Celebrating 50 years!

Council Chair urges region to choose innovation

Chair Alene Tchourumoff, Governor Mark Dayton, and more than 200 local officials and former Council members gathered January 25, 2018 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Council at McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus.  

A panel discussion between former Council Chairs Sue Haigh, Ted Mondale, and Curt Johnson, with moderator Brian McDaniel (former Council member), reflected on their service and discussed how to tackle the regional challenges of the future.  Learn more about the role regional partnerships and long-term planning have played in building a high quality of life for the region.
 

Chair Tchourumoff's remarks: "The Next 50 Years: Choosing Innovation"

"We are here today to celebrate the accomplishments and partnerships we have built together with the Metropolitan Council over the past 50 years." - Alene Tchourumoff
 

In a speech marking the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Council, Chair Alene Tchourumoff cautioned that the Twin Cities region could fall behind peer cities if leaders do not continue to make long-term investments in vital infrastructure like affordable housing and transportation. 

• See video of Chair Tchourumoff delivering her speech.

• Read Chair Tchourumoff's full speech as prepared for delivery.

Panel discussion: Regional Challenges of the Future

• See video of previous Council Chairs Ted Mondale, Susan Haigh and Curt Johnson discussing regional challenges.

Celebrating our successful partnerships

• See newsletter articles about the Council's work with partners across the region over the last 50 years.

Then and Now

See how our infrastructure has grown since the Council began 50 years ago!  "Then and Now" maps show regional parks, highways, and wastewater treatment plants in 1967 and 2017 (pdf).
 

Fifty years of making a difference

Photos from the event