Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/18/2017 Final 2016 population estimates are now available. The estimates are the official population and household estimates for state government purposes, including how local government aid (LGA) and local street aid allocations are determined. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 6/8/2017 New documentary on affordable housing in the Twin Cities region to air on TPT A new documentary about the state of affordable housing in the Twin Cities region will air on Twin Cities Public Television starting Sunday, June 11. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 4/25/2017 Income inequality continues to plague Twin Cities Great Recession hit lower income earners hardest Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 3/23/2017 Population growth in the 7-county metro remains strong; Carver County surpasses 100,000 The estimated population of the Twin Cities region on July 1, 2016 was 3.03 million, according to information released today by the U.S. Census. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 3/1/2017 Poverty endures: poverty rate fell slightly, but areas of concentrated poverty expands Recently released American Community Survey data from the U.S. Census Bureau offer the latest look at Areas of Concentrated Poverty. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/7/2017 3:11 PM - Location: various locations and dates Upcoming Council and Committee meetings The Council and its committees meet regularly most months. Find information on all upcoming Council and Committee meetings. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 7/18/2017 MnDOT, Council seek community partners for engagement work in I-94 Corridor The goal is to to ensure that historically underrepresented community members help shape decisions on the future design, use and overall look of I-94. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/17/2017 Cottage Grove: Suburban edge where urban meets farmland and open space Bordering the Mississippi River in southern Washington County, Cottage Grove is a community where “city” meets “nature.” Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/26/2017 Council funds “U” research on lawn irrigation, drought resistance of grasses Council funds University of Minnesota study of lawn irrigation practices to help homeowners and communities save money and conserve water. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/14/2017 Regional forecasts update The Twin Cities regional forecast to 2040: Steady growth and big changes ahead. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 6/7/2017 Strong residential construction in the region in 2016 New Council report indicates robust home building in the region in 2016, with multifamily housing leading the way. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/2/2017 Council awards $1 million for stormwater management projects Funding will support eight projects across the region that will improve water quality and reuse stormwater for irrigation. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 5/16/2017 Metro area continues to grow; Carver County hits a milestone The estimates are the official population and household estimates for state government purposes, including how local government aid (LGA) and local street aid allocations are determined. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 4/27/2017 Regional Bicycle Barriers Study needs your help Physical barriers throughout the region get in the way of safe and efficient bicycling. The Council is addressing some of these barriers in a study called the Regional Bicycle Barriers Study. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 4/18/2017 Trail offers scenic lake views, small town charms, and plenty of history The 15-mile Lake Minnetonka LRT trail offers scenic views of the big lake and local wetlands – but plenty more as it wends through canopies of shade trees, open meadows and old neighborhoods. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 4/17/2017 Rosemount: Growing suburb offers active lifestyle Set in the rolling landscape of north-central Dakota County, Rosemount was originally established as a township in 1858, the same day Minnesota became a state. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 4/10/2017 Metro Mobility service faces likely cuts/fare increase under House legislation Transit Link service, where there is no regular-route service, could be discontinued. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 4/7/2017 Census Bureau urges communities to participate in address update program When it comes to the U.S. Census, millions of federal dollars – and Congressional reapportionment and redistricting – are at stake. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/7/2017 Council offers stormwater grants The Metropolitan Council invites watershed management organizations, watershed districts, and soil and water conservation districts to apply for stormwater management grants. Apply by April 14. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/22/2017 New report outlines challenges to sustaining long-range water supply The Twin Cities has a good supply of water – and will for a long time – but new challenges will threaten the abundance of clean water if we don’t plan to sustain the resource. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 1/17/2017 In the land of snow & ice, shoveling improves safety and mobility “Please shovel!” That’s the plea being made by Metro Mobility, a metro area transportation service for people with disabilities. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 12/15/2016 C Line rapid bus line moves toward 2019 opening The C Line will connect riders from Brooklyn Center and North Minneapolis with stations in downtown Minneapolis Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 12/15/2016 Dovetail Consulting found niche in rail safety Dovetail’s work has included light rail and streetcar projects across the nation, and Allen credits the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program for helping her firm continue to thrive. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 12/14/2016 Council awards $10 million in grants to spur economic development and affordable housing Livable Communities grants for affordable housing and mixed-use development will connect people with jobs, transit, and other services and destinations. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 12/8/2016 New data show region is aging and more diverse, homeownership rates are declining The U.S. Census Bureau confirms these trends in the Dec. 8 release of local 2011-2015 American Community Survey data. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/7/2016 Physical challenges of sewer repair can be daunting In the region’s northern suburbs, the Council's Environmental Services group is rehabilitating the aging pipes in the massive interceptor sewer network. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/6/2016 Council readies for additional community solar agreements The Council may expand its solar energy portfolio in the next year, taking advantage of opportunities for additional community solar garden subscriptions. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/1/2016 New SAC Task Force to reexamine outdoor seating, ways to simplify SAC application process The Metropolitan Council has appointed a new 17-member task force to discuss and make recommendations on several issues related to the sewer availability charge, or SAC. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 11/22/2016 Poised for more growth, Carver engages residents to guide planning Carver's population grew from 744 people in 1990 to 4330 in 2015, and is forecast to grow to 15,500 by 2040. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/15/2016 Metro Transit reaching out to juvenile offenders, changing lives Metro Transit Police are building on-street relationships with struggling youth and helping them turn their lives around. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/14/2016 Council to implement I/I task force recommendations Communities served by the regional wastewater collection and treatment system can expect additional help in the next few years to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) from private property sources. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 10/21/2016 Gains in affordable housing construction, but not enough After a record low of new affordable housing units in 2014, the region saw the highest number of new affordable housing units built last year since 2011, a 69% increase from 2014. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/13/2016 Brooklyn Park: Engaging residents to develop an inclusive vision Brooklyn Park is now the fourth largest city in the metro area, with more than 80,000 residents. The city is expected to grow by another 18,000 or so by 2040. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 10/12/2016 PlanIt conference addresses integration, holistic planning approaches Dec. 13 conference for local planners will address strategic housing plans, sustainability and resilience, collaborative planning, walkability/active living, and sustainable water supply issues. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 9/20/2016 Engaging the community in determining equitable investments Community conversations around equitable investment begin this week in North Minneapolis. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/20/2016 Thousands turn out to celebrate the Monarch butterfly The Eighth Annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival - Festival de la Monarca - brought together butterfly, music and art enthusiasts from across the region to Nokomis-Hiawatha Regional Park Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 9/9/2016 Parking districts maximize land use near transit New research supports using parking districts as a strategy for maximizing land use near transit, while lowering development costs and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 9/1/2016 Southwest LRT secures funding to apply for federal match The Council voted Aug. 31 to authorize the future issuance of Certificates of Participation for $103.5 million. CTIB and Hennepin County each agreed to contribute an additional $20.5 million. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/1/2016 Council study provides data for stormwater reuse in Rice Creek Watershed District A Council study of stormwater capture and reuse in the north and east metro area is providing a springboard for projects in the Rice Creek Watershed District. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 8/23/2016 Council joins forces with local cities, counties to advance one of state’s largest expansions of solar energy Council leaders joined local elected officials and staff from around the region Tuesday to celebrate a partnership advancing one of the state’s largest expansions of solar energy Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/25/2016 MetroGIS honors Minnetonka Mayor Terry Schneider MetroGIS formally honored City of Minnetonka Mayor Terry Schneider with its ‘Benchmark Award’ at its July Coordinating Committee meeting in Saint Paul. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/21/2016 PlanIt: Community engagement is focus of August workshop Planning professionals and local officials throughout the region will share ideas and best practices around community engagement August 17. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 7/14/2016 “Toolkit” to gauge progress toward more equitable park use The region's people of color visit regional parks far less than than their share of the population would suggest. The Council is working to broaden park use among a changing population. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/9/2016 Council’s PlanIt series provides resources to local planners Local government planners and planning consultants are invited to take part in a variety of educational opportunities and resources. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing Date: 6/8/2016 Manufactured housing—very affordable but future uncertain Manufactured housing—often called “mobile homes”—is a valuable source of housing for very low- and extremely low-income households. But its future is at risk. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 5/24/2016 Saint Paul Parks reaches out to communities of color New programs try to shrink racial gap among those using regional parks. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/20/2016 Council partners with U of M to help industries conserve water, save money Council and University of Minnesota pilot project helps industries in the northeast metro area explore ways they can reduce their groundwater consumption and save money. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Transportation Date: 3/25/2016 African American male students learn about jobs at Met Council The Council found a partner in the Tazel Institute in its effort to attract and build the Council’s future workforce. Together the two organizations planted seeds of hope and possibility. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 3/23/2016 Affordable housing: HUD secretary works the playbook Metro-area city and county officials, housing advocates, others gather to expand housing choices and opportunities for working families. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/22/2016 Council ramps up technical support as communities prepare for climate impacts Dr. Mark Seeley of the University of Minnesota didn’t mince words when he presented a summary of his research on Minnesota climate change to the Metropolitan Council in early March. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 3/18/2016 Council engages agencies, concerned groups toward more equitable park use While the number of park visits continue to climb, a Council survey shows that visitors do not represent the overall population makeup of the region, specifically for communities of color. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 1/14/2016 Council commits $1 million to land bank for affordable housing The TCC Land Bank is a nonprofit community lender that helps government agencies, nonprofits, developers, and others to quickly buy properties and sell them to developers of affordable housing. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 11/2/2015 Council approves grants to acquire regional park land Visits to regional parks continue to grow, and park agencies continue to invest in properties that expand the region’s prized network of parks, trails, and park reserves. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/20/2015 LCA grants provide leverage that makes redevelopment possible Early investments of Livable Communities Act grants helped leveraged private investment and allowed projects to move forward that otherwise would not have been viable. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 9/16/2015 Planning land use and infrastructure to support industry clusters As cities prepare their comprehensive plans, Council staff and researchers work to better understand how local planning decisions and regional infrastructure investments encourage private investment. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing Date: 8/17/2015 Production of affordable housing in the Twin Cities region is slipping The production of housing units affordable to families with low and moderate incomes declined yet again in 2013, according to a new report from the Metropolitan Council. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 8/12/2015 New natural swimming pool is building community in North Minneapolis The nation’s first public natural swimming pool is getting rave reviews from visitors and helping build community in a very diverse part of the region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing Date: 8/5/2015 Housing near transit: a winning combination In 2010, it was a vision. Five years later, Lake Street Station Apartments is not only reality; for many seniors it is home. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 7/29/2015 Regional park and trail visits grew to more than 48 million in 2014 Annual visits to regional parks and trails in the seven-county metro area grew to 48.7 million in 2014, about 1.5 million more visits than 2013, an increase of 3.3%. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing Date: 7/23/2015 Amendment to regional housing plan lends guidance on affordable housing need When the 2040 Housing Policy Plan was adopted in December 2014, the Council indicated it would amend the plan in 2015 to include additional information. The Council approved the amendment in July. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/14/2015 Council approves grants for innovative stormwater reuse The projects in Waconia and at the Minnesota Zoo are the latest examples of the Council’s longstanding commitment to find solutions to reduce stormwater runoff and improve surface water quality. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/8/2015 Council adopts forecasts for local comprehensive plan updates The Council releases forecasts for population, households and employment in cities and townships in the metro area, as it gears up for the next round of local comprehensive plan updates. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/26/2015 The nation and Twin Cities are older and more diverse U.S. Census Bureau releases county-level population estimates. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/24/2015 Council taking public comment on Draft Regional Water Supply Plan Plan seeks to ensure safe, plentiful, and affordable water across the region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 6/24/2015 Regional Solicitation process yields positive results Local officials have high praise for the process that allocated $176 million of federal dollars to transportation projects slated for construction throughout the region in 2017-2019. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/23/2015 Poverty is spreading and becoming more concentrated As poverty spreads, it is becoming increasingly concentrated. In some areas, 40% or more of residents' incomes are below 185% of the federal poverty threshold. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 6/16/2015 Connections ground businesses, arts on METRO Green Line corridor The year-old 11-mile light rail line provides an essential connection for riders to discover and explore communities, businesses, and arts and cultural amenities along the corridor. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/11/2015 Metro Council leading collaboration to spur community solar development Local governments in the metro area soon will have the opportunity to subscribe to solar energy generated at one or more proposed community solar gardens through an innovative collaboration. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 6/10/2015 METRO Green Line has been magnet for housing development From artist lofts to affordable housing to luxury apartments, new housing development has contributed significantly to the estimated $2.8 billion in development along the METRO Green Line since 2009. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Transportation Date: 6/10/2015 People, places, and connections: Green Line residents are enthusiastic about light rail The METRO Green Line has proven to be magnet for housing development. And the people who are living along the line are enjoying the access and connections it provides. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/1/2015 More poor people living in Twin Cities suburbs than in central cities Twin Cities suburban and rural areas are now home to more people living in poverty than the central cities. Learn what’s behind the trend. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 5/6/2015 Metro Council report provides updated regional forecast to 2040 With metro area cities and towns preparing to start their decennial local planning processes, the Metropolitan Council is fine-tuning its regional forecast. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing Date: 4/13/2015 Metro HRA to launch mobility counseling program Metro HRA will soon assist holders of Housing Choice Vouchers to find housing outside of concentrated areas of poverty and enjoy success in their new neighborhoods once they’ve moved. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 4/2/2015 Council will offer planning grants to communities Starting in 2016, the Council will make a total of $1.38 million available for grants to eligible communities and counties to support the upcoming round of comprehensive plan updates. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/24/2015 Revamped Water Conservation Toolbox easier to use, navigate Wasting water just won’t do. Learn to conserve using resources from the Council’s Water Conservation Toolbox. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/11/2015 Council Chair Duininck, local officials tour Gateway Corridor Metropolitan Council Chair Adam Duininck wrapped up the first week of his seven-county tour on Feb. 6 with a bus ride through the Gateway Corridor (future METRO Gold Line) in the east metro area. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 2/11/2015 Council adopts Parks Plan with new focus on access and equity The plan reflects the Council’s vision for the region over the next 30 years, as described in Thrive MSP 2040. One key area of focus in the plan is equitable use of parks by all residents. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/6/2015 Innovative system will capture rainwater to keep new Saint Paul baseball field green CHS Field also will host a sustainability feature that captures rainwater from the rooftop of Metro Transit’s adjacent METRO Green Line Operations and Maintenance Facility. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 2/4/2015 Council revs up economic research and assistance to communities In 2015, the Council will provide local governments with more economic information and technical assistance. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 1/14/2015 Council adopts 2040 Transportation Policy Plan The region’s long-range transportation plan sets the policies and strategies for investing in the regional transportation system to 2040. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/16/2014 Local and regional forecasts now available for 2020 and 2030 Steady population growth is forecasted in the Twin Cities region over the next decades, according to the Council's local and regional forecasts for 2020 and 2030 Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 9/8/2014 Council outlines next steps in planning process for communities New regional plans for transportation, water resources, and regional parks—along with updated Council growth forecasts—will inform how communities plan to grow and develop in coming decades. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 7/23/2014 Collaborative problem-solving, shared outcomes key to public engagement Community members and organizations, academics and local government officials have all shared their vision for the region for the next 30 years . Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/24/2014 Workshops sharpen projects applying for Council TOD grants Creating a high-quality, transit-oriented development project is not easy. The Council’s Livable Communities (LCA) staff help communities and developers move their projects from concept to success. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 6/16/2014 Metro Green Line is open! Despite rain and wind, thousands turn out for June 14 launch Despite wind and rain, thousands of people turned out to pack to the trains on opening day. Metro Update roamed the corridor and talked with people about what the new light rail line means to them. Read more
Posted In: About Council, Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 5/28/2014 Regional prosperity at the heart of Thrive MSP 2040 The Council, on May 28, adopted the Thrive MSP 2040 plan, a bold new vision for growth and development that steers the region firmly on a course toward economic success and vibrancy. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 1/28/2014 Addressing racial disparities will reap big benefits for Twin Cities metro area Council Chair Susan Haigh challenges the region to address the significant disparities in school achievement, employment, and poverty between the region’s people of color and its white population. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Wastewater & Water Date: 1/28/2014 Council expands SAC loan program, aids growing businesses The loan program helps small businesses get started and additional businesses grow by allowing deferred payment of up to 80% of the regional sewer availability charge (SAC). Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 1/27/2014 Council issues progress report on water supply planning The report summarizes the Council's work to date on its evaluation of the reliability and sustainability of the region's water supply. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 12/13/2013 Thrive MSP 2040: Millennials weigh in on regional planning with fun and wit Mixing young professionals, music, crayons, and improv theater troupe, and a Council policy wonk = a lively, engaged discussion about the future of the region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/19/2013 Council steps up role in transit-oriented development (TOD) TOD improves mobility, enhances connections between destinations, creates efficiencies, and generates economic vitality. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 7/11/2013 Como Zoo’s edible garden feeds animals and people The Chipotle Edible Garden allows visitors to see how edible gardens can both influence landscape design and provide an abundance of produce throughout the season. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 6/11/2013 Council sponsors design workshops to improve TOD investment City planners and consultants with an interest in the Council’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) grants program had a crash course in TOD design at two workshops in May. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/3/2017 New Met Council chair a good choice Star Tribune Alene Tchourumoff, the state rail director, was appointed head of the Metropolitan Council by Gov. Mark Dayton last week. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 6/12/2017 Counterpoint: In the Twin Cities area, transit is needed, wanted — and it works Star Tribune Here's the evidence — and here's why Kansas City and Indianapolis are poor examples for the Center of the American Experiment to cite in defense of highways. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 5/26/2017 Rosenblum: Grocery store on wheels delivers to Twin Cities 'food deserts' Star Tribune Twin Cities Mobile Market, a retrofitted Metro Transit bus loaded with food, expanded in May. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 5/24/2017 As the Met Council turns 50, the regional government agency faces challenges Star Tribune The region has grown dramatically since 1967, and its unique government has evolved along with it. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 5/24/2017 Carver County Putting Rainwater to Good Use KSTP.com A simple concept is saving one county thousands of dollars. Officials in Carver County are taking the rain from storms and putting it back into different communities for good use. Read more