Minneapolis’ Chain of Lakes tops in parks visits, Como Park in second More people are visiting the Twin Cities’ regional parks and trails, according to newly released estimates from the Metropolitan Council. July 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%. July 29, 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. July 23, 2015
Southwest LRT: Met Council initiates municipal consent process on revised preliminary design plans After making $250 million in scope reductions recommended by communities on the planned Southwest LRT line in early July, the Met Council today approved reinitiating the municipal consent process. July 22, 2015
‘Flushable’ wipes clogging up sewer pumps Wipes that are marketed as flushable are increasingly clogging up city and regional sewers. While they might flush down your toilet, they don’t biodegrade like toilet paper does. July 15, 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. July 14, 2015
ADA has positive impacts on Council services and customers The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is 25 years old. From transit to housing to access to democracy, the ADA has had a huge and positive impact on the Metropolitan Council and our customers. July 14, 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. July 8, 2015
Council OKs revised Southwest LRT with Southwest Station as westernmost stop Southwest Station will become the Southwest LRT’s westernmost stop, eliminating Mitchell Road Station. Town Center Station will be deferred as part of $250 million in cost reductions. July 8, 2015
SWLRT Advisory Committee recommends ending at SouthWest Station The Corridor Management Committee’s recommendation to the Metropolitan Council preserves a majority of project elements and a projected average weekday ridership of 34,000 in 2040. July 1, 2015
SouthWest or Town Center would be the westernmost LRT station Representatives of project funders, the county and cities along the planned SouthWest LRT line are trying to decide whether to make Town Center or Southwest in Eden Prairie the westernmost station. June 26, 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. June 23, 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. June 16, 2015
Strong ridership and economic development mark Green Line anniversary The one year mark of the METRO Green Line’s light rail service has seen ridership far exceeding projections and seeds of economic development begin to blossom. June 15, 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. June 11, 2015