Plans and Studies

Plans and studies provide a blueprint for Albert Lea’s future

The City of Albert Lea adopted a long-range plan in 2023 to guide future growth and development. This plan will help the city address its labor and housing shortages.

The 2023 update is the latest in a history of planning for Albert Lea. The city first adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 1948. In addition to past city, Freeborn County and Shell Rock River Watershed District plans, the 2023 update is based on extensive public input, including a Steering Committee of 25 members, survey taken by 1,300 residents of all ages, and targeted outreach to low-income and minority residents.

The plan outlines Albert Lea’s vision, goals and policies for future development and public investment.

The plan covers changes in population and land along with the city’s cultural makeup, types of businesses pursued, and steps taken to address regional and global issues. The plan includes an overview of the city’s historical context, demographics, land use, economic climate, public utilities, transportation, natural resources, and parks and trails. It also outlines goals, objectives, and policies to guide land use development, redevelopment and preservation through 2040.

In addition to the Comprehensive Plan, the city commissioned 3 studies on housing in recent years:

Albert Lea Housing Study Addendum 2018: This update to a 2014 study on housing found that Albert Lea’s population and number of households are stable and expected to remain so. The community’s population is aging, leading to a demand for smaller, lower-maintenance housing units. The quality of available rental housing is an issue, with a need for up-to-date rental options for the aging population.

Albert Lea Rental Housing Needs Analysis for Albert Lea 2021: This study found a need for a mix of market rate and affordable rental housing types to meet the demand in Albert Lea. Recommendations include development concepts for townhome-style and apartment-style market rate rentals, along with rent-subsidized housing options. Overall, the document highlights the current constraints and future needs of the rental housing market in Albert Lea, providing detailed recommendations to address these needs over the next decade.