Message from the Council Chair

Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle delivered the 2025 State of the Region speech at Allianz Field on Jan. 30. Following are excerpts from the speech.

I’m pleased that the Metropolitan Council is set to adopt a comprehensive regional development guide, which happens only once every 10 years.
 
Imagine 2050 will include system plans for regional parks, transportation, water resources, and guidance for land use and housing. And for the first time, a real and solid commitment to our Tribal Nations and Native communities that goes beyond performative slogans to real policy and actions.

It addresses critical issues such as climate, equity, natural systems, public health, safety, and wellbeing.

This is a huge undertaking – it has been developed with all your input and will rely on all levels of government to implement this vision, but as true Minnesotans, we will no doubt succeed.

More than once, I’ve been told the Met Council is losing its audaciousness. I think we are fully capable of being bold, along with all of you. We are creating a region that is:

• Equitable and inclusive: Where every voice matters
• Resilient and dynamic: Adapting to challenges with innovation
• Sustainable: Protecting our natural systems and addressing climate change

Transit, water, and collaboration are key to a vital region

A healthy and resilient economy and quality of life needs many things to thrive:

• A robust and interconnected transit network is a foundational element of a vital and affordable region. Network Now is Metro Transit’s five-year, world-class transit plan designed to adapt our services to meet the changing needs of the region. This includes expanding service by more than 35% through improving frequencies on more than 60 bus routes and restoring service on light rail and bus rapid transit to every 10 minutes.
• Plentiful, clean, sustainable water. Water is more than a resource. It's described as life itself. Thanks to a shared regional vision for supporting our precious water resources, we are ahead of the curve and many view us as a national model. When we see devastation taking place in Los Angeles, we recognize the critical role water plays and the importance of thoughtful and effective strategies in confronting climate challenges.
• Building our future together. The foundation of this work is based on long-range planning and community development. Regional planning in collaboration with local communities is key to a thriving region.

No single community can transform a region alone

Planning by local governments — including townships, cities and counties — and Tribal nations allows our region to grow and change in ways that are affordable, sustainable, equitable, but most of all, set up to serve generations to come.

At the end of the day, the work we do may not seem very glamorous. I assure you on most days it’s not! It’s multi-faceted, it’s often the center of conflict, and yet, that’s when important work gets done.

No single community can transform a region alone. Our strength lies in our collaboration, our shared commitment, our unwavering belief that together, we can build something extraordinary.
 
Thanks to all of you and your commitment to building a future together.