Dickinson unveils Direction 2050 plan
The City of Dickinson is embarking on a transformative urban planning project known as Direction 2050. This ambitious initiative integrates the city’s Transportation Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan into a cohesive long-term strategy aimed at guiding Dickinson’s growth and development over the next few decades. Spearheaded by KLJ Engineering, in collaboration with the City of Dickinson and the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Direction 2050 addresses various critical aspects of urban development.
Objectives and Scope of Direction 2050
Direction 2050 is designed to address key areas of urban development, including transportation, land use, zoning, housing, community facilities, and infrastructure needs. A significant component of the plan is the review of the Urban Service Boundary, which determines the areas where the city can support growth based on existing capacity and infrastructure.
The project aims to create a sustainable and well-planned urban environment by ensuring that all aspects of city planning are integrated and aligned with the community’s long-term vision. This comprehensive approach helps the city manage its resources efficiently, anticipate future needs, and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Planning Process and Timeline
The planning process for Direction 2050 began with community input and data collection from February to May 2024. This phase involved gathering feedback from residents to understand their needs and aspirations for the city’s future. Following this initial phase, the project will move through several key stages:
- Developing Community Vision (June 2024 – December 2024): This phase involves creating a collective vision for Dickinson’s future, incorporating community feedback and expert analysis.
- Analyzing Growth and Evaluating Solutions: During this period, the team will analyze various growth scenarios and evaluate potential solutions to address the city’s needs. This includes considering different approaches to land use, transportation, and infrastructure development.
- Draft Plan Review (January – April 2025): The draft plan will be reviewed by the public and stakeholders, providing an opportunity for additional feedback and refinement.
- Final Plan Adoption (August 2025): The final plan will be presented to the Dickinson City Commission for adoption, setting the stage for implementation.
Community Engagement and Participation
Community engagement is a cornerstone of the Direction 2050 initiative. Initial workshops were held on a recent Wednesday, scheduled at various times to accommodate residents’ schedules. “The workshops today are to listen and to share information,” stated Wade Klein, the Project Manager from KLJ, who led these first public engagement meetings.
During these workshops, attendees received information and had the opportunity to interact with KLJ engineers, NDDOT representatives, and city officials. This direct interaction helps ensure that the planning process is inclusive and responsive to the community’s needs.
The project website features interactive tools such as a map and a vision board, which are essential for community engagement. So far, 80 contributions have been made, with residents identifying issues and suggesting improvements in areas like housing, transportation, and economic opportunities.
Community Input and Vision Board
Residents are encouraged to provide comments on the vision board. Some existing messages range from concerns over disappearing farmland to suggestions for modernizing local commercial spaces. For instance, one resident expressed, “My concern is the amount of farmland that has disappeared around Dickinson in the last 10 years,” while another suggested, “The mall needs to be upgraded and modernized and maybe have a food court. There is nothing appealing about it.”
These tools, along with an additional survey available on the project website, help gather diverse perspectives to shape the city’s planning process. Community members are invited to participate in various events planned throughout May and June, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the final plan.
Key Data and Analysis
During his presentation, Klein highlighted key data being incorporated into the Direction 2050 master plan. One significant point was Dickinson’s population growth, which has surged from 17,878 in 2010 to over 33,000 in 2020. Projections suggest that the population could grow to between 42,000 and 43,000 by 2050.
Klein also discussed the analysis of crash data from 2018 to 2023, which focuses on identifying high-incidence areas for fatal and serious injuries. This information will be crucial in prioritizing safety improvements in the city’s roadway design.
Additionally, the planning team is examining current municipal infrastructure, particularly water and sewer systems within the urban service boundary. This analysis will assess the needs and capacity of these systems to support future growth, ensuring that Dickinson can accommodate its expanding population without compromising essential services.
Getting Involved
For more information or to engage in the planning process, residents are encouraged to visit the Direction 2050 project website. The site offers an online survey and interactive tools for residents to share their views on transportation and community planning issues. By participating, residents can play a vital role in shaping the future of Dickinson.
Conclusion
Direction 2050 represents a forward-thinking approach to urban planning in Dickinson. By integrating transportation, land use, and infrastructure planning into a comprehensive strategy, the city aims to create a sustainable, vibrant, and well-organized urban environment. Through community engagement and careful analysis, the project seeks to address current challenges and anticipate future needs, ensuring that Dickinson remains a great place to live, work, and thrive for years to come.
Engage with Direction 2050 today and contribute to shaping the future of Dickinson. Visit the project website for more details and to participate in the planning process.