Messages from the Council Chair

One of the keys to being able to build a healthy and happy life is stable, safe, and affordable housing.

We know that when people and families are thriving, our communities and our region thrives. When people are struggling to make ends meet and find stable housing, it undermines our community well-being and shared future.

City mayors, local council members, and local planners are invested in trying to meet the growing need for affordable housing in our region, particularly for households that earn less than 60% of area median income. That is a key focus for the Metropolitan Council as well.  

Over the past 18 months, we have listened to hundreds of residents – many whose voices have not been heard previously – to learn their hopes and ideas for housing. We also heard from developers, other housing experts, and local government leaders and planners as we updated our Housing Policy Plan, part of Imagine 2050, the regional development guide.  

As with the 2040 plan, we are focused on the development and preservation of housing. Building on our engagement, the 2050 plan expands its focus to consider how housing meets the needs of residents – including affordability, stability, services, and connection to cultural and neighborhood amenities.

The draft plan consists of seven focused objectives, and policies to achieve them:

• Fair housing and geographic choice
• Options to own or rent
• Quality
• Stability
• Cultural connections and well-being
• Equity
• Environmental justice

We have heard back from cities that our focus is clear and concise, which works better for them. We’re also being clear about the roles we can play to support the objectives and the work that cities are required to do under state law.

We are committed to using our resources – including Livable Communities Act grants, investments in infrastructure, and other funding streams – to partner with communities to expand housing choices across the region and create and preserve mixed-income neighborhoods and communities.

For example, in June this year the federal government awarded the Met Council a $4 million grant to remove obstacles to affordable housing development. We will use these funds to support communities regionwide to focus on policy and planning, technical assistance, direct grants, and assisting new development of affordable housing. 

Another key role for us to play is one of convener. Using Imagine 2050, we see ourselves continuing existing partnerships and cultivating new ones at all levels of government to ensure we are all rowing in the same direction.
Our shared vision is for a prosperous, equitable, and resilient region with abundant opportunities for all to live, work, play, and thrive. We look forward to working with all our partners to achieve that vision.  

By Charlie Zelle, Met Council Chair