2025 Regional Economic Framework

The Metropolitan Council is taking public comment November 12 through December 22, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. on the 2025 Regional Economic Framework (CEDS Alternative) draft developed through partnership with regional stakeholders. The Framework is a regionally driven, place-based planning process that supports effective economic development across the Twin Cities Metropolitan Region.   

Public Hearing 
The Met Council has scheduled an in-person public hearing for 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Committee of the Whole meeting. If you’d like to offer public comment at the December 3 meeting, please pre-register by emailing [email protected] or recording a message at 651-602-1500. On request, we will provide reasonable modification for people with disabilities.  

Submit a comment 
The Met Council is scheduled to adopt the framework on February 11, 2026. We value your input. Please share your comments, feedback, suggestions, or questions by 5:00 p.m. December 22, 2025. 

Submit your comment by filling out the form, emailing [email protected], recording a message at 651-602-1500 (TTY 651-221-9886), or mailing comments to 390 Robert Street North, St. Paul, MN 55101-1805.   

Background

The 2025 Regional Economic Framework qualifies as the Twin Cities region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Alternative. A CEDS Alternative is a regionally driven, place-based planning process that supports effective economic development across America’s communities. To be eligible for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding, regional organizations must have an up-to-date CEDS (or CEDS Alternative) in place.

This CEDS Alternative offers a snapshot of the vibrant and evolving economic development ecosystem in the Twin Cities region. Hundreds of public, private, and nonprofit organizations actively contribute to key aspects of regional economic vitality. Their ongoing efforts and collaborations form the foundation of what is captured in this CEDS Alternative.

The 2020 Regional Economic Framework, the region's last CEDS Alternative was prepared and adopted in 2020 through a collaboration between the Metropolitan Council, GreaterMSP, and the Center for Economic Inclusion. The EDA requires CEDS (or CEDS Alternative) plans to be updated every five years.

A CEDS Alternative document must include specific sections:
  • An overview of the region’s economic development landscape and conditions
  • A comprehensive assessment of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (a regional SWOT analysis)
  • Economic priorities and strategies to advance the regional economy
  • An action and implementation framework that identifies roles and metrics to measure progress
  • An economic resilience plan for responding to potential economic disruptions
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The 2020 Regional Economic Framework outlined nine key economic priorities for the region, each supported by specific strategies and actions aimed at pursuing opportunities and driving progress. These priorities now serve as a foundation for the 2025 Regional Economic Framework update, guiding discussions on how the region’s economic landscape has evolved in recent years and how that evolution should inform refreshed strategies and action plans.

Nine Strategic Priorities  

Frequently Asked Questions

No. By better understanding and integrating the economic needs of the region and its residents, we hope to develop more effective policies and programs under our existing authority as defined by the Minnesota Legislature (e.g., regional transportation systems, regional parks and trails, regional wastewater systems, and regional housing policy).

No. Local economic development is led by a wide range of public, private, nonprofit, and institutional partners across the region. The Met Council participates in the 2025 Regional Economic Framework process in a convening role, serving as the regional public agency for the seven-county metropolitan area. In addition to the funding opportunities unlocked by a CEDS Alternative, the Met Council will continue to support local economic development efforts that address regional challenges through its Livable Communities Act grant programs.

The Met Council is responsible for guiding the growth and development of the region, which is significantly impacted by complex economic factors and market conditions. When there are issues beyond the scope of traditional Met Council work (such as job training, business support, and marketing), we recognize the important initiatives and work led by others. Strategic partnerships are key to improving the wellbeing of the region and its residents, workers, and businesses.

No. The Met Council will provide letters of support for local applications that address regional priorities and needs. In the future, it is possible that the Met Council could participate in efforts led by others that coordinate and prioritize requests from our region.

Key contacts

Baris Gumus-Dawes, Planning Analyst
Research
Community Development Division
[email protected]
Merritt Clapp-Smith, Planning Analyst
Local Planning Assistance
Community Development Division
[email protected]
Todd Graham, Principal Forecaster
Research
Community Development Division
[email protected]
Samah Safiullah, Associate Planner
Local Planning Assistance
Community Development Division
[email protected]