On the agenda: Wright County meeting — DATA CENTER (Aug 11)

BOARD WORKSHOP AGENDA

District 1, Tina Diedrick
District 2, Darek Vetsch

BOARD OF WRIGHT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
District 3, Jeanne Holland

12:00 P.M. on August 11, 2026

District 4, Nadine Schoen
District 5, Robert (Kirby) Moynagh III

GOVERNMENT CENTER ROOM 1105

1. CONVENE
2. 12:00 P.M. SCHEDULE MEETINGS AS NEEDED
3. 12:05 P.M. REVIEW DRAFT REQUEST FOR PROPSOALS RELATED TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
UPDATE
Documents:
8.11.2026 COMP PLAN RFP.PDF
4. 12:20 P.M. DUST CONTROL REQUEST ON TOWNSHIP ROADS
5. 12:30 PM DATA CENTER MORATORIUM WORKGROUP UPDATE
6. 12:40 P.M. CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS SECURITY
7. ADJOURN

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, INTEGRATION, AND UPDATE OF THE
WRIGHT COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Submittal Deadline: TBD
All questions related to this RFP shall be submitted by TBD and directed to:
Marc Mattice
Assistant County Administrator; Property Services
3650 Braddock Avenue NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
[email protected]
763-682-7362

Introduction and Purpose - Wright County Comprehensive Plan Update
Wright County is requesting proposals from experienced and qualified planning consultants or planning
teams to assist in developing an overall County Comprehensive Plan that will include updating and
integrating three existing County planning documents into one coordinated Comprehensive Plan:
•

Land Use Plan (Adopted by County Board in 2007, 2009, 2011)

•

Long Range Transportation Plan (Updated and Adopted in 2020)

•

Parks and Recreation Plan (Adopted in 2022)

•

Wright County Trail and Bikeway Plan (Adopted 2011)

While each plan continues to serve an important purpose, the County has identified the need to bring
these efforts together into a single, coordinated Comprehensive Plan.
This update is intended to ensure that land use decisions, transportation investments, and parks and
recreation planning are aligned and mutually supportive. It will also ensure that County policy direction
reflects current development trends, infrastructure needs, and community priorities.
Consultants will be expected to provide a full range of professional services to lead the development,
updating, and integration of plans to ensure the new Comprehensive Plan serves Wright County well into
the future. Consultants must have expertise in rural and urban land use, transportation, growth
management, natural resources focusing on water and aggregate resources, geographic information
systems, environmental protection, parks and recreation, agricultural preservation, economic
development and public participation.
The updated Comprehensive Plan will provide a clear framework to guide County decision making
related to growth management, infrastructure investments, land use decisions, and long-term
community development. The plan will include implementation ready policies, maps, and strategies
while incorporating meaningful public and stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process.
The Comprehensive Plan update will also incorporate the County’s vision, mission, and core values,
which serve as the foundation for how the organization approaches decision making and service
delivery. Wright County is currently developing a new short-term Strategic Plan focused on establishing
organizational priorities, goals, and objectives. The Comprehensive Plan will complement this effort by
translating the County’s broader vision and values into a long-range framework that guides future land
use, transportation, parks, and infrastructure decisions.
Wright County Demographics, Land Use, Transportation, and Parks & Recreation Overview
Wright County is located in east-central Minnesota, approximately 35 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.
Covering approximately 716 square miles, the County consists of 17 cities and 18 townships and serves
as a regional gateway between the Twin Cities metropolitan area and central Minnesota. Its strategic
location, strong transportation network, productive agricultural lands, growing communities, and high
quality of life have made Wright County one of the fastest-growing counties in the State.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Wright County had a population of 141,337 residents, with current
estimates exceeding 154,000 residents. Population growth over the past several decades has been
driven by a combination of residential development, employment opportunities, and the County’s

proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Communities located along the Interstate 94 corridor,
including Albertville, Otsego, St. Michael, and Monticello have experienced significant residential,
commercial, and industrial growth. Additional growth has occurred along the U.S. Highway 12 corridor
through Delano, Montrose, and Waverly, while the western and northern portions of the County
continue to maintain a predominantly rural and agricultural character.
Agriculture remains one of Wright County’s defining characteristics, with approximately two-thirds of the
County’s land area dedicated to agricultural production. The County contains productive farmland,
expanding residential neighborhoods, industrial and commercial centers, lakes, rivers, wetlands,
woodlands, and open space. Balancing continued economic development and population growth while
preserving agricultural land, protecting natural resources, and maintaining the County’s rural character
continues to be a primary planning objective.
Transportation plays a vital role in supporting Wright County’s continued growth and economic vitality.
The County’s transportation system includes Interstate 94, U.S. Highway 12, State Highways 25, 55, 24,
101, and 241, together with an extensive County and County State Aid transportation network that
provides regional connectivity for residents, businesses, freight movement, agricultural operations, and
emergency services. As growth continues, transportation investments must be closely coordinated with
future land use decisions to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable mobility while preserving the capacity
of the existing roadway system.
The County’s 2020 Long Range Transportation Plan provides the framework for identifying future
transportation improvements, roadway preservation needs, safety enhancements, multimodal
transportation opportunities, and coordination with state, regional, city, and township transportation
initiatives. Integrating transportation planning with future land use decisions is essential to ensuring that
infrastructure investments support anticipated development patterns while maintaining fiscal
responsibility.
Parks, trails, and natural resources are equally important components of Wright County’s long-range
planning efforts. The County owns and operates a diverse system of regional parks, recreational facilities,
trail corridors, and natural resource areas that contribute significantly to residents’ quality of life,
tourism, environmental stewardship, and economic development. The 2022 Parks and Recreation Plan
establishes a long-term vision for expanding recreational opportunities, preserving natural resources,
improving accessibility, enhancing trail connectivity, and responding to the recreational needs of a
growing population.
As Wright County continues to grow, land use, transportation, and parks planning must be considered
together rather than as separate planning efforts. Decisions regarding future development directly
influence transportation demand, park accessibility, infrastructure investment, environmental
sustainability, and the overall quality of life for residents. Likewise, transportation improvements and
investments in parks and recreation facilities shape future development patterns, economic
opportunities, and community identity.
Scope of Work Includes
The selected consultant will provide professional planning services necessary to update and integrate
Wright County’s existing planning documents, including the Land Use Plan (adopted in three phases in
2007, 2009, and 2011), Long Range Transportation Plan (2020), and Parks and Recreation Plan (2022),
into a single, comprehensive planning document.

The resulting Comprehensive Plan will provide a unified policy framework to guide land use decisions,
transportation investments, parks and recreation planning, infrastructure improvements, natural
resource conservation, economic development, and public investment over the next 20 years. The plan
will serve as the County’s primary long-range policy document and provide elected officials, County staff,
partner agencies, cities, townships, developers, and residents with a clear roadmap for managing growth
while preserving the qualities that make Wright County an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.
The Comprehensive Plan update will also establish a coordinated framework to guide future growth,
land use decisions, transportation systems, parks and recreation investments, infrastructure priorities,
natural resource stewardship, and long-range capital planning. The consultant will work collaboratively
with County staff, elected officials, residents, stakeholders, partner agencies, cities, and townships to
develop a plan that reflects the County’s vision, mission, core values, and long-term priorities.
The selected consultant shall complete the following tasks:
A. Existing Conditions Review and Planning Framework Evaluation
The consultant shall evaluate Wright County’s existing planning framework and supporting information
to establish a foundation for the Comprehensive Plan update. This work shall include:
•

Review, update, and integrate existing County planning documents, studies, policies, ordinances,
and supporting data.

•

Evaluation of existing land use, transportation, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and natural
resource planning efforts.

•

Analysis of current and projected demographic, economic, housing, employment, and
development trends.

•

Identification of future growth areas, redevelopment opportunities, infrastructure deficiencies,
and emerging planning issues.

•

Review of existing policies and identification of areas requiring revision, clarification, or
additional guidance.

B. Integrated Comprehensive Plan Development
The consultant shall develop a unified Comprehensive Plan that aligns land use, transportation, parks,
and infrastructure planning into a coordinated long-range vision. This work shall include:
•

Development of updated goals, objectives, policies, and implementation strategies to guide
County decision-making.

•

Creation of a future land use framework and updated future land use map.

•

Integration of land use planning with transportation system needs, infrastructure investments,
and future growth scenarios.

•

Incorporation of parks, trails, and recreation systems into the overall growth and development
strategy.

•

Identification of growth management areas, preservation areas, infrastructure priorities, and
opportunities for coordinated investment.

•

Development of policy recommendations that support orderly growth while balancing
agricultural preservation, environmental protection, economic development, fiscal sustainability,
and efficient delivery of public services.

C. Implementation Framework and Long-Range Planning Strategies
The consultant shall develop an implementation framework that provides clear direction for carrying out
the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. This work shall include:
•

Recommendations for planning tools, policy updates, and regulatory considerations, including
zoning, subdivision regulations, capital planning, and related implementation tools.

•

Identification of short-term, mid-term, and long-term implementation strategies.

•

Alignment with Wright County’s Capital Improvement Planning process, budgeting practices, and
infrastructure investment decisions.

•

Development of strategies to assist County staff, elected officials and appointed
boards/commissions in evaluating future development proposals, infrastructure needs, and
policy decisions.

•

Identify funding sources and funding opportunities, including grants and other alternative
funding solutions.

D. Public and Stakeholder Engagement Process
The consultant shall design and implement a comprehensive public engagement program to ensure
meaningful participation throughout the planning process. Engagement activities shall include, at a
minimum:
•

Public open houses and/or community meetings (in-person and virtual options).

•

Online engagement platforms, surveys, and opportunities for public feedback.

•

Stakeholder interviews and focus groups.

•

Workshops and coordination meetings with cities, townships, community organizations, regional
partners, and other agencies.

•

Internal County department coordination meetings.

•

Engagement with elected officials and advisory groups.

•

Documentation of public input and identification of how feedback was incorporated into the
final Comprehensive Plan.

E. GIS Mapping and Planning Support
The consultant shall utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support planning analysis, mapping,
public engagement, and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. GIS-related work shall include:
•

Preparation of updated GIS-based maps, including but not limited to:
o

Existing land use.

o

Future land use.

o

Transportation systems and infrastructure.

o

Parks, trails, and recreation systems.

o

Environmental and natural resource features.

o

Growth areas and development priorities.

o

Other mapping necessary to support policy recommendations.

•

Coordination with County GIS staff to ensure data accuracy and compatibility.

•

Delivery of all GIS data, mapping files, and related products in formats compatible with Wright
County’s GIS platform.

•

Transfer of all GIS data and mapping products to Wright County upon completion of the project.

•

Wright County shall retain ownership of any data distributed, collected, or created inside and
outside of the county as part of this project.

Key Outcomes
The selected consultant’s work shall result in:
•

Review, update, and integration of existing County planning documents into a single
Comprehensive Plan.

•

Development of a unified long-range planning framework.

•

Updated land use, transportation, parks, and infrastructure policy direction.

•

Identification of future growth areas, preservation priorities, and infrastructure needs.

•

Implementation strategies to support County decision-making and capital planning.

•

A meaningful public engagement and stakeholder involvement process.

•

GIS-based mapping and planning tools to support ongoing County operations.

Public and Stakeholder Engagement
A meaningful public engagement process is essential to the successful development of Wright County's
Comprehensive Plan. The selected consultant shall design, facilitate, and implement a comprehensive
public participation strategy that actively engages residents, businesses, property owners, community
organizations, partner agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders throughout the planning
process. The public engagement program should encourage broad participation, promote transparency,
build consensus, and ensure that the Comprehensive Plan reflects the vision and priorities for the
County's future.
The consultant shall develop a public engagement plan that utilizes a variety of outreach methods to
maximize participation and obtain meaningful feedback from various audiences. At a minimum, the
engagement process should include public open houses, community workshops, facilitated discussions,
and presentations designed to educate participants, gather input, and encourage dialogue regarding
future land use, transportation, parks and recreation, infrastructure, economic development, and natural
resource conservation.

The consultant shall also incorporate modern online engagement tools to expand participation
opportunities beyond traditional public meetings. These methods may include interactive project
websites, online surveys, mapping applications, virtual meetings, and other digital engagement
platforms that allow residents and stakeholders to provide input throughout the planning process.
Recognizing the importance of regional collaboration, the consultant shall facilitate meetings with
representatives from Wright County's cities, townships, neighboring jurisdictions, regional organizations,
state agencies, school districts, business organizations, and other community partners. These discussions
should identify shared priorities, planning opportunities, intergovernmental coordination needs, and
regional issues that should be addressed within the Comprehensive Plan.
Internal coordination is equally important to the success of the project. The consultant shall work closely
with County staff representing Planning and Zoning, Highway, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, GIS,
Economic Development, Administration, and other departments, as appropriate, to ensure the
Comprehensive Plan reflects operational needs, capital investment priorities, and existing County
initiatives. Regular project coordination meetings shall be conducted throughout the planning process to
review progress, discuss technical findings, and guide plan development.
The consultant shall be responsible for preparing meeting agendas, presentation materials, displays,
surveys, facilitation exercises, summaries of public comments, and documentation of stakeholder input.
The consultant shall also provide recommendations describing how public and stakeholder feedback
influenced the development of the Comprehensive Plan and its policies. The County encourages
consultants to propose innovative public engagement techniques that increase participation, foster
collaboration, and result in a Comprehensive Plan that is supported by the citizens and elected officials.
Budget Requirement
The proposal shall include a comprehensive, NOT-TO-EXCEED FEE for all professional services necessary
to complete the Comprehensive Plan Update in accordance with the requirements of this Request for
Proposals. The proposed fee shall be all-inclusive and encompass all labor, project management, travel,
meetings, public engagement activities, GIS analysis and mapping, materials, printing, presentation
materials, administrative costs, and all other expenses required to successfully complete the project and
deliver the final Comprehensive Plan. Consultants shall clearly identify any assumptions upon which the
fee proposal is based and disclose any optional services or reimbursable expenses that are not included
in the proposed not-to-exceed amount.
Wright County anticipates selecting a consultant following the evaluation of submitted proposals and
completion of the interview process, if interviews are deemed necessary. Upon execution of a
professional services agreement, the project is expected to commence shortly thereafter. The County
anticipates that the Comprehensive Plan Update will require approximately 15 to 17 months to
complete, allowing adequate time for technical analysis, stakeholder coordination, public engagement,
preparation of draft and final plan documents, and review by County staff and elected officials.
Throughout the project, the consultant shall establish and maintain a detailed project schedule
identifying key milestones, major deliverables, public engagement activities, review periods, and
anticipated completion dates. The schedule should provide sufficient opportunity for County staff,
Planning Commission, Parks Commission, County Board, partner agencies, and the public to review draft
materials and provide meaningful input prior to final adoption.
The anticipated project schedule includes consultant selection, project initiation, plan development,
public and stakeholder engagement, preparation of draft and final Comprehensive Plan documents, and

review by Planning Commission and Parks Commission with a recommendation, and adoption by the
Wright County Board of Commissioners. The County reserves the right to modify the schedule as
necessary to accommodate project needs, public participation, or Board direction.
Consultant Coordination, Qualifications, and Proposal Requirements
The selected consultant will work collaboratively with Wright County Administration, County staff,
elected officials, and key stakeholders throughout the Comprehensive Plan update process. The project
will be managed through Wright County Administration with oversight and direction provided by the
Wright County Board of Commissioners.
The primary project coordination structure will include:
•

Project Sponsor: County Administrator: Greg Kryzer

•

Project Leads:
o Administration: Marc Mattice: Assistant County Administrator, Property Services
Elizabeth Karels, Project Administrator
o

Land Use and Zoning: Barry Rhineberger: Planning and Zoning Administrator

o

Transportation: Chad Hausmann: County Engineer

o

Parks and Recreation: Ross Demant: Director of Parks and Recreation

•

Project Review Team: Interdepartmental County staff team consisting of representatives from
Planning and Zoning, Highway, Parks and Recreation, GIS, Administration, and other
departments as appropriate.

•

Committee Review: Review and recommendation through the appropriate County Board
committee(s) and or commissions as determined by the County.

•

Final Approval Authority: Wright County Board of Commissioners

The selected consultant shall work closely with the County project team to facilitate collaboration,
coordinate information gathering, review draft materials, and ensure alignment with County priorities.
The consultant will be expected to attend scheduled project meetings, provide regular progress updates,
facilitate discussions, and present materials at key milestones, including committee and County Board
work sessions and meetings.
Consultant Qualifications and Experience
The selected consultant team should demonstrate:
•
•

Experience developing comprehensive plans for counties.
Knowledge and understanding of rural, suburban, and transitioning growth areas, including
issues related to agriculture, development, preservation, infrastructure, and natural resources.

•
•
•
•
•
•

Experience integrating land use, transportation, parks, and infrastructure planning into a unified
planning framework.
Experience conducting meaningful public engagement processes involving residents, businesses,
local governments, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping, and data-driven planning analysis.
Experience developing practical implementation strategies, policies, and tools that support longrange decision-making.
Familiarity with Minnesota planning practices, land use regulations, transportation systems, and
local government processes.
Experience working with elected officials, advisory committees, and interdepartmental staff
teams.

Consultant teams may include multiple firms or subconsultants; however, the proposal shall clearly
identify the project manager, key personnel, areas of responsibility, and the qualifications and
experience each team member brings to the project.

Proposal Submission Requirements
Proposals submitted in response to this Request for Proposals shall include the following information:
Letter of Interest
A letter introducing the consultant team, expressing interest in the project, and summarizing the firm’s
qualifications and approach.
Background and Relevant Experience
•

Overview of the firm and organizational structure.

•

Description of relevant experience completing similar comprehensive planning projects.

•

Examples of completed projects for counties or comparable jurisdictions.

Project Team Organization and Qualifications
•

Identification of the proposed project manager and key personnel.

•

Description of team members’ roles and responsibilities.

•

Qualifications, experience, and availability of proposed staff.

Understanding of Project Scope and Approach
•

Description of the consultant’s understanding of Wright County’s planning needs and objectives.

•

Proposed methodology and approach for completing the Comprehensive Plan update.

•

Approach for integrating land use, transportation, parks, GIS, infrastructure, and
implementation planning.

Public Engagement Strategy
•

Description of proposed public engagement methods.

•

Approach for engaging residents, businesses, cities, townships, agencies, elected officials, and
other stakeholders.

•

Methods for documenting and incorporating public input.

Proposed Project Schedule
•

Detailed project schedule identifying major milestones, meetings, engagement activities, review
periods, and deliverables.

Fee Proposal
•

Not-to-exceed project cost proposal as outlined in “Budget Requirements”

References and Project Examples
•

Minimum of three references for similar projects completed within the past 10 years.

•

Contact information and description of the consultant’s role in each referenced project.

9. Fee Proposal Requirements
All proposals shall include a single, not-to-exceed total project cost for completion of the
Comprehensive Plan update.
The proposed fee shall include all costs necessary to complete the project, including:
•

Labor and professional planning services.

•

Project management and coordination.

•

Travel, meeting attendance, and related expenses.

•

Public engagement activities, meetings, and materials.

•

GIS analysis, mapping, and technical support.

•

Preparation of reports, documents, presentations, and final deliverables.

•

Printing and reproduction of required materials.

No additional reimbursement will be provided unless approved in advance by Wright County.
Optional services and/or value-added tasks are encouraged, must be clearly identified separately from
the base proposal and include costs associated to the optional services.
10. Evaluation of Proposals
The County will evaluate proposals based on the qualifications, approach, experience, and overall value.
Evaluation Category

Weight

Understanding of project scope, County needs, and objectives

20%

Consultant qualifications and relevant experience

20%

Proposed methodology and approach

20%

Public engagement strategy

15%

Project management, schedule, and deliverables

10%

Cost proposal and overall value

15%

Wright County reserves the right to interview selected firms prior to final selection. The County may
request clarification, additional information, or revisions as part of the evaluation process.

The County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, negotiate with the selected
consultant, or cancel the procurement process if determined to be in the best interest of Wright County.
11. Anticipated Project Schedule
The anticipated project schedule is as follows:
Milestone

Anticipated Date

Request for Proposals Released

October 5, 2026

Proposal Submission Deadline

November 13, 2026 at Noon

Consultant Selection

November 24, 2026

County Board Authorization to Proceed

December 1, 2026

Project Kickoff

Month 1

Existing Conditions Review

Months 2–4

Initial Public Engagement Phase

Months 4–6

Draft Comprehensive Plan Development

Months 7–9

Second Public Engagement Phase

Months 10–12

Final Comprehensive Plan Preparation

Months 13–14

County Board Review and Adoption Process Months 15–17
The schedule may be adjusted based on project needs, County review timelines, public engagement
requirements, or other factors identified during the planning process.

12. Submission Instructions
Proposals shall be sent or delivered in a sealed envelope and include four paper copies and one digital
copy.
Wright County Administration Office
Marc Mattice
Assistant County Administrator, Property Services
3650 Braddock Avenue NE Suite #3200
Buffalo, MN 55313
[email protected]
763-682-7362
All proposals must be received by:
November 13, 2026, by 12:00 p.m. (noon)
Late submissions will not be considered.
Proposals shall be submitted in the format specified by Wright County and shall include all required
information identified in this Request for Proposals. The County reserves the right to request additional
information or clarification from any proposer.
13. County Rights and Reservation of Authority
Wright County reserves the right to:
•

Reject any or all proposals.

•

Waive informalities, irregularities, or minor errors in submitted proposals.

•

Request clarification or additional information from proposers.

•

Conduct interviews or presentations with selected firms.

•

Select the proposal determined to be most advantageous to Wright County.

•

Negotiate scope, schedule, and fee with the selected consultant.

•

Modify, suspend, cancel, or reissue this Request for Proposals if determined to be in the best
interest of Wright County.