Imagine 2050, the next regional development guide, will establish the policy and vision for the Twin Cities region over the next 30 years. The guide, which is essentially a comprehensive plan for the region, is based on the 2020 counts from the U.S. Census, local comprehensive plans, and ongoing planning efforts.
In early 2023, the Metropolitan Council endorsed working drafts of a regional vision and core values for the 2050 Regional Development Guide after several conversations to revise and refine the drafts. Work will continue on these working statements and related goals. A work group of Council members will be established to facilitate that conversation.
Imagine 2050 will include system plans for regional parks, transportation, and water resources, as well as policy guidance for land use, and housing. It will also address critical issues that cross policy areas: climate, equity, natural systems, and public health, safety, and wellbeing.
The working drafts of regional core values and goals are providing a guiding framework for Imagine 2050 and its system and policy guidance. What do you think? Fill out our brief survey.
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Working statement of regional core values
Values are core beliefs or principles that guide the work of the Met Council, our expectations of partnerships, and our policy and program development. The Met Council has identified a set of core values that we believe are most important to the issues and opportunities that face the region, now and into the future.
Equity
We value the people and communities of our region. Our region is economically and culturally vibrant. We also recognize, however, the harm and disparities that injustices, including racism, have created.
We are dedicated to creating systems, policies, and programs that repair and heal past harm, foster an equitable future, and eliminate disparities. Communities that have been marginalized in the past will be at the center of this work in leadership roles.
Leadership
We value those in our region who inspire and motivate others for positive change. Our region is known for its civic engagement. We need broad and inclusive leadership to help confront the significant challenges we face around equity, climate change, safety, and other pressing issues.
To maximize the potential of our region and its communities, we turn to leadership that is diverse, collaborative, culturally competent, and innovative. We encourage this kind of leadership across all sectors including business, government, non-profit, and education.
Accountability
We value being effective in our work and achieving measurable outcomes. Our region is known for its research, initiatives, and collaborations. We must be open to criticism and clearly understand when we are not achieving results or have harmed communities.
We recognize that we can maximize our effectiveness by being in partnership with others. We will also be transparent and flexible so that we can change course when needed.
Stewardship
We value our region’s resources. Our resources include our natural, economic, and financial resources as well as our infrastructure. We recognize that these resources may be vulnerable over time to changing conditions, including from climate change.
We must design our systems and allocate our resources in ways that can be sustained over time and support the needs of future generations.
Working regional goals
Our vision is what we want to achieve for the region through our policies, practices, programs, and partnerships.
Our region is equitable and inclusive
Racial inequities and injustices experienced by historically marginalized communities have been eliminated; and all residents and newcomers feel welcome, included, and empowered.
Our communities are healthy and safe
All our region’s residents live healthy, productive, and rewarding lives with a sense of dignity and wellbeing.
Our region is dynamic and resilient
Our region meets the opportunities and challenges faced by our communities and economy including issues of choice, access, and affordability.
We lead on addressing climate change
We have mitigated greenhouse gas emissions and have adapted to ensure our communities and systems are resilient to climate impacts.
We protect and restore natural systems
We protect, integrate, and restore natural systems to protect habitat and ensure a high quality of life for the people of our region.