Imagine 2050 Outcomes Measurement Program

The proposed measures in the interactive below are a subset of the draft amendent's technical appendix that closely aligns with the objectives, policies, and actions described in the policy chapters of Imagine 2050.* Visit the Imagine 2050 website to learn more about each plan. 

*The 2050 Transportation Policy Plan's federal and regional performance measures were adopted with Imagine 2050 on February 12, 2025. View the current 2050 TPP Evaluation and Performance chapter. 

Measurement is fundamental to building accountability between government agencies, the partners they work with, and populations they serve. The Imagine 2050 Outcomes Measurement Program continues Met Council's core value of accountability, and improves upon past efforts through newly developed commitments, principles, and structure focused on the intended outcomes of the regional development guide. 

• Read the full draft of the program narrative (4 pages, PDF)

Commitments

1. We commit to centering a diversity of knowledge and expertise, including from those who live the experiences being measured.
2. We commit to applying Imagine 2050’s adopted equity framework to this program. Here, that means a) evaluation of all program measures for disaggregation spatially or by demographic group and calling attention to varying trends, including disparities and inequities; and b) listening to marginalized communities’ interpretation of trends and lifting up those perspectives.
3. This program values and reflects multiple pathways to progress towards the regional vision, goals, and policy outcomes described in Imagine 2050. When tensions arise between trends or interpretations of them, we will prioritize respectful dialogue over achieving consensus.
4. This program relies on mutual cooperation and collaboration within and across Met Council’s divisions, and between Met Council and our local partners. We commit to balancing the benefits and burdens of new data collection and data sharing.
5. We commit to making the information and practices of this program transparent and accessible to local partners and regional stakeholders through a) timely, detailed documentation of measures and methods; b) sharing implementation learnings and continuous improvement processes; and c) active participation in relevant forums and communities of practice.

Guiding principles

• Iterative
• Adaptable
• Meaningful  

Measure types

A key component of effective outcomes measurement is a conceptual framework that outlines influence and roles. The Imagine 2050 Outcomes Measurement Program developed three types of program measures based on who holds the authorities and responsibility to initiate change: 

1. Regional indicators describe high-level trends about the Twin Cities metro or region, providing context as to whether our challenges or success are similar to other places and offering a sense of scale and persistence.
2. Regional measures summarize how Met Council’s local partners advance Imagine 2050's intended outcomes. They may capture work among local governments, regional parks implementing agencies, community organizations, or other organizations or agencies within the region. Regional measures acknowledge that the regional values, visions, and goals described in Imagine 2050 cannot be achieved alone. 
3. Met Council measures reflect how our own grant and investment programs, services and operations, engagement practices, convening and coordinating of partners (among other actions) advance Imagine 2050's regional goals.