Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 4/18/2018 Council announces $27 million in Livable Communities funds available in 2018 Metro communities can now apply for funding to help to clean up polluted land, ensure affordable housing, stimulate development around transit, and make efficient use of land and infrastructure. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/17/2018 Minnehaha Park Area Regional Sewer Improvements Project Public Information Meeting is April 24 Project staff from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) will share information about the proposed improvements and answer questions. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 3/28/2018 Sincerity, soft touch earns officer top cop honors Metro Transit patrol officer Tim Lawrence is also a coach at North Community High School. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/20/2018 C Line groundbreaking sets stage for opportunity Representatives from the Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn Center gathered to break ground on the region's second rapid bus line, the C Line. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Transportation Date: 2/14/2018 Investment grows to more than $8 billion along existing, future LRT lines Developers are increasingly choosing to invest along light rail transit (LRT), as witnessed by the $8.4 billion in reported new investments along existing and future LRT lines. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 4/26/2018 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Two locations - see details. Housing forums are April 26 and May 10 The Governor’s Housing Task Force will be holding two regional forums in the Twin Cities to inform the development of Task Force recommendations. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 2/23/2018 2:20 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, Planning Date: 3/28/2018 Metropolitan Council receives national planning achievement award American Planning Association recognizes 16 communities for best practices in planning and urban design. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/22/2018 Council eases SAC burden for business Task force of city and business representatives recommended the changes, which go into effect July 1, 2018. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/20/2018 Local governments to compete for transportation funds in 2018 Regional Solicitation About $200 million in federal funds will go to local highway, bridge, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects. The federal funds will leverage additional local matching funds. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 3/16/2018 Maplewood’s sustainability efforts strengthen city’s livability Maplewood boasts a host of natural amenities, connections to major transportation corridors, strong commercial and business hubs, and residents who are active in the community’s public life. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/15/2018 Council grants help growing communities use water more efficiently Property owners across the region are saving an estimated 52 million gallons of water annually, thanks to the Council's Water Efficiency Grant Program. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 2/5/2018 Council awards more than $5 million to local communities to expand affordable housing. Livable Communities grants support job growth and economic opportunity, as well as leverage millions in private investment. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 12/28/2017 Theodore Wirth Regional Park: Winter quiet, recreation amid the city Theodore Wirth Regional Park is an especially attractive destination during winter: cross-country skiing, sledding, tubing, snowshoeing, skijoring, snowboarding, and hot chocolate in the chalet! Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 12/11/2017 Preserving the past, Hastings mounts major effort to plan its future Hastings city officials are drawing on 21st century techniques to engage community members in planning for its future. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 12/6/2017 Shoveling snow and ice 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, Wastewater & Water Date: 12/1/2017 Partners in water quality monitoring: Developing leadership in the next generation Since 1993, the Council has enlisted citizen volunteers to bolster its own monitoring work on lakes in the seven-county region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 12/1/2017 Council awards funds for affordable housing Council Chair says affordable housing is critical to ensure regional growth and prosperity. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Using community wisdom to design better bus stops Metro Transit staff and partnering agencies built relationships, shared information and listened to the ideas and feedback across 22 neighborhoods. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Engineer recalls fragmented, polluting sewage system Dr. Russ Susag reflects on how collaboration created our award-winning wastewater treatment system that treats 250 million gallons of wastewater a day from 2.6 million residents. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Transit investments spur development, serve employers and neighborhoods Development along the existing Green and Blue lines bears out the economic benefits of dedicated transitways. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Local officials central to decision-making on transportation projects The Council relies on local elected officials and residents to review those local project proposals and make funding recommendations. This body is called the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Metro Cities: Watchdog, liaison and partner to Council Metro Cities monitors the Council to make sure city interests are represented, informs cities about Council actions and programs, and shares Council information useful in local planning. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Local communities join forces to prepare for climate change City and Council planners look ahead at vulnerabilities, prioritize responses, and prepare communities for the inevitable challenges ahead. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Council grants support community planning The city of Carver, a historic Minnesota River town in Carver County, is looking to the future. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Partnerships that connect families with housing they can afford Partnerships are key for the Council, through its Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA), to provide thousands of metro-area households with federal rent assistance. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Metro Mobility is a life saver for people with disabilities Many Metro Mobility riders travel to work, school and other essential activities. It’s just another way public transit contributes to the economic vitality of the region. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 11/22/2017 Partnership with U of M promotes water savings Survey found lawn irrigation systems overwater, waste water and money, and lawns aren’t necessarily better for it. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Council partners with small businesses on projects big and small The Council's procurement process describes a percentage of contracts that should be available to Minnesota businesses that are owned by women, people of color, veterans or people with disabilities. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Regional collaboration delivers sustainable energy The Council played a central role as partner and leader helping to form the Governmental Solar Garden Subscriber Collaborative and bring the project to life. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Livable Communities grants help ‘nail down the deal’ Program helps cities throughout the region create affordable housing for area residents. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 11/22/2017 Creating connections for people to the regional parks The Council created the Parks Ambassador program to increase awareness of regional parks by communities of color, and invite them into the parks. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 11/16/2017 A Step Forward: the region’s 2016 affordable housing production The primary form of new affordable housing continues to be multifamily apartment buildings. In 2016, 94% of affordable units were renter-occupied. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 10/31/2017 Council approves federal funds for transportation services for older and disabled residents Thirteen federal grants totaling nearly $2.6 million will help private nonprofit and government organizations meet the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/25/2017 Metropolitan Council invests in job growth, development, and housing near transit Council has awarded nearly $4.6 million in Livable Communities funds to transit-oriented development (TOD) projects along transit corridors. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 10/19/2017 Disabilities affect economic status, create disparities A new Council MetroStats research report finds that people with disabilities have fewer opportunities for employment, housing and economic well-being. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/16/2017 Council awards engagement contracts for I-94 study The Metropolitan Council has awarded six contracts totaling $161,000 to community-based organizations to engage people in MnDOT’s Rethinking I-94 Study. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 10/11/2017 The cost of persistent racial and ethnic disparities in the Twin Cities region Longstanding and persistent trend will cost the region opportunities for continued growth, economic prosperity, greater livability, improved neighborhoods. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/28/2017 Council “green infrastructure” grants support local water initiatives In September, the Council awarded $1 million to five metro cities looking to improve water quality and encourage conservation. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/18/2017 Regional park visits climb to nearly 48 million in 2016 The region’s vast network of parks and trails got nearly 48 million visits last year, a one percent increase over the previous year, and an increase of 11 million visits since 2006. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/15/2017 Grant helps preserve affordable housing in manufactured home park The first-of-its-kind pilot grant of $234,83 will cover half of the cost of connecting homes in the Maple Hill Estates manufactured home park to the regional wastewater system. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks Date: 9/12/2017 New Regional Parks Map reflects the rich cultural heritage of our region People from a wide variety of communities, and many ages and abilities, will see themselves reflected in the Council’s newly updated Regional Parks Map. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 9/11/2017 Survey yields robust data to forecast travel, understand transit users Survey results provide transit planners and policy makers with information to better understand who riders are, how and why they are using transit. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 8/14/2017 Savage: Small-town feel, global industrial connections, plentiful open space Located on the Minnesota River bluff in northeastern Scott County, Savage is a city filled with suburban neighborhoods, natural features, and history. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing Date: 8/2/2017 Metro HRA’s new ombudsman helps people navigate rental process The Metropolitan Council’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) recently hired Abdiaziz Ibrahim as its first outreach coordinator and program ombudsman. 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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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: 8/5/2015 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, 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, 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: 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, Planning, Transportation Date: 4/15/2018 Editorial: A clear case for these buses Pioneer Press Business and transit leaders are making the case for arterial BRTs - featuring faster, more frequent service and some light rail-style amenities - at BetterBusesMSP.com, launched last week. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 4/3/2018 Metropolitan Council wins American Planning Association award for web-based handbook, tutorials Pioneer Press The American Planning Association is recognizing the Metropolitan Council with an Achievement Award, one of 21 juried honors the APA plans to bestow on planning agencies across the country. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/28/2018 Met Council works to take the sting out of a little-known new-business fee TwinCities.com Pioneer Press Part of the goal is to help businesses better estimate expenses and allow restaurants to create temporary expansions, such as seasonal patios and sidewalk seating, without undue burden. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/22/2018 Metro Transit expands rapid bus service with C Line Kare 11 Construction is starting on a new rapid bus line that Metro Transit said will result in quicker trips between downtown Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/21/2018 Construction officially begins on C-Line rapid bus Star Tribune C-Line will connect Brooklyn Center with downtown Minneapolis. Read more