-use and redevelopment. As CityVue demonstrates, infrastructure built for one purpose a generation ago must be reimagined and redesigned for changing needs. Eagan Forward is a strong step in this direction.

Citizens want to be engaged. Our increasingly consumer-oriented society allows people to “have it their way.” This carries over into communities, where engagement and satisfaction are increasingly linked. Importantly, Eagan Forward put citizen engagement at the center of the agenda. Using a blend of social media, online, and in-person meetings, an estimated 800 people offered thousands of ideas for Eagan’s future. Respondents ranged from school-aged children to community elders, and included those who speak languages beyond English.

Demographic, technology and economic forces will shape Eagan’s next 20 years. To be future ready, Eagan must squarely face the trends impacting its citizens and their expectations. This plan balances citizens’ wishes with data-based projections about the trends most likely to impact the community in the next generation.

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These are some of the wonderful things that citizens, employers, and fans say about Eagan. Even national publications like USA Today and Money Magazine list Eagan as a “great place to live”.

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1 Citizen input. As mentioned previously, Eagan residents offered thousands of

ideas, to help the community thrive in the next 20 years. Throughout this document you will see quotes from your neighbors, about their wishes for Eagan's future.

2 Trend analysis. A team of futurists looked at the “STEEP” (society,

technology, economy, environment, and political) changes likely to impact Eagan in the next 20 years. Specific recommendations that will help Eagan be future ready are included in this document.

3 A Quality of Life assessment.

The Eagan Forward steering committee benchmarked Eagan against four other “best places to live” in the U.S., to discover best practices to help Eagan become even better. The benchmark cities included Centennial, Colorado; Carmel, Indiana; Overland Park, Kansas; and, Plymouth, Minnesota

The following pages include strategies to help Eagan preserve the things residents value most, and also achieve even more in the next 20 years. Not all ideas will be implemented, and some may need to adapt, but all of them express the hopes of Eagan’s citizens, and are responsive to the trends most likely to impact Eagan’s future.

The plan on the following pages included three primary sources of input:

T H E V I S I O N :

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Eagan is America's Best Place to Live

What is a city, but the people? —Shakespeare

Who is Eagan for?Looking at history, we might say that Eagan is for nuclear families with school-aged children who are in the upper middle class. And usually, Caucasian. These are the families who moved to Eagan during its first waves of growth, and helped develop the community we know today.

Looking forward, Eagan is expected to grow to between 75,000 - 87,000 people by 2040. But the people who will fuel that growth will be different than those who fueled the first waves. Eagan's future residents will be older, have fewer children, and represent more ethnic minorities. Here are some of the key demographic and societal trends that will shape Eagan’s future:

Young people are getting married later, or not marrying at all.

In 1960, two-thirds (68%) of all twenty-somethings were married. In 2008, just 26% were.1

Fewer couples are having kids. In the peak of the Baby Boom after World War II, roughly half of American households were

engaged in raising children. By 2020, that number will be closer to 25%.2 In Eagan, 32.5% of households currently have children under age 18.

Eagan is a Place for All PeopleStrategy 1

FIGURE 1: The Decline in Marriage Among the Young

The Decline in Marriage Among the Young% married at age 18 to 32, by generation

Millennial (2013)

Gen X (1997)

Boomer (1980)

Silent (1960)

Source: Data from 1980, 1997 and 2013 are from the

March Current Population Survey; 1960 data are from

the 1960 Census

1 Pew Research, The Decline of Marriage and the Rise of New Families, www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2010/11/pew-social-trends-2010-families.pdf accessed on November 23, 2015

2 A.C. Nielson as reported in The Great Inversion and the Future of the American City by Alan Ahrenhalt

26

36

48

65

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P E W R E S E A R C H C E N T E R

Seniors are living longer.

The dramatic increase in average life expectancy during the 20th century ranks as one of society’s greatest achievements. In 1900, a newborn could expert to reach her or his 50th birthday.3 Today in Minnesota, life expectancy is 81 years old, ranking second in the United States behind Hawaii.4 By 2030, the number of Minnesotans over age 65 is expected to almost double and older adults will compose about one-fifth of the population.5

Minorities are moving to the suburbs. In Eagan between 2010 and 2014, the white population decreased slightly while Asian, Hispanic and Black populations increased. In Eagan’s public schools (ISD 191, 196, and 197), 20% of all children are minorities. Eight percent are Asians, 5% are African American, 5% are Hispanic and one percent are two or more races.

How can Eagan leverage these trends and become a place for all people?

1.1 Embrace SeniorsThe Minnesota State Demographic Center projects that by 2030, nearly 25% of Dakota County’s population will be age 65 and older.⁶

Eagan’s growing senior population is adamant: they love Eagan, and they want to stay here. But there must be more housing options that are “senior friendly.” Today’s seniors are active longer; they want walkable communities and things to do. Eagan will prosper if it makes room for its seniors. Research shows that seniors who are integrated into communities enjoy better health, and communities are healthier when seniors are engaged.

The two most frequently mentioned needs for seniors in Eagan:

Housing that is affordable, single level, aesthetically pleasing and integrated into the community. Seniors don’t want to be boxed up and shipped off; they want to stay actively engaged in the community. Many seniors at focus groups and online echoed this senior’s sentiment:

Transportation options that will help seniors meet their needs. One senior asked if there could be an “Uber” for seniors, to pair stay at home parents who might be willing to offer a ride to a senior, to keep a doctor appointment or go to the store.

3 National Institute on Aging, https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/publication/global-health-andaging/ living-longer, accessed December 3, 2015

4 List of US States by Life Expectancy, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ List_of_U.S._states_by_life_expectancy, accessed December 3, 2015

5 Minnesota Compass “Overview,” http://www.mncompass.org/demographics/overview, accessed December 3, 2015

⁶ Data for the City of Eagan is unavailable. Dakota County Demographics, https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Government/publiccommittees/ CHA/Documents/Demographics.pdf, accessed on January 3, 2016.

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“Eagan does have a few affordable

senior housing developments. But the wait lists are 12 to 18 months long.”

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In addition, seniors mentioned their desire for amenities like pickle ball courts, a dedicated senior center with space for multiple concurrent uses, hospitals and clinics, multigenerational housing options, and a grant program that would help them renovate their basements and move their laundry to the main floor, to be more accessible.

One last note…There are many ways that Eagan can build physical infrastructure for its seniors. But we must remember that isolation and loneliness are the two most often cited maladies of the elderly. Feeling connected to their community requires more than transportation; it requires a community-wide sense of inclusion and compassion.

Read more about this in Strategy 2:

Eagan is a Healthy Community

1.2 Invest in amenities that appeal to young singles, aka the “Millennials,” and empty nest Baby BoomersInterviews and focus groups with Eaganites reveal a surprising insight: many Baby Boomers who are empty nesters are considering moving to St. Paul to be closer to “downtown.” They cite restaurants, walkability, and the desire to downsize. These are the

One focus group participant summarized his thoughts in a letter, addressing ways that Eagan could embrace its seniors. The letter included this idea:

Golden Years Initiative “There was agreement (at our focus group table) that senior citizens never want to stop learning (e.g. senior language or history classes); they continue to enjoy all types of entertainment that includes but is not limited to: going to the theatre, visiting a restaurant or museum, outdoor recreational activities, etc. A number of people also recommended travel-related activities that could offer tours for interested residents, not only within Minnesota, but regional, national and international trips. Seniors often get bored and they want to stay invigorated and active. If you combine Learning, Entertainment and Travel you come up with the acronym L.E.T. Eagan could have a “LET’s Program” that would be open to all age groups. It is noteworthy to point out that by 2020, the number of senior householders (44%) will be 75 and older. A significant percentage of this group will be living in multi-generational households. There is a need for more homes/apartments that can accommodate both younger and older family members. Home builders would be well served to meet with future home buyers and listen to their suggestions for how these dwellings should be built to meet the expected needs of an aging population. Seniors are living longer and access to local healthcare is paramount. These issues need to be addressed.”

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same amenities that young, single Millennials are looking for in a community.

Many suburbs are responding to residents’ requests for a town square with “urban villages” - places where you can park your car once and walk to a bar, a restaurant, a book shop or other retail establishment, and enjoy an outdoor meal. The Flats at Cedar Grove are one example of this kind of development.

“Walkability” and a “downtown city center” were mentioned 171 times in online forums and on chalkboards. One resident summed it up well in the quote below:

“Create a walkable city core where people can genuinely live, work, and play without

needing to own a car. Site housing closer to transit stations, and provide vertical mixed use (retail on the ground, housing on the upper stories).”

Belmar (pictured below) is Lakewood, Colorado’s urban village, a response to citizens’ requests for a more walkable “city center” feel in a suburban setting. Belmar retrofitted a dead, low-rise shopping mall surrounded by parking lots into an area with an interconnected, walkable street grid and ground level retail space topped by offices and residences.

Strategy 4: Eagan as a Destination includes ideas on how to incorporate the “Urban Village” concept into Eagan’s future redevelopment. The following community amenities were mentioned repeatedly by

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Eagan citizens, to be included in the urban village, or developed elsewhere:

• Trader Joe’s (mentioned over 40 times), Whole Foods, or a natural food co-op

• Curbside composting

• Another dog park (Millennials have dogs before they have children, and pet ownership is at an all-time high in the U.S.)

• Disc golf (additional amenity to existing public parks)

• Al fresco (outdoor) dining options

• Independent restaurants (not typical national chains)

• Outdoor programming, e.g. using Caponi Park to host more local theater and musical performances

One transplant to Eagan explained his experience in a vibrant suburb in Iowa:

1.3 Commit to being a welcoming communityEagan’s residents are becoming more diverse. Minorities are the fastest growing population in the Twin Cities’ suburbs, and dozens of languages are spoken in homes where Eagan students live. Local employers confirm that their workforces will continue to become more diverse, in part because countries including China and India are producing more graduates with post-secondary degrees, as the table below shows.

Eagan residents understand that the community is changing. And many want their community to be a welcoming one. As one resident said:

“My one wish for Eagan is that it is a

place where people of all skin colors, gender, sexual orientation, and a variety of cultural differences would respect each other and celebrate each other.”

“I am from Clive, Iowa and a big

hit in the area is their outdoor music venue with a beer garden in the summer. There are at least three performances a week and are well attended. This (beer sales) could be a fundraiser for an organization.”

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How can Eagan be a place that welcomes all residents, especially those who are from other countries? Other suburbs are innovating and leading the way.

Brooklyn Park is one of the Twin Cities most diverse suburbs. There, a series of city-led initiatives have helped the community engage non-English speaking households, a proactive effort that was given a Humanitarian Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

"This is an opportunity to get to know the public you serve and look at the way you're doing business. The way Brooklyn Park does business today is completely different from the way we did business 20 years ago. If we still did business like we did 20 years ago we wouldn't be in a good spot.”7

-Brooklyn Park Police Cmdr. Brian Peters

7 Maria Elena Baca, “Immigrants get Introduction to Cops on the Beat,” Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 20, 2011.

Other ideas:

Fly the flags of every country represented in the school districts in a public park or civic space, to showcase the many heritages found in Eagan.

Add an Ethnic Food Festival to the community’s annual calendar of celebrations. Partner with restaurants, churches with non-English speaking services, ethnic grocers, etc. The purpose is to raise awareness of Eagan’s diversity through food.

Convene a Diversity Roundtable that includes Human Resource professionals

Global Talent Pool in 2030Projected share of 25-34 year-olds with tertiary degrees across OECD and G20 countries

China

India

United States

Brazil

Indonesia

Russian Federation

Saudi Arabia

Japan

Mexico

Argentina

Turkey

United Kingdom

Korea

Germany

France

Canada

Poland

Australia

Spain

Italy

Others

S O U R C E O E C D

Positive TrendNegative Trend

27%

23%

8%

5%

5%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

6%

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and Chief Diversity officers from the region’s public, private, and education sectors, to discuss best practices to engage and retain racial and ethnic minorities.

Create a “Welcome Eagan” initiative, similar to those undertaken in other communities like Toledo, Ohio. The initiative was founded several years ago to help companies attract global talent, and be a welcoming and inclusive community.

1.4 Invest in additional amenities for families with school aged childrenA core of Eagan’s identity has always included an emphasis on children. The love that parents have for their children is timeless and transcends country of origin. Many community members - including kids! - would like to see additional amenities in Eagan. The most popular citizen ideas included a splash pad, an indoor swimming pool, communitywide wireless, and an indoor soccer or sports practice facility.

Strategy Summary: Eagan is a Place for All People Goals Stakeholders Resources Needed

1.1 Embrace Seniors

1.2 Invest in Amenities that Appeal to Millennials and Baby Boomers.

1.3 Become a Welcoming Community

1.4 Invest in additional amenities for families and school-aged children

Recommended Resources: Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Dakota County, Minnesota includes definitions and considerations for senior housing: http://www.dakotacda.org/pdf/Dakota%20County %20Housing_Draft%20Report_Post%20for%20Website%201-29-14.pdf

The Metropolitan Council, or “Met Council” is the Twin Cities’ regional planning and policy making agency. They have data on population projections which may be helpful for any of these strategies: http://www.metrocouncil.org

Quality of Life survey indexes over 43 amenities valued by the Creative Class. See appendix or http://www.nextgenerationconsulting.com/how-to-measure-quality-of-life/ Ellen Dunham Jones, “Retrofitting Suburbia” TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ ellen_dunham_jones_retrofitting_suburbia?language=en and book: https://www.facebook.com/ Retrofitting-Suburbia-29939207705/ American Independent Business Alliance provides resources for “Buy Local” initiatives, http:// www.amiba.net/resources/localhero

Welcome Toledo works to build a welcoming and inclusive community for all: http:// www.weglobalnetwork.org/lucas-county-toledo

• Senior Coalition

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Metropolitan Council

• HR departments working to attract Millennials to Eagan

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• City Police

• School districts

• Churches

• HR departments working to attract global talent to Eagan

•Convention and Visitors Bureau

• School districts

• Sports leagues

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Dedicated multi-use space for seniors

• Better understanding of Transit Link as a transit solution

• Feasibility study for economic impact of Urban Village

• Better promotion of local independent restaurants

• Best practices on hallmarks of “Welcoming Communities”

• To be determined based on priorities

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What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life?The Harvard Study of Adult Development is the longest study of adult life. For 75 years, it’s tracked the lives of 724 men (and eventually their wives), year after year, asking about their work, their home lives, and their health. The clearest message from the study is this: Good relationships keep people happier and healthier.8 How can Eagan turn this insight into action, and become one of the country’s healthiest (and happiest) communities?

Eagan is a Healthy CommunityStrategy 2

Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard study noted above explains:

“…Social connections are really good for people, and loneliness kills. People who are more socially connected to family, to friends, to community, are happier, they're physically healthier, and they live longer than people who are less well connected. And the experience of loneliness turns out to be toxic. People who are more isolated than they want to be are less happy, their health declines earlier in midlife, their brain functioning declines sooner and they live shorter lives than people who are not lonely.”8 Robert Waldinger, “What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness”, http://www.ted.com/talks/ robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness/ transcript?language=en#t-557200, accessed January 4, 2016

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2.1 Design the community to maximize social connectionsThe popularity of Eagan’s Streets Alive and National Night out demonstrate that citizens enjoy these opportunities for human connection with their neighbors and co-residents. Now the questions becomes: Can we design (or retrofit) Eagan for greater human connection? Eagan residents seem to think so. Enjoying the city on a walkable, bikeable human scale was mentioned 89 times.

Here are some of their ideas:

Eagan succeeded in the mid- to late-20th century as a car-based suburb. But now it has reached a size (67,000 people) and density (thousands of jobs within the community, hundreds or retailers, etc.) where cars don’t have to be the only alternative.

What’s more, the next generation doesn’t like to drive.9 Nationally, only about 27 percent of 16-year-olds now get their driver licenses, compared with 46 percent in 1983, according to the Federal Census and Highway Administration Data. And “no texting while driving” laws make driving even less appealing to a generation that relies on constant connection to their smart phone.

As Eagan grows to an estimated 75,000-87,000 people in the next generation, citizens will expect to live more of their lives outside of their cars, on foot and on bike. Now is the time to re-program Eagan to balance the needs of pedestrians with those of cars.

9 Adele Peters, “Millennials Don't Drive—And Here's Why They Aren't Likely To Start Anytime Soon,” http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037378/millennials-dont-drive-and-here-why-they-arent-likelyto-start-anytime-soon, accessed January 4, 2016

“My wish for Eagan is that it will become a center for walking to

and from stores, restaurants, parks and more. It would be great to be able to walk or bike safely from one part of Eagan to another.”

“I really took some time to think

about this, Eagan has been a wonderful city to be a newlywed, to be a young family, to raise kids in. The only thing I can think of is that we lack sidewalks. Sidewalks make a neighborhood.”

“[My wish for Eagan is] Neighborhoods that

feel inviting for the residents to walk and interact. So that the residents can walk to neighborhood parks and playgrounds, the shopping areas, coffee shops.”

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Complete streets in neighborhoods and retail areas. Complete streets are accessible for pedestrians, bikers, and those in wheelchairs.

Pocket parks or public spaces in neighborhoods that are safely accessible by sidewalk, crosswalks and have multiple purposes.

Al fresco (“in the fresh air”) dining, allows diners to eat outside on the front or back patios of restaurants. “Restaurants”, “dining”, and “shops” were mentioned 82 times in community comments.

Create a public space agenda, to identify Eagan’s public spaces that are underperforming or underutilized, e.g. lifeless plazas, dilapidated parks, and re-energize them during redevelopment. The image below used to be a large parking lot in front of a strip mall. In winter, it’s repurposed to become a community ice skating rink. (Lakewood, CO).

Ideas to increase connection in Eagan

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2.2 Program Eagan’s public parks and trails for greater useEagan has over 100 miles of biking and hiking paths and dozens of beautiful parks. Some of those trails and parks are connected to each other. Some are not. Many citizens asked for some modest, additional amenities, like benches along the hiking paths, so hikers can have a rest. Other recommendations were practical: more toilets at public parks.

One Eagan resident, who’s just returned after living three years in Holland, wrote a three page letter to the community, based on her dream. Many of her suggestions have been incorporated into this plan:

Ideas to consider to increase usability of Eagan’s public parks and trails:

• Complete connections between hiking and biking trails, including adding pedestrian bridges over Yankee Doodle Road, Pilot Knob Road, and Lexington Avenue, to safely connect the trail system

• Paint sharrows and bike boxes on roads, to raise awareness of bikers

• Offer a bike sharing program, possibly underwritten by a local health care or insurance company

• Designate specific secondary roads as bike routes, e.g. Wescott Road.

• Designate low-volume streets as bike-friendly by painting “sharrows” on them, to signal that the roads are to be shared with bicyclists. This is a popular strategy in St. Paul and Minneapolis, to turn regular streets into bike routes.

• Create bike boxes like the one pictured below, at busy intersections. The Lexington Ave/Duckwood Drive intersection would be a candidate for a bike zone.

“My dream for Eagan Forward

is to make Eagan a community where residents feel safe to use their bicycles for transportation. I would venture to guess that the vast majority of Eagan citizens use their bikes for recreation. My dream goal is to get Eaganites out of their cars and use their bikes for transportation.” Photo: Bike Box at Intersection

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“It would be nice to have one of our lakes a destination for numerous activities such as walking trails around the lake, restaurants and /or cafes so you can eat and then walk without getting back into your car.”

Strategy Summary: Eagan is a Healthy Community

Goals Stakeholders Resources Needed

2.1 Design the community to maximize social connections

2.2 Program Eagan’s public parks and trails for greater use

Best Practices: Vision Zero is a movement designed to eliminate pedestrian fatalities caused by drivers. Learn more: http://www.bikewalkalliance.org/blog/689-tipsheet-creating-a-vision-zero-movement-for-everyone

Smart Growth America advocates for complete streets: http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/ complete-streets

Protected Intersections for Bicyclists: http://www.protectedintersection.com/

The city of Portland, Oregon uses inductive loops (wires in the road) to detect bicyclists at intersections, and give them a green light. Learn more: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/ transportation/article/145110

The Project for Public Spaces is the global leader in helping cities program their public spaces for health, vitality, and engagement. http://www.pps.org/reference/ten-strategies-for-transformingcities- through-placemaking-public-spaces/ and http://www.pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/

• Developers

• Neighborhoods

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Restauranteurs

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Dakota County (staff and Commission)

• Enabling city policies that require complete streets

• Zoning ordinances that require pocket parks

• City policy that enables al fresco dining

• Investment in pedestrian bridges over busy intersections

• Investment in benches and restrooms at certain public parks and trailheads

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Eagan is economically strong. It has a Triple-A bond rating, proof of the City Council’s historic commitment to fiscal prudence. It is home to several large employers including Thomson Reuters, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the US Postal Service. Because of its strong employer base, almost 50,000 people commute into Eagan every day for work. At home, over half of Eagan’s residents have bachelor’s degrees, and the median household income is above the national and state averages.

How can Eagan leverage this strong economic and talent base for even greater success in the next generation? What trends and technologies will Eagan have to be attentive to, to ensure it remains a great place to live and work?

3.1 Offer affordable high speed internet to Eagan residentsAccessEagan offers high speed internet to its business community. Now it’s time to take this a step further and offer high speed internet as an essential public utility, like water and electricity, to all Eagan residents.

Some communities are already doing this. Eastern Tennessee, like AccessEagan, recognizes the high speed internet as an accelerator for economic development:

There are additional reasons Eagan should offer affordable high speed internet to residents:

• Mobile work/work at home. Increasingly, work isn’t a place you go, it’s what you do. High speed internet at home will be an expectation for future workers.

• Digital education. K-12 students are expected to post their homework to digital chalkboards and online folders from home. Community-wide wireless internet services would enable that, and close the “digital divide” where it still exists. In addition, robust internet service enables students to participant in MOOCs (massive open online courses) from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and other institutions from their homes.

11 Jim Metheny, “Need for Speed: City Utilities Fight to

Offer Internet”, WBIR, May 6, 2015.

Eagan is Creative & InnovativeStrategy 3

“You had railroads, you had interstates, and this is the new infrastructure cities need to have," said Jody Wigington, CEO of Morristown Utility Systems (MUS), which is providing the internet service.

"To us, this really is as essential to economic development as having electricity or water.”11

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3.2 Invest in an Eagan Makerspace What is a Makerspace?

A makerspace (sample pictured below) is a physical location where people gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build. Makerspaces provide tools and space in a community environment—a library, community center, private organization or campus. Expert advisors may be available some of the time, but often novices get help from other users. The makerspace—sometimes referred to as a hackerspace—is often associated with fields such as engineering, computer science, and graphic design.12

Makerspaces are important to Eagan for several reasons:

• Makerspaces reinforce the schools’ focus on STEM (science, technology,

engineering and math) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).Makerspaces often host experienced engineers, electricians, and others to teach classes to the public.

• Makerspaces are multi-generational places where elders and children can learn and create together. Makerspaces encourage collaboration, thereby reinforcing connections among residents.

• In the same way that the rec center offers expensive exercise equipment (basketball courts, weight machines, etc.) to all members, makerspaces make expensive equipment like lathes and 3D printers available to members or the public. These tools are critical to inventors and entrepreneurs who are trying to model or test a physical product.

12 https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli7095.pdf

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3.3 Develop an economic strategy to strengthen Eagan’s arts and culture sector“Art” or “arts” were mentioned 187 times in the comments made on social media, the chalkboards, or Facebook.

Eagan has a strong and increasingly organized arts and cultural community. Although large cities like the Twin Cities and Chicago can boast a broad spectrum of artistic offerings, from world class orchestras and operas to seasons of broadway shows, suburban communities like Eagan can become creative enclaves, places where artists and creatives can do residencies and experiment.

Three ways Eagan can strengthen its creative economy:

• The Berkshire Creative Economy Project helped the region diversify its economy through a targeted plan to grow the creative and cultural economy. Learn more: http://www.mtauburnassociates.com/pubs/Berkshire_Creative_Economy.pdf

• Cedarburg, Wisconsin’s “Old Mill” (at top right) was repurposed into an artists’ coworking space, where artists rent individual studios and also sell their creations out of their workshops. It’s a popular tourist destination, because visitors meet and interact with the jewelers, metalsmiths, painters and sculptors. It has grown to become a gathering spot for community festivals:

http://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com/. Although Eagan doesn’t have old buildings it can repurpose, it does have underutilized strip malls.

• The Kohler Company in Kohler, Wisconsin hosts artists-in-residence for two- to six month residencies. Participants are exposed to a body of technical knowledge that enables them to explore forms and concepts not possible in their own studios as well as new ways of thinking and working. http://www.jmkac.org/index.php/ artsindustry-residency

3.4 Invest in a community art centerISD 196 prides itself on a robust arts program and regularly turns out award-winning students in theater, music, and fine arts. Beyond the schools, Eagan has a robust and increasingly well organized community of artists who produce a rich variety of visual and performing art in the community. But the Art House, the space that hosts it all, is not aspirational.

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One citizen summed it up:

“I have taken an art class at the Art House and feel it

lacking in space, organization, clean environment, etc. It's a very out-dated facility compared to our surrounding cities . . . such as Bloomington, Burnsville, Lakeville, Richfield, Hopkins, Savage, Rosemount, etc. [We need to] expand, renovate, or rebuild a new facility that Eagan residents would be proud of. Besides visual arts, it could be large enough for performing arts, provide an art gallery of local art, rental options offered to public, etc. An art center helps to strengthen a community closer together, and would offer entertainment, education, and income to the city and it's residents through rental and fundraising opportunities.”

An art center can provide assets that would be expensive for a single artist or group, and share the cost among all students and groups. In addition, art classes can be enjoyed by people of all ages and increase connections among residents.

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Strategy Summary: Eagan is Creative and Innovative Goals Stakeholders Resources Needed

3.1 Offer affordable high speed internet as a public utility

3.2 Invest in an Eagan makerspace

3.3 Develop an economic strategy to strengthen Eagan’s arts and cultural sector

3.4 Invest in a community art center

Best Practices: Institute for Local Self-Reliance, which advocates for community broadband initiatives, tracks more than 60 municipal governments that have built or are building successful fiber networks: http:// muninetworks.org/

Artisan Asylum and Jason Margalus have helped communities of all sizes start makerspaces: https://artisansasylum.com/how-to-make-a-makerspace/ and http://makezine.com/2014/10/07/ how-to-start-a-makerspace-in-small-town-america-2/

Mount Auburn Associates has experience measuring the economic impact of the creative economy: http://www.mtauburnassociates.com/

The National Governor’s Association has published a paper on the importance of the arts in stimulating states’ economies: http://www.nga.org/files/live/sites/NGA/files/pdf/ 0901ARTSANDECONOMY.PDF

Jasper, Indiana (population 16,000) has had success in developing a multi-discipline art center that includes a 675-seat auditorium, gallery, dance studio, and classroom space: http:// www.jasperindiana.gov/egov/documents/08f45300_8f92_2f1d_f16e_f9c9b5f0df75.pdf

• City of Eagan (staff and council) including Technology Working Group

• Cable companies

• AccessEagan advisors

• Public library

• Private investors

• K-12 schools

• Eagan arts alliances

• Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Philanthropists or funders

• City of Eagan (staff & council)

• Eagan arts alliances

• Convention and Visitors Bureau

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• To be determined

• Equipment could be donated by area businesses

• Investment in a feasibility study

• Grant writer

• To be determined

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“When I want to go out to

dinner, I go to St. Paul. I don’t want to eat at chain restaurants. I want something special.”

Do you hear that sound? It’s the sound of money leaving Eagan and being spent in St. Paul or other communities for better or more accessible dining and retail options.

More than anything, citizens of Eagan want more retail options. More dining options. More independent restaurants and shops. They want those options to be walkable. And they really, really want a Trader Joe’s!

As Eagan becomes larger there is an opportunity to develop dynamic pedestrian friendly retail areas. Here are some methods to make Eagan a destination, to draw people from the Twin Cities after hours:

4.1 Update the comprehensive plan with urban village guidelinesAs previously discussed in Strategy 1, urban villages are an exciting option for suburbs going through redevelopment, or those suburbs hoping to attract young professionals or hang onto empty nest Baby Boomers.

Eagan already has one version of an urban village, and Eagan’s next comprehensive plan (which will begin in 2016-2017) should adopt many of the guidelines as laid out by Ellen Dunham-Jones and June Williamson in their book, Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs.13 Some elements include:

• Modifying setbacks. Typical suburbs require setbacks hundreds of feet long. This creates large expanses of asphalt for parking in front of a retail establishment. By decreasing the amount of setback, stores are closer (and more visible) to passersby.

• Decreasing retailers’ footprints. The “big box” phenomenon of the 1980s and ‘90s is being reversed. Today, retailers from Whole Foods to Target

Eagan is a DestinationStrategy 4

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are finding that smaller stores are not only more acceptable in communities, they can be as profitable.

• Walkability. While traditional suburbs favored the car, retrofits favor pedestrians.

• Multi-use. As the Belmar example demonstrates, urban villages that offer first floor retail with second or third-floor residential options, are popular.

• Density. In this case, we’re not talking about ten-story high rises like CityVue. In the context of urban villages, density is based on the concepts of new urbanism where single family (one story) homes are adjacent to modest two-story mixed use buildings, that eventually abut three- or four-story buildings.

Offering mixed-use in this gradual, concentrated way enables Eagan to accomplish many of the goals citizens requested: an “urban center,” walkability, more affordable housing for seniors and Millennials (if multi-story buildings offered elevators), and numerous places to eat and shop, within a short walk. In addition, it would make Eagan less car-dependent and decrease CO2 emissions.

4.1 Attract and develop new restaurants and retail

Did you know that Eagan is home to many chefs and restaurant owners in the Twin Cities?

Did you know that Trader Joe’s receives a call from a City of Eagan staff member every month or so?

Here are some ideas to help Eagan get a more dense and interesting mix of retail:

• Organize a citizen writing or calling campaign to recruit Trader Joe’s

• Host a dinner with Eagan-based chefs and asked them what it would take to help them set up shop in Eagan

• Eat ten more meals in 2016 at one of Eagan’s 30+ independent restaurants.

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• The City of Eagan’s Facebook page could promote a local restaurant or independent retailer once/week

• Reconsider the City’s policy on food trucks. Currently, the city has strict limits on food trucks. What policies would enable residents to have access to food trucks at certain days/times? For example, other communities have food trucks on a designated night of the week, in a designated neighborhood.

Strategy Summary: Eagan as a Destination Goals Stakeholders Resources Needed

4.1 Update the comprehensive plan with urban village guidelines

4.2 Attract new restaurants and retail

Best Practices: The Urban Land Institute offers a best practices guide for suburban revitalization: http://uli.org/wpcontent/ uploads/ULI-Documents/Shifting-Suburbs.pdf

A primer on urban villages: http://uli.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Sustainable-Suburbs- Retrofitting-Suburbia.pdf

Here’s the form to request a Trader Joe’s in Eagan: http://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/locationrequest

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Developers

• Citizens

• Eagan-based chefs and restaurateurs

• City of Eagan communications team

• To be determined

• N/A

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“Please, please get

rid of the goofy looking city symbol of the ‘broccoli’. I love the idea of the oak tree as our city's symbol but can it please be redesigned? It looks like a kindergartner threw something together.”

As Eagan enters its next generation of redevelopment, and deploys the Eagan Forward plan, it’s time to update its brand.

5.1 Update Eagan’s logo

The City should work with a local designer to create a new City of Eagan logo and corresponding identity system.

Update Eagan's BrandStrategy 5

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5.1 Update Eagan’s brand

The City of Eagan should gather stakeholders, e.g. Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and art community representatives, to consider ways to commonly brand the Eagan area and market its opportunities. This would include but not be limited to:

• Standard, unique-to-Eagan design elements that are programmed into all high visibility public places, e.g. libraries, city hall, community center, etc. The City has made a great start with the natural stone elements at the Community Center, and other select venues.

• Design standards in the new comprehensive plan that represent the city’s new brand. One citizen recommended to “Emphasize culture & craftsmanship through public art, brewpubs and community events”. In West Central Texas where limestone is plentiful, the communities use the “Texas star” stamped into all community entrances.

Strategy Summary: Eagan as a Destination Goals Stakeholders Resources Needed

5.1 Update Eagan’s logo

5.2 Update Eagan’s brand

Best Practices: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities offers a readiness assessment and other tools to guide a community branding process: http://www.fcm.ca/Documents/tools/International/ Community_Branding_And_Marketing_EN.pdf

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

• City of Eagan (staff and council)

• Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Representatives from art community

• Graphic designer or firm

• TBD

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Hundreds of Eagan residents have offered their voices and time to this plan. Now, how do we operationalize it?

Together.The City Council, City staff, and community must work together on this 20-year plan. In some cases, the City of Eagan staff will naturally take the lead; in other cases, the community needs to step up and provide input and direction. The table on the following page shows each strategy, along with a recommended lead group.

What is a Citizen-Led Study-Action Team?

Study-Action teams are groups of community volunteers and stakeholders that work together to study specific recommendations, and recommend (or take) a course of action. In addition:

• Study-action teams have a defined scope of work; they study an issue, and then they take or recommend appropriate action. When their work is done, the team disbands.

• Study-action teams do research to reach evidence-based conclusions; they don’t rely on opinions. They use their resourcefulness, networks, and analysis. Although they may invite experts to brief them, study-action groups reach their own conclusions.

• Study-action teams include a diverse range of people—including those who would be impacted in the project. These are not blue ribbon panels that are at arms-length from the issue; members of study-action teams have a direct interest in the issue and are united by their commitment to do something about it.

Here are sample guidelines for an effective Study-Action team:

Diversity: Invite a diverse team. Ideally, all should share an interest in the issue at hand, and should represent a broad cross-section of the community, e.g. age, race, private or public sector, gender, profession, etc.

Term: Many study-action teams can conclude their work in six to nine months. Some take longer. Some groups become bonded and many members want to continue to work together on related issues, after the original project has ended.

Putting It To Work. How to Operationalize the Vision

Strategy 6

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“Study” generally includes:

• Defining the issue clearly, in coordination with stakeholders, as needed.

• Determining what research is already available, reviewing it, and making fact-based conclusions. Sources of information must be documented and reputable. Best practices have been listed throughout this plan, as a starting point.

• Determining what additional research is needed to “fill in the gaps” and obtaining it through networks, subject matter experts, interviews with stakeholders, etc. (Keep in mind, there is no such thing as perfect and complete information. It may be necessary to make recommendations without “perfect” information.)

• Reaching conclusions, based on the facts obtained in the previous stages.

Putting it to Work: How to Operationalize Eagan Forward

Strategy Who Leads?

1.1 Keep Seniors Engaged

1.2 Invest in Amenities that Appeal to Millennials and Baby Boomers.

1.3 Become a Welcoming Community

1.4 Invest in additional amenities for families and school-aged children

2.1 Design the community to maximize social connections

2.2 Program Eagan’s public parks and trails for greater use

3.1 Offer affordable high speed internet as a public utility

3.2 Invest in an Eagan makerspace

3.3 Develop an economic strategy to strengthen Eagan’s arts and cultural sector

3.4 Invest in a community art center alliance members

4.1 Update the comprehensive plan with urban village guidelines

4.2 Attract new restaurants and retail

5.1 Update Eagan’s logo

5.2 Update Eagan’s brand

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team, led by Senior Coalition

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team

• City of Eagan Staff - Community Development Department

• City of Eagan Staff - Parks and Rec Department

• City of Eagan Staff - Communications Department

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team, led by Eagan arts alliance members

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team, led by Eagan arts alliance members

• City of Eagan Staff - Community Development Department

• Citizen-led Study-Action Team

•City of Eagan Staff - Communications Department

•City of Eagan Staff - Communications Department

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• Maintaining an objective balance at all times, e.g. letting the facts speak regardless

• Summarizing the group’s conclusions. Here it is helpful to keep three “strands” of insight in mind.

1 The first is technical: those who will hear the study-action group’s findings must

understand the technical issues at play. The study-action team must demystify the knowledge, so that an ordinary citizen can learn enough to make decisions. It’s not fair to leave this responsibility on the shoulders of regular citizens, or people in government and industry – this is a civic responsibility.

2 Second is the political strand – where are decisions made that

affect this issue? What institutions, departments, corporations, bureaus, hearings, legislatures and so forth are involved? What’s the process to impact those bodies? Who’s deciding what, and when?

3 The third strand is perhaps the most important, because it’s often the most

neglected – the spiritual or moral strand. Study-action groups should find the deep roots of the community’s motivation, its most deeply held values. Communities need values that are life-sustaining.

“Action” generally includes:

• Developing recommendations based on the group’s research.

• Writing the group’s conclusions and recommendations, keeping the three “strands” of insight in mind.

• Developing ways to communicate conclusions and recommendations to key stakeholders.

• Influencing key decisions, based on the group’s conclusions and recommendations.

• Determining further action, if needed.

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C O N C L U S I O N

Eagan's next 20 years

In their best-selling business book, Built to Last, co-authors Jerry Porras and Jim Collins found that companies that were able to sustain themselves focused on two areas:

∙ Preserving their core values and principles; and

∙ Stimulating progress through big, hairy, audacious goals (“BHAGs”), experimentation, and continuous improvement

Eagan, of course, is not a company. But it has been built to last, and the citizen engagement generated by the Eagan Forward initiative made it clear that Eagan has built many things that citizens deeply cherish: strong schools, a commitment to tree canopy and green space, fiscal prudence, and the arts.

As Eagan faces its next 20 years—and the technology, economic, and demographic changes that will shape it—this plan can serve as a guide and a

toolkit. And using citizen-based study action teams will be an important way to engage new voices and unearth new potential.

As a final note, this plan included a Quality of Life assessment (See the appendix.) This assessment contrasts Eagan to four aspirational cities: Centennial, Colorado; Carmel, Indiana; Overland Park, Kansas; and Plymouth, Minnesota. Each of these cities is similar to Eagan in that they’re suburbs of major American cities. But all of them have something special about them that the Steering Committee felt we should study. The details of Eagan’s relative strengths and weaknesses compared to these communities is detailed in the following pages. The major takeaway is this: if Eagan wants to become a walkable, retail district oriented community, it should look to Carmel, Indiana and Centennial, Colorado, the only cities that scored “9” out of a possible ten points in any of the quality of life indexes.

We have learned a lot in this process by listening to citizens, studying trends, and analyzing what makes other “great places to live” truly great. Now, it’s time to take action.

Conclusion

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Things we learned

in the Process

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E A G A N F O R W A R D

Things we learned

in the Process

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Why can’t we get a Trader Joe’s? The City of Eagan can set zoning guidelines for specific parcels of land, e.g. if something is zoned “R1” it’s for single family homes. But just because something is zoned for retail doesn’t dictate which businesses move in. The best way to get Trader Joe’s in Eagan may be a citizen campaign to Bring TJ’s to Eagan! You can start the movement by filling out this online form: http://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/location-request

Why doesn’t Eagan have more sidewalks? In the post-World War Two era when gas was cheap and urban areas were seen as unsafe, suburbs sprouted up as clean, affordable alternatives to cities. But since most of the jobs were still in cities, suburbs—sometimes called “bedroom communities”—counted on the car as the primary mode of transportation to move workers from their homes to their jobs. Eagan grew up during this period and based its development (and most planning and zoning) on the car.

Why does Eagan have three school districts? Eagan has ISD 191, 196, and 197. Many citizens mentioned “three school districts” as a problem. One said,

“In a city our size, a single

high school can really help create a sense of community.” Will Eagan ever have a single school district? Probably not. Redrawing district lines would require intense cooperation of all school boards, and a long legal process.

The ProcessThroughout this process, some questions came up so often that we had to find the answers.

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Thank You's

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The following people played important roles throughout the Eagan Forward project:

Eagan Forward Steering CommitteeJohn Ferlita

Laurie Fink

Marianne Fletcher

Cindy Haas

Jen Hubbs

Christine Keuler

Arthur Morrissey

Juliet Parisi

Terry TeBockhorst

City of Eagan StaffDianne Miller

Dave Osberg

Tom Garrison

Crystal Couillard

Joanna Foote

City Council of EaganMike Maguire

Paul Bakken

Cyndee Fields

Gary Hansen

Meg Tilley

Thank You

Eagan Forward

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M E T H O D O L O G I E S

Eagan Forward

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Eagan Forward was launched in August 2015 and presented in January 2016.The following people and activities informed this plan:

1 A Steering Committee of Eagan residentsdetermined the guiding

principles for the project, advised on outreach methods and audiences, hosted events, promoted the Eagan Forward process, selected the benchmark communities for the quality of life analysis, and reviewed and provided guidance on early versions of the Eagan Forward plan.

2 Eighteen past and current officials and subject matter experts participated in

one-on-one interviews in late August, 2015.

3 “One Wish” chalkboardswere in constant rotation around the city from

September through November, 2015, organized by City of Eagan staff. On these chalkboards, residents could write their ONE WISH for Eagan. Over 250 ideas were submitted on chalkboards.

4 Four focus groupswere hosted October 27-29, 2015. An estimated

150 people participated.

5 Over 200 ideas were collectedon the City of Eagan’s Facebook page and website

between September and November 2015. Outreach questions for citizens were translated into several languages including Spanish and Russian.

6 NEXT Generation Consultingcompiled the quality of life data and handprint in

November, 2015.

Methologies

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A P P E N D I X :

Eagan Quality of Life v. Benchmark Communities

Quality of life can be measured. Research among America’s best places to live show the following seven factors make up “quality of life.”

Vitality How healthy is Eagan? This index includes air and water quality, adult activity (wellbeing), primary care physicians, recreation opportunities, and the square footage of energy star rated buildings.

Earning Talented workers expect to have multiple jobs in their lifetimes and value a community with a breadth and depth of occupational options, plus support for entrepreneurial ventures. This index includes current and future job growth, self-employment, women- and minority-owned businesses, median income, unemployment, patents per 1000 people, and presence of knowledge workers.

Learning How smart is Eagan? This index includes public libraries, pupil-teacher ratio, education expenditure, percentage of the population with a High School diploma and college degrees, and wi-fi hotspots.

Social Capital Strong communities have strong ties among and between different groups of people. This index evaluates Eagan’ religious and ethnic diversity, crime rates, median age, children in poverty, adequacy of social support, dog parks, and farmers markets (the latter two are proven to create bonds among community members.)

Cost of Lifestyle Can I afford to live in Eagan? This index includes income tax, sales tax, median selected monthly ownership costs, median rent, cost of food and groceries, utilities, and student cost of living.

After Hours There’s more to life than work. This index tallies all the things to do and places to go after work, e.g. local music shows, brew pubs, independent coffee shops, arts,

Many things will change in Eagan over the next 20 years, but some things will remain constant. Quality of Life is valued by citizens regardless of the state of the economy, the diversity of citizens, or the invasiveness of technology.

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Quality of Life

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entertainment and recreation, and full service restaurants.

Around Town How easy is it to get around? This index includes miles of dedicated pedestrian trails, walkability, commute times, percentage of commuters who bike, walk, use mass transit or carpool, percentage of people who work from home, and airport activity.

The Steering Committee chose the following communities to benchmark Eagan against, in the seven Quality of Life indexes:

- Centennial, Colorado

- Carmel, Indiana

- Overland Park, Kansas

- Plymouth, Minnesota

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These communities were chosen as aspirational targets - suburban communities like Eagan, that sit close to a major urban center and have similar characteristics, e.g. size, makeup, history, etc. The table below shows the index scores for each community. A score of “5” is the normative average of all five communities. Ten is the highest possible score. 1 is the lowes possible score.

Q UA LIT Y O F LI FE

Eagan v. Benchmark Communities

Eagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth CO IN KS MN

* MSA means “Metropolitan Statistical Area.”, e.g. Eagan belongs to the Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA. All of the comparison communities belong to major U.S. MSAs.

City Population MSA* Population Index Vitality Earning Learning Social Capital

Cost of Lifestyle

After Hours

Around Town

Overall Average

66,087

3,495,176

2

5

5

4

5

3

5

4.1

107,193

2,754,258

7

5

9

2

5

3

9

5.7

87,015

1,972,241

6

9

5

7

8

9

3

6.7

184,524

2,070,221

4

4

2

5

5

5

3

4.0

75,065

3,495,176

6

3

5

8

1

5

5

4.7

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Eagan v. Peers in VitalityThe Vitality Index offers a composite image of Eagan’s overall health and wellbeing. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index,

Eagan scored a 2 overall v. it peers.

Eagan's highest score was in Food Environment.This includes access to grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

Eagan’s lowest scores were in: The per capita square footage of buildings with energy star ratings; High number of patients per primary care physician.

Vitality Index

V ITA LIT Y I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

2City Population MSA Population Index Score Adult Obesity Food Environment Access to Excercise Air Quality Patients per Primary Care Physician Energy Star Rating Community Gardens*

66,087

3,495,176

2

0.25

9.00

0.94

85.70

1,479

3.00

0.00

107,193

2,754,258

7

0.21

7.80

0.98

83.50

1,272

3.00

15.90

87,015

1,972,241

6

0.22

8.80

0.64

91.40

729

9.00

3.40

184,524

2,070,221

4

0.23

8.50

0.94

82.10

960

5.00

4.90

75,065

3,495,176

6

0.22

8.30

0.96

72.30

881

5.00

2.70

* There was a discrepancy in the data regarding Eagan’s community gardens.

4 5 E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S

Eagan v. Peers in EarningThe Earning Index offers a snapshot of Eagan’s overall economic vitality and job environment. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index,

Eagan scored 5, which is the peer

average.

Eagan's highest score was in Percentage of minority-owned businesses.

Eagan’s lowest score was in: self-employment.

Earning Index

E A R N I N G I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

5City Population MSA* Population Index Score Stage 2 Job Growth Future Job Growth Self-employed Median Income Women-owned Businesses Minority-owned Businesses New Migration per 1,000 Residents Unemployment Rate Innovation: Patents per 1,000 workers Knowledge Workers

66,087

3,495,176

5

4.9%

38.4%

3.9%

$46,210

25.9%

9.8%

2.9

3.5%

1.01

49.0%

107,193

2,754,258

5

5.0%

40.4%

6.5%

$45,907

32.4%

7.8%

34.3

5.5%

0.27

52.6%

87,015

1,972,241

9

6.7%

45.0%

7.3%

$52,011

25.3%

4.5%

224.0

3.3%

1.59

64.5%

184,524

2,070,221

4

6.0%

37.3%

5.4%

$40,512

28.0%

8.5%

67.8

4.2%

0.58

50.2%

75,065

3,495,176

3

3.8%

38.5%

4.1%

$47,012

25.2%

5.9%

-57.2

3.4%

0.80

58.3%

E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S 46

Eagan v. Peers in LearningThe Learning Index offers a snapshot of Eagan’s overall education levels and commitments to education. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index, Eagan had

an average score of 5 v. it peers.

Eagan's highest score was Public libraries,which is a measure of the number of books checked out.

Eagan did not have any lowest scores in this index.

Learning Index

5LE A R N I N G I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

City Population MSA* Population Index Score Public Libraries Pupil/Teacher Ratio Percent of Population w/HS Diploma Percent of Population w/College Degree WiFi Hotspots per Capita Number of Community/Technical Colleges per 100,000 people age 18+ Education expenditure

66,087

3,495,176

5

71.1

17.7

95.2%

52.1%

43.9

4.8

$10,304

107,193

2,754,258

9

31.7

23.9

97.9%

56.3%

70.9

6.2

$8,983

87,015

1,972,241

5

11.5

17.0

97.4%

71.0%

48.3

4.2

$8,168

184,524

2,070,221

2

16.8

13.9

95.7%

55.6%

43.4

4.7

$9,113

75,065

3,495,176

5

40.0

18.0

96%

59.1%

32.0

4.7

$11,702

47 E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S

Eagan v. Peers in Social CapitalThe Social Capital Index offers a way to glimpse a community’s diversity and its social cohesion. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index, Eagan

had an average score of 5 v. it peers.

Eagan had neither the highest or lowest scores in any individual metric.

Social Capital Index

S O C I A L CA PITA L I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

4City Population MSA Population Index Score Religious Homogeneity Violent Crime Property Crime Race/Ethnic Homogeneity Median Age Children in Poverty Inadequate Social Support Dog Parks Farmer Markets

66,087

3,495,176

4

48.8%

42.4

43.5

76.3%

38.8

10.0%

14.0%

3.0

13.6

107,193

2,754,258

2

37.1%

39.6

28.6

81.0%

41.9

16.0%

18.0%

7.5

7.5

87,015

1,972,241

7

36.6%

24.2

24.8

82.4%

41.9

6.0%

13.0%

2.3

12.6

184,524

2,070,221

5

35.0%

39.7

41.7

80.3%

38.4

8.0%

12.0%

1.6

10.3

75,065

3,495,176

8

35.0%

40.6

31.6

74.5%

37.6

17.0%

15.0%

5.3

17.3

E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S 48

Eagan v. Peers in Cost of LifestyleThe Cost of Lifestyle Index shows how affordable it is to live in Eagan. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index, Eagan

scored 5, which is the peer average.

Eagan’s income tax is tied with Plymouth, MN for highest

Eagan had the lowest Monthly Selected Owner Costs for Home Owners, which is a nod to the City’s fiscal prudence.

Median rents are the lowest of all peer cities, but groceries are the highest.

Cost of Lifestyle Index

5C OAT O F LI FE ST Y LE I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

City Population MSA Population Index Score Income Tax Sales Tax Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs for Home Owners Media Rent Food/Groceries (100 is average) Utilities (100 is average) Students Cost of Living (100 is average)

66,087

3,495,176

5

7.1%

7.1%

$1,550

$1,039

107.9

101.0

107.0

107,193

2,754,258

5

4.6%

6.8%

$1,791

$1,335

98.1

89.0

108.0

87,015

1,972,241

8

4.4%

7.0%

$1,895

$1,146

92.4

91.0

99.0

184,524

2,070,221

5

4.8%

8.5%

$1,677

$1,032

97.7

105.0

99.0

75,065

3,495,176 1

7.1%

7.3%

$2,118

$1,158

107.4

103.0

112.0

49 E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S

Eagan v. Peers in After HoursWhat’s there to do in Eagan after work and on weekends? This index gives some insight to that question. The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index, Eagan tied with

Centennial, CO for lowest score, compared to its

peers. Carmel, IN, which has numerous retail and restaurant

districts, took the prize in this index with a score of 9.

Eagan’s highest score compared to its peers was: Number of independent coffee shops.This measure looks at the per capita (per 100,000 people) number of places you can get coffee, within 10 miles of the city.

After Hours Index

A F TE R H O U R S I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark CommunitiesEagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

3City Population MSA Population Index Score Local Music Shows* Breweries & Brewpubs Independent Coffee Shops Art, Entertainment, Recreation Full Service Restaurants

66,087

3,495,176

3

0.0

6.1

45.4

39.8

55.3

107,193

2,754,258

3

1.9

3.7

25.2

32.5

76.4

87,015

1,972,241

9

6.9

13.8

20.7

57.2

66.1

184,524

2,070,221

5

11.4

2.2

17.3

42.5

74.7

75,065

3,495,176

5

2.7

4.0

24

53.2

73.2

E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S 50

Eagan v. Peers in Around TownHow easy is it to get around town? How well does Eagan get to and from work? The index includes data that can be collected from published and credible sources. Some of the data is collected at the city level (shaded boxes), some is MSA data, and other data is collected at the county level.

Overall score: In this index, Eagan

scores an average 5 versus its peers.

Eagan’s highest score compared to its peers was: Airport Activity And Miles of Trails

Around Town Index

5A R O U N D TOW N I N D E X

Eagan v. Benchmark Communities Eagan Centennial Carmel Overland Park Plymouth

City Population MSA Population Index Score Commute Times Percent of people Who use Mass Transit to Work Percent of People Who Carpool to Work Percent of People Who Walk to Work Percent of people who Commute by Bike Airport Activity Walkability Percent of people Who Work from Home Miles of Trails

66,087

3,495,176

5

24.6

3.4%

8.8%

0.7%

0.04%

5

18

4.0%

239.7

107,193

2,754,258

9

26.0

3.0%

7.1%

1.5%

0.06%

5

34

8.7%

188.5

87,015

1,972,241

3

25.0

0.30%

8.9%

0.8%

0.03%

4

16

9.1%

36.8

184,524

2,070,221

3

20.5

0.60%

6.2%

1.3%

0.01%

4

33

4.8%

28.1

75,065

3,495,176

5

24.4

3.8%

6.2%

1.3%

0.01%

5

18

5.9%

156.1

This project was led by Rebecca Ryan. Ryan is the founder and owner of NEXT Generation Consulting, Inc., the Resident Futurist at the Alliance for Innovation, and a Senior Advisor at the Governing Institute.

Rebecca is the author of The Next Big Things: The

Future of Local Government (2015), ReGENERATION:

A Manifesto for America’s Future Leaders (2013),

and Live First, Work Second: Getting Inside the Head

of the Next Generation (2007). Since 1998, she has

designed workforce, community, and/or economic

development plans for: Akron, OH; Birmingham,

AL; Brevard County, FL; Canton, OH; Central Texas

(Killeen, Copperas Cove); Charleston, SC; Charlotte,

NC; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Corpus Christi,

TX; Evansville, IN; Fort Worth, TX; Greater Lafayette,

IN; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Hamilton, Ontario; Illinois/

Quad Cities; Indianapolis, IN; Iowa City-Cedar

Rapids, IA; the State of Iowa; Johnstown, PA; Lake

Charles/Southwest Louisiana; Greater Louisville, KY;

Marathon County, WI; Michigan Colleges Foundation;

Milwaukee, WI; Nashville, TN; Oswego County, NY;

Rockford, IL; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Tulsa,

OK; the State of Vermont; West Central Wisconsin

(Wausau); West Des Moines, IA; Wichita, KS; and the

Willmar Lakes Area, MN.

Trained as an Economist (Drake University) and a Futurist (University of Houston), Ms. Ryan has earned the following accolades:

• Communicator of the Year, Women in Communication

• Woman of Influence, Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee

• Entrepreneur of the Year, U.S. Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship

• Most Powerful Women in Public Accounting, CPA Practice Advisor

• Thought Leader, CPA Practice Advisor

• Top 100 Most Influential People, Accounting Today

Rebecca lives in Madison, Wisconsin. You can reach her at:

nextgenerationconsulting.com

twitter @ngcrebecca

fb: www.facebook.com/

rebeccaryanfuturist

Lisa Loniello is Rebecca’s right hand:

ll@nextgenerationconsulting.com or

888-922-9596, ext. 701

AboutNext Generation Consulting

51 E A G A N F O R W A R D | A V I S I O N F O R E A G A N ’ S N E X T 2 0 Y E A R S

1882 E. Main Street, Suite 204

Madison, WI 53703

Ph (888) 922-9596

nextgenerationconsulting.com

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