The partnership has worked for many years to define the goals and purpose of Morris Model work. Below are multiple reports outlining the context, purpose, and direction of the Morris Model work.
Morris Model Strategic Planning
Strategic Plan 1.0
The Morris Model Strategic Plan (PDF) was developed at the Climate Smart Municipality Strategic Planning Retreat held at Camp Ripley from October 29th to 30th in 2018. The retreat was made possible by a West Central Initiative Community Planning Grant. Over 30 community leaders and representatives were brought together from city and county government, the Stevens County Economic Improvement Commission (SCEIC), Morris Area Public Schools, UMN Morris, USDA Soils Lab, and WCROC, Denco II ethanol plant, Ottertail Power, Riverview LLP, and Superior Industries. The representatives brainstormed goals and projects for all community partners.
The “Big 3” GOALS:
- Produce 80% of the energy consumed in the county by 2030
- Reduce energy consumption 30% by 2030
- No land-filling of waste generated within the county by 2025
Goal Areas:
- Energy – Generation, Efficiency, and Integration
- Transportation – (e.g. Electric and Bio-fuel transition at all levels)
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Energy and Resiliency Education at all levels
To read the full report and list of goals, download the Morris Model Strategic Plan (PDF).
Sustainable Strategic Plan 2.0
The Morris Model Sustainable Strategic Plan 2.0 was developed in the second half of 2023 as an effort to update and expand the scope of the sustainability strategic vision for the Morris community. Supported by community resilience funding from the West Central Initiative, the Morris Model collaborated with community planner Guido Wallraven and the Institute on the Environment to plan two weeks of workshops and meetings with local leaders and stakeholders.
Given the immense progress of the Morris Model, combined with the dramatically expanded funding for future projects, it was clear that an updated and expanded strategic plan would help prepare the Morris Model and the wider community to attract federal funding to our community.
The finalized plan utilizes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for imagining and developing areas of work for Morris Model goals and projects.
Sustainable Strategic Plan 2.0 Areas of Work
- City and Community Resilience (SDG 11)
- Local Business & Local Jobs (SDG 8)
- Waste & Water (SDG 6, 12)
- Clean & Efficient Energy (SDG 7)
- Equitable Access (SDG 1, 2, 3 ,10)
- Communication & Education (SDG 4)
- Green Infrastructure (SDG 13, 14, 15)
To read the full report and the finalized list of projects and goals, download the Morris Model Sustainable Strategic Plan 2.0 (PDF).
Community Resiliency Planning
Morris Area Rural Climate Dialogue Report
The Morris Area Rural Climate Dialogue Report (PDF) was put together by Morris Model partners at the Jefferson Center and Institute for Agricultural Trade Policy. This report summarizes a 3 day community conversation event held in June 2014 surrounding topics of resilience, energy, and local challenges.
Morris Model Community Resilience Plan 1.0
The Morris Model Community Resilience Plan (PDF) was put together in 2016 by grant supported student interns Sophie Bishop and Kyle Klausing. The report summarizes several resilience challenges facing our community; actions we have taken to prepare for these challenges; and shared goals we have to make our community more resilient in the future.
Community Resilience Building Workshops Report
The Community Resilience Building Workshops Report (PDF) was put together in collaboration with the Morris Model, The Nature Conservancy, and Second Nature in March 2022 as a conclusion to the year long Community Resilience Discussion Series. The report outlines the discussions held during the Community Resilience Building workshop surrounding Morris hazards, challenges, strengths, and assets.
Morris Model 