In April 2016 City Council accepted a west end study of Shakopee and approved a concept plan at its April 19 meeting. This study encompassed only a small portion of the west end of Shakopee but did not include all areas including future annexation, mainly Jackson Township. Grant money obtained through a 2017 EDI  application was used to complete a total west end study in conjunction with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Recently, the Metropolitan Council met with city staff and recommended the city conduct an Alternative Urban Area Review (AUAR) based on the west end to plan for feasibility of the proposed development for this area. The AUAR will address possible issues prior to development of the West End Corridor and allow future development to move forward without EAW or EIS, if the development is in substantial conformance to the West End Plan. The review will conduct environmental analyses raised in proposed development scenarios pertaining to density, regional stormwater and sewer capacity, road capacity and traffic management, etc. The City of Shakopee will be applying for a second EDI Grant to help with the cost of the AUAR.