Item Description:
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Neg Amd 1 to Work Order PR00005922 with the U of M for a collaborative natural resource planning project, no change to dates, incr NTE by $25,000
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Work Order PR00005922 with the Regents of the University of Minnesota, increasing the not to exceed amount by $25,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $100,000, be approved; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the Amendment on behalf of the county; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed.
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Background:
Work Order PR00005922 is an ongoing project through the Hennepin-University Partnership, jointly funded by Environment and Energy and Three Rivers Park District to define challenges to natural resources protection, create opportunities to improve coordination, and explore technology and data solutions. The amendment signifies a pivotal next step for this collaboration to begin data and technical integration and to engage more local partners in the creation of a draft shared natural resources priority map.
The project will create a countywide natural resources priority map that is not limited by jurisdictional boundaries, thereby reflecting the interconnectedness and complexities of our natural communities and waterways. Both the detail and breadth of the map will make it relevant for partners to use when engaging with others who do not traditionally use tools like this, such as developers; housing, economic, and public health planners; property owners; and residents.
The project will also identify priorities and opportunities to address gaps in the available data to be ready for the 2050 comprehensive plan cycle, which is expected to begin in 2025. The 2050 comprehensive plan will set land use, transportation, housing, parks, and water resources policy for the next few decades.
This work supports goals identified in the county’s Climate Action Plan to protect people, increase resiliency, and enhance natural resources. This work is also necessary to build a foundation of data and tools that can be used to implement additional Climate Action Plan strategies in the future, including aligning land use, ordinances, and permitting activities with the realities of climate vulnerabilities and risks.
Current Request:
Approve Amendment 1 to Work Order PR00005922 with the Regents of the University of Minnesota for a collaborative natural resource planning project, increasing the amount from $75,000 to $100,000.
Impact/Outcomes:
This agreement will advance natural resource coordination goals across jurisdictions in Hennepin County. By providing readily accessible, comprehensive, and current data, maps, tools, training, and technical assistance, this work will support a coalition of partners to advance a unified and deliberate approach to protecting, restoring, and managing natural resources countywide. The work will also contribute to a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous community in support of the county’s climate action and disparity reduction goals.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval