VII.1. 2021 Mission and Goals – Hopkins City Council; Mornson
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Mike Mornson, City Manager
Date: March 2, 2021
Subject: 2021 Mission and Goals – Hopkins City Council
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The City Council meets annually to review the goals from the previous year, evaluate
new goals and develop a strategic plan. This year we have designated time over the
last three months to assess the current goals and objectives of departments to use in
creating new goals and initiatives for 2021.
In addition to department overviews, staff also reviewed the current goals and
evaluated the associated background information and strategies. A formal
presentation will be provided at the meeting and the City Council will have the
opportunity to ask questions and decide if additional discussion is needed.
City Manager
2021 Mission and Goals
Hopkins City Council
Mike Mornson, City Manager
Mission
Inspire
Educate
Involve
Communicate
Vision
All people feel safe and respected, and
diversity is celebrated.
Business growth is supported and a vibrant
downtown is maintained.
People enjoy exceptional government
services, neighborhoods, and outstanding
schools.
Goal 1: Preserve the Home Town
Feel of Hopkins
Background
A home town feel is a major part of the identity
of Hopkins. Surveys have demonstrated the
home town feel is one of the primary reasons
people like living in Hopkins. Efforts in the
future need to capitalize on and enhance this
important City asset.
Four Strategies
Strategy –Support a Vibrant Business Community
Strengthen image of arts community
Promote shopping local
Promote business assistance programs
Launch re-branding of “Think Hopkins” to focus on visitor and business recruitment
Strategy –Promote and Enhance City Events
Promote city events large and small such as: Raspberry Festival, Mainstreet Days, Old Fashioned Holiday, Summerfest, Halloween in
Hopkins, Farmers Markets, Cultural Celebrations and have a City booth at events when possible
Strategy –Provide Accessible, Friendly, and Efficient City Services
Continue to improve online platforms for service delivery
Continue to look for ways to make parks, trails and facilities accessible and approachable
Work to set up Laserfiche, Permit Works, and Cartegraph software to provide quicker and more assessable services
Continue to identify opportunities for document translation
Continue to identify opportunities for simplifying processes for residents and businesses
Strategy –Embrace and Strengthen Partnerships
Joint recreation with Minnetonka, Hennepin County, Hopkins Schools, Watershed Districts, Met Council
Three Rivers Park District, Surrounding Cities, Faith and community-based organizations, Business community
Strategy –Adoption of New Zoning Code
Aim to preserve the home town feel
Goal 2: Urban Design –Do it Right
Background
Hopkins has been recognized as a city that
encourages smart urban design.This includes
development that is compact and walkable,
maximizes land use and value, sustainable and
equitable.
Three Strategies
Strategy –Improve Walking and Biking Infrastructure in the City
Implement the sidewalk and trail master plan and partner with other agencies to improve and update paths, trails, and
crossing in the community, supporting “Complete Streets” initiatives
Strategy –Practice Environmental Responsibility
Set specific sustainability goals as identified through discussions between staff and City Council
Strategy –LRT Planning and Transit-Oriented Development
Complete the adoption of a new zoning code to conform with the City’s comprehensive plan.
Partner with Hennepin County and SWLRT cities to maximize benefits and minimize disruption during construction
Work with Minnetonka and Hennepin County to implement the vision for the Shady Oak LRT Station
Work with all stakeholders to implement and build on recommendations of the Blake Road Corridor Plans
Continue to explore and promote sustainability initiates in our community
Implement the vision as described in Cultivate Hopkins, the City’s comprehensive plan
Continue to explore ways to strengthen the entire Mainstreet experience from 5th Avenue to Shady Oak Road
Goal 3: Take it to them
Background
Hopkins has a reputation for strong community
involvement and engagement. The City needs to
build upon that strength by reaching out to
deliver our messages and hear from our
stakeholders. Hopkins is a unique community
with over 65% rental housing and 40% non-
white population. Diversity is a celebrated
access.
Three Strategies
Strategy –Involve Diverse Populations
Promote cultural celebrations
Explore methods to involve Multicultural Advisory Committee in community building
Continue to seek out diversity on boards and commissions
Promote opportunities to raise awareness and understanding of race, equity, and diversity
Monitor and track data on racial disparities where applicable to work towards systemic changes to produce equitable
outcomes
Continue to build relationships with members of our diverse community
Strategy –Engage the Rental Community of Hopkins
Intentionally engage rental communities
Implement a program to provide city information to new renters
Strategy –Inspire Community and Citizen Engagement
Encourage volunteerism and expand volunteer opportunities
Conduct community meetings at alternative locations
Educate the community in the area of emergency preparedness
Identify opportunities to partner with youth, schools, businesses, and faith-based organizations
Creatively engage and market the community using technology and unique platforms