Empire Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan

Project Overview
In early 2025, the City of Empire launched a Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, supported through a grant from Dakota County’s Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program. This initiative aims to create a safer, more connected community for residents and community members, particularly people walking and bicycling. Completion of the plan is expected by October 2025.

What will the Plan include?
The City of Empire Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Plan will include:
• A comprehensive network of planned off-street trails, on-street bikeways, sidewalks, street crossing enhancements, and connectivity to anticipated developments throughout Empire
• Project prioritization scoring to help determine projects to consider implementing first
• Equitable policy and procedural recommendations
• Project funding information to help guide the network from concept to reality
• Complementary recommendations and alignment with the updated Empire Parks Master Plan

Project Timeline
Spring 2025
• Evaluate the existing active transportation network
• Gather input from community members about popular destinations and potential future trail, sidewalk, and bikeway locations
• Review existing City plans and policies relevant to this study
Summer 2025
• Draft a planned pedestrian and bicycle network map
• Develop recommended policies for consideration
• Prepare draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Plan
Fall 2025
• Gather and incorporate public feedback on draft plan
• Finalize Pedestrian and Bicycle Network Plan
Late 2025+
• City to pursue grant funding opportunities to plan, design and build the planned pedestrian and bicycle network

Get involved!
Throughout the project process there will be opportunities for you to provide input on the direction of the plan and the future of the walking and biking network in Empire. Check back for project updates during the course of the study.