Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/2/2017 Metro Mobility Task Force work underway The Metro Mobility Task Force has begun examining potential ways to improve and streamline the service. Read more
Posted In: About Council, Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 10/30/2017 Directly influence regional policy Metropolitan Council advisory committees seek applicants for openings Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/25/2017 Council Chair tours Scott and Carver Counties with partnerships top of mind Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff continues the seven-county circuit as the newly appointed head of the regional planning agency. She most recently enjoyed visits to Scott and Carver Counties. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 9/11/2017 Met Council Chair recommends rejecting all civil construction bids for SWLRT project, reopening bidding process this fall The 4 submitted construction bids did not meet cost expectations and responsiveness requirements. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning Date: 8/29/2017 Chair tours Washington, Dakota, Anoka Counties Regional tour highlights partnerships. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 1/1/2019 12:00 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: 5/20/2019 Metro area growth continues, housing challenges remain Preliminary population estimates show Minneapolis and Saint Paul continue to lead growth in number of new residents. Read more
Posted In: About Council, Communities, Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/18/2019 Steady growth continues in metro area Metro area population increased 8.8% since 2010, according to U.S. Census Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 9/26/2018 Council launches travel behavior household survey Collecting information on day-to-day travel is vital for local, county and regional agencies to plan for future transportation needs. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 9/13/2018 Transportation projects being scored for federal funding The 2018 Regional Solicitation brought in 136 applications that will vie for around $200 million in federal funding. Technical experts from across the region are reviewing and scoring applications. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 8/29/2018 Sewer separation, inflow and infiltration reduction efforts are paying off The Metropolitan Council and City of Minneapolis have reached another milestone in joint efforts to protect public health and water quality. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 8/14/2018 Council’s new Parks Ambassador hopes to ‘bring parks to the people’ After meeting with regional parks leaders and park implementing agency staff, she'll work with community members and park staff to gather input about what people want and need in our regional parks. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 8/14/2018 Hopkins area sewer improvements: onward and upward The renewed wastewater infrastructure will reliably protect public health and the environment—and support the region’s economic growth—for decades to come. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/27/2018 Council sets 2019 wastewater rates; SAC rate stays flat for fifth year running The overall municipal wastewater charge to the 109 communities served by the Metropolitan Council’s regional wastewater collection and treatment system will go up 3.5% in 2019. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/23/2018 National advocates unite to address serious water challenges Council collaborates with partners to ensure plentiful, clean water for all. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 7/23/2018 Parties reach agreement to advance Southwest LRT The agreements with the Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company will now be considered by the Surface Transportation Board, a federal regulatory agency. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Parks, Planning Date: 7/18/2018 Annual regional parks visits top 58 million in 2017 Improved methodology allows for more accurate count, shows more visits than previously thought Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/18/2018 Council adds $5 million to Municipal I/I Grant Program The additional funding is good news for the 79 communities in the region eligible for municipal inflow and infiltration grants: Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/18/2018 Council offers $500,000 for local project to reduce inflow and infiltration from private property Local communities are invited to apply for up to $500,000 to demonstrate effective ways of reducing inflow and infiltration into the regional wastewater system from private property sources. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/11/2018 Public hearing Aug. 30 on adding solids processing capacity at the Metro Plant A fourth incinerator would provide solids processing capacity during maintenance and meet the wastewater treatment needs of the 500,000 new residents expected in the plant’s service area by 2050. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 6/27/2018 2040 Transportation Policy Plan update released for public comment Since it was adopted in 2015, new investment decisions and work have been incorporated into the plan to reflect the current landscape of regional transportation. Comment on the plan by August 13. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/27/2018 Council awards $3.3 million to local projects promoting jobs, economic development The Council awarded three types of grants, for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites, and for improving redevelopment opportunities in an existing or former area of concentrated poverty. Read more
Posted In: Parks, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/27/2018 Proposed sewer improvement project in Minnehaha Regional Park would address risk of aging sewer failure A 1930s-era sewer tunnel beneath the creek, near Hiawatha Avenue and the METRO Blue Line, is in serious need of repair. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 6/22/2018 Aging and changing: U.S. Census and Metropolitan Council reach similar conclusions about population growth The Metropolitan Council estimates that metro area population grew more between 2010 and 2017 than the U.S. Census. But both agree the region is aging and becoming more diverse. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/21/2018 Improvements at Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant will boost odor control and energy efficiency, and lower emissions Upgrades to the plant will preserve and renew aging equipment and facilities, increase energy efficiency, and help MCES operate the plant efficiently and cost-effectively into the future. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Housing, Planning Date: 6/11/2018 Region needs more housing; residential construction is not keeping pace with household growth Multifamily development remains robust. Construction of affordable housing is especially slow. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 5/16/2018 Metro area grows 8% between 2010-2017 Preliminary population estimates show Minneapolis and Saint Paul had the highest population gains. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 5/14/2018 Council approves policies for wastewater reuse Treating and reusing wastewater for industrial, irrigation, and other uses may benefit the regional wastewater system and sustain the seven-county region’s water resources for future generations. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning Date: 4/24/2018 Neighborhood takes a novel approach to planning for its future This month’s local planning feature focuses on an innovative approach taken by a Saint Paul neighborhood to chart its future in a “small area plan.” Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/23/2018 Sewer improvements in Mound and Minnetrista begin this spring Major infrastructure improvements are coming to Mound and Minnetrista, thanks to collaborative efforts with the Metropolitan Council, local government and CenterPoint Energy. 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: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 2/22/2018 Proposed funds will support transit and environmental initiatives The funds are part of Dayton’s overall 2018 $1.5 billion bonding proposal. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning Date: 2/22/2018 Women leaders at the Council: Joan Campbell Longtime Council member was a nurse and single mother, appointed to the Council in 1973. A key strength was her focus on long-range planning. 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 11/22/2017 Region benefits as airport, Council cooperate on transit The Metropolitan Airports Commission and the Metropolitan Council have a history of working together to produce positive results that benefit the entire metro area. 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, 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 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, 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: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 11/1/2017 Council members focus on the big picture The Regional Growth Strategy Work Group is intended to create an ongoing forum for Council Members to consider the impact of long-term trends, opportunities and challenges on regional systems. 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 10/17/2017 Metro-area transportation projects advance for federal funding consideration The Council has signed off on a large slate of metro-area transportation projects to add to the state’s list of projects recommended for federal funding. 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: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 10/16/2017 Council water supply team earns kudos from U of M A Met Council and U of M partnership earns kudos for helping metro area businesses and organizations find ways to conserve water and save money. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 10/11/2017 Council promotes inclusion in contracting opportunities Council purchasing practices will engage more diverse businesses in economic opportunities and ensure access to jobs is more inclusive and equitable. 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: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/29/2017 Alene Tchourumoff joins students at Children's Water Festival The Council sponsors the water education event with 25 other regional sponsors. 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: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 9/21/2017 SWLRT construction bids did not meet cost expectations and responsiveness requirements The Council also voted to direct project staff to look at ways to reduce costs and prepare to reissue the invitation for civil construction bids in October. 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 9/13/2017 Planning for a future with autonomous vehicles The Council is grappling with how autonomous vehicles may impact the region’s transportation system. 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: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 7/28/2017 Council holds overall municipal wastewater charge increase to 3.7% Expanding and rehabilitating sewer interceptor pipes and other wastewater collection and treatment facilities is the biggest driver of the increase. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 7/27/2017 Council votes to increase regional transit fares, in face of upcoming fiscal cliff First fare adjustment in nearly a decade impacts all regional services. New rates to go into effect October 1, Council makes permanent discounted fare for low-income riders. 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: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 6/29/2017 Council seeks members to serve on Metro Mobility Task Force Council seeks members to serve on Metro Mobility Task Force 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 6/12/2017 Transit service to airport connects workers to opportunity A transit service that began as a small pilot program nearly two years ago is now making a big difference for airport workers who serve passengers in the wee hours of the morning. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 6/12/2017 Transportation system performance helps determine where to make investments The Transportation System Performance Evaluation gathers regional transportation data to determine whether our system is meeting the needs of people and what emerging trends need to be addressed. Read more
Posted In: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/8/2017 Local government sun-sharing partners earn environmental award Collaboration is at the heart of a solar garden initiative that is getting a lot of attention for “harnessing the power of partnerships.” 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: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 6/5/2017 Council helps manage prairie with prescribed burn The use of native plant species and the active management of the site with fire demonstrates MCES’s commitment toward being a valued leader and partner in water sustainability. 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 5/3/2017 Transit fares may increase later this year What you need to know about proposed transit fare increases. 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: Planning, Transportation Date: 4/18/2017 Update of regional transportation plan under way Whether driving, busing, biking, walking, or taking light rail, people need a transportation system that allows them to remain connected and reach destinations. 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: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 3/23/2017 Council appoints Wastewater Reuse Task Force The Council has appointed a Wastewater Reuse Task Force to review the Council’s existing wastewater reuse policies and recommend clarifications needed to respond to opportunities for wastewater reuse. 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: Parks, Planning Date: 2/9/2017 Parks ambassador program will use a community-driven effort to connect people with parks New Regional Parks Ambassador program will serve as a bridge between communities that don’t use the regional parks and the Regional Parks System. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 2/7/2017 Metro Mobility ridership jumps 6% in one year Demand for Metro Mobility transit service in the Twin Cities metro area increased nearly 6% to 2.23 million rides in 2016. The trend of annual growth of 5-8% is expected to continue in the future. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Transportation Date: 1/25/2017 Key transportation committee selects metro area projects for federal funding Slate of 58 projects includes highway, transit, bike, and pedestrian projects. 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, 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, 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: Parks, Planning Date: 10/6/2016 Small share of Legacy funds to be spent to ‘connect people and the outdoors’ in the regional parks The Council has set a minimum percentage of Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy funding to be spent on “connecting people and the outdoors” in the Regional Parks System. Read more
Posted In: Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 9/21/2016 Cities in Dakota County explore water conservation and stormwater reuse Many ideas grew out of Council studies of regional drinking water supply, water reuse and groundwater recharge in the southeast metro. 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, 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: Council News, Planning Date: 8/18/2016 Council collaborates with state, local governments to study ethnic and gender disparities in procurement processes The Council is among several government agencies participating in a study to assess whether there is a gap among firms owned by women and people of color in receiving government contracts. 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: Council News, Planning, Wastewater & Water Date: 4/20/2016 Council saves energy, helps the planet The Council's Environmental Services group's efficient operations are reducing reliance on fossil fuels, promoting alternative energy, and protecting the environment. 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: Council News, Housing, Parks, Planning, Transportation Date: 7/14/2015 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. 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: 6/23/2015 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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: Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/22/2018 Council wins 'Better Government Award' for Metro Transit Technician Training Program Gov. Mark Dayton's office The Better Government Award winners demonstrate efficient and effective state government services. The Council's Metro Transit Technician Training Program was recognized as a great place to work. 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
Posted In: Communities, Council News, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/21/2018 Southwest light-rail freight agreements approved by Hennepin County, Met Council Star Tribune Pacts with freight lines allow officials to pursue $929 million federal grant. Read more
Posted In: Communities, Planning, Transportation Date: 3/19/2018 'It's a big deal': C Line to bring bus rapid transit to popular north Minneapolis route MinnPost Eleven different routes have been identified as good candidates for arterial bus rapid transit — rubber-tire vehicles and enhanced stations with features that make light rail so popular with riders. Read more