Archived News

2019

December 27, 2019
Opening on Metro Cities Board of Directors
Thank You and Happy Holidays!

December 20, 2019
Opening on Metro Cities Board of Directors
TAB Approves Release of Regional Solicitation Application
Thank You and Happy Holidays!

December 13, 2019
Senate Select Committee on Housing Affordability Hears from Nonprofits
Legislative Auditor Releases VTRS Quarterly Review
Transportation Funding Discussed in Metropolitan Council Budget
DEED Announces Four Job Creation Fund Awards
Metropolitan Council Awards Livable Communities Grants - LCDA & TOD Pre-Development, LHIA
Metropolitan Council Changes Payment Standards for the Metro HRA Rent Assistance Programs

December 6, 2019
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) Openings - Deadline TODAY
November State Budget and Economic Forecast Released
TAC Recommends Release of Regional Solicitation
Metropolitan Council Tool Tracks Suburban Changes

November 27, 2019
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) Openings
WEBINAR: DEED Redevelopment Program - December 5

November 22, 2019
Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) Openings
Metro Cities 2020 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Council Chair Position Posted
State Revenues Update
Metropolitan Council Awards TOD Funds
Minnesota Housing Announces 2019 Funding Selections

November 15, 2019
Metro Regional Meeting and Metro Cities 2020 Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Council Awards Water Efficiency Grants
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census to Meet December 6
2019 Regional Forecast Released - Projects Changes in Population, Jobs, Households
EVENT: Livable Communities Suburban Workshop

November 1, 2019
Join Us! LMC Metro Regional Meeting and Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting
2020 Draft Legislative Policies
Local Government Innovation Awards

October 25, 2019
Join Us! LMC Metro Regional Meeting and Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting
2020 Draft Legislative Policies
DEED Awards Redevelopment Grants; Announces 2020 Grant Program
Metropolitan Council Releases Draft 2020 Budget for Public Comment
Metropolitan Council Accepting Comment on Regional Solicitation Application
EVENTS: Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation: Intersecting Transportation, Equity and Housing

October 18, 2019
Join Us! LMC Metro Regional Meeting and Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting
2020 Draft Legislative Policies
Walz Announces Governor Bonding Tour; Solicits Project Feedback
Metropolitan Council Accepting Comment on Regional Solicitation Application
EVENTS: Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitation: Intersecting Transportation, Equity and Housing Events Scheduled

October 11, 2019
Join Us! LMC Metro Regional Meeting and Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting
2020 Draft Legislative Policies
Metropolitan Council Accepting Comment on Regional Solicitation Application
State Revenue Collections Higher Than Estimates

October 4, 2019
Policy Committee Feedback
Metro Regional Meeting/Metro Cities Policy Adoption Meeting
DEED Announces Two Job Creation Fund Awards in Metro Region

September 27, 2019
City Organizations' Commentary Published in Star Tribune
TAB Releases Regional Solicitation Application for Public Comment
Stormwater Management Grants Recommended by Metropolitan Council Environment Committee
Policy Committee Survey

September 20, 2019
Metro Cities Participates in Forum to Respond to Builders' "Priced Out" Paper
Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act (LCA) Fall 2019 Deadline Approaching
Clean Water Council Opening

September 13, 2019
Senate Housing Hearing Focuses on City Development Costs
Census Grants Available for Complete Count Committees
State Revenues Update
Metropolitan Council Wastewater Charge and Other Rates
Local Government Innovation Awards (LGIA)
EVENT: Local Housing Trust Funds Webinar: Guide to Implementation
Minnesota Housing Offers Help for First-Time Homebuyers via City Participation Program
House Will Hold Mini-Session

September 6, 2019
Senate Select Committee on Housing to Meet Tuesday
EVENT: MCES Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours
Third and Final Round of Policy Committees Will Meet Next Week

August 29, 2019
Meeting on New Water Efficiency Grant Program
EVENT: MCES Wastewater Treatment Plant Tours
Third and Final Round of Policy Committees will Meet the Week of September 9

August 23, 2019
Builders Release Document on Building Permit Fees
TAB Approves Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)
TAB Reviews Regional Solicitation Application Change Recommendations
Metropolitan Council Accepting Public Comments on Draft 2020 Transportation UPWP
EVENT: Metro Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
EVENT: Brownfields Funding Resources Workshop
EVENT: Water Efficiency Grant Program Informational Meeting
EVENT: Lawn Water Conservation Workshop
New House Research Document on 2019 Laws Relating to Local and Metropolitan Government

August 16, 2019
Senate Select Committee on Housing Affordability and Access Holds First Meeting
Policy Committee Update
New Laws for Local Option Sales Taxes

August 9, 2019
Metropolitan Council Accepting Public Comments on Draft 2020 Transportation UPWP
EVENT: Brownfields Funding Resources Workshops
Local Housing Trust Fund Manual Released; Webinar Scheduled for August 19

August 2, 2019
EVENT: Water Efficiency Grant Program Informational Meeting
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Begins Budget Work
Secretary of State Office Seeks Comment on Presidential Primary Reimbursements
Second Round of Policy Committees Will Meet the Week of August 12
EVENT: Lawn Water Conservation Workshop 

Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Program Applications - Due August 1
DEED Broadband Grant Pre-Application Outreach - Due August 2
Minnesota Housing 2021 QAP Public Comment Period Now Open - Q&A and Webinar Information Sessions Offered
Metropolitan Council Awards 14 Livable Communities Tax Base Revitalization Grants

Senate Names a Select Committee on Home Ownership Affordability and Availability
Water Efficiency Grant Program Update
Metro Cities' Policy Committees

July Update Shows Uptick in State Revenues
MCES Rates and Charges Adopted by Metropolitan Council Environment Committee
Water Efficiency Grant Program

TAB Approves Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Draft for Public Comment
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
EVENT: Twin Cities Shared Mobility Data Seminar

Don't Forget! Join Metro Cities at the June LMC Annual Conference
TAB Approves Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Draft for Public Comment
Feedback Requested! Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees

May 2019 State Revenue Review
Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Program Call for Applications - Due August 1
Metropolitan Council to Offer Stormwater Management Grants
MCES Budget Workshops; Proposed Wastewater Rates
Metropolitan Council Discusses Climate Change and Comprehensive Plans
Regional Transit Performance Evaluation and Transit Ridership Report Released
Legislative Water Commission Set to Sunset July 1
Metropolitan Council Considers New Uses of Regional Parks Fund Interest Earnings
Feedback Requested! Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
Don't Forget! Join Metro Cities at the June LMC Annual Conference
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees

2019 Legislative Session Review and Outcomes
Your Feedback is Needed: Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference

May 31, 2019
Legislative Session Recap and Outcomes
Your Feedback is Needed: Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Open House & Budget Workshop
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Metro Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census 

May 24, 2019
Legislature in Special Session
Your Feedback is Needed: Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Conference
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Open House & Budget Workshop
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Metro Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census

May 21, 2019
Legislative Update

May 17, 2019
Legislative Constitutional Adjournment Date Nears Without Budget Agreement
MNLARS and VTRS
Hands-Free Distracted Driving Bill Signed Into Law
Your Feedback is Needed: Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Open House & Budget Workshops
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Metro Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Bills of Note

May 10, 2019
State Budget Negotiations; 10 Days Until Adjournment
Transportation: Action Alert
Transportation Conference Committee
Conference Committee Updates
Your Feedback is Needed: Metro Cities' License & Permit Fee Survey
State Revenues See Uptick in April
Metropolitan Council Makes Advisory Committees Appointments
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Open House & Budget Workshops
Bills of Note

May 3, 2019
Omnibus Bills Processed; Conference Committees and Budget Negotiations Begin
Tax Bills
State Government Bill Includes Local Government Salary Cap Repeal and Elections Provisions
Transportation Bills
Jobs & Workforce Development Bills
Housing Bills
Legacy Funding Bills; Funding for Metro Private Property I/I and Water Sustainability
Emerald Ash Borer
MNLARS Independent Review Recommends Replacing System
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Open House & Budget Workshops
2019 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities Breakfast at the June LMC Annual Conference

April 25, 2019
Metro Cities' Annual Meeting a Success
Legislature Returns from Recess; Processing of Omnibus Appropriations Bills Continues
Omnibus Tax Bills Await Floor Action
Senate Transportation Bill Passes to Senate Floor
Jobs Bills
Housing Bills
Legacy Bills
Elections Bills
TAB Receives Regional Solicitation Before and After Study
DEED Announces Redevelopment and Demolition Awards
Bills of Note

April 18, 2019
It's Not Too Late to Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!

April 12, 2019
Join Us at Metro Cities' Annual Meeting
Legislature to Recess - Take Time to Touch Base with Your Legislators
Omnibus Tax Bills
Omnibus Transportation Bills
Housing Bills
Economic Development and Workforce Development Bills
Private Consultant/City Contract Bill
Elections
Environment
Legacy Finance Bill
Capital Investment
Regional Solicitation Applicant Notice
EVENT: Connected Automated Vehicle Planning Workshop
Metropolitan Council PlanIt News
Bills of Note

April 5, 2019
Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting
Third Committee Deadline Approaching
House Capital Investment Committee Discusses Bonding Proposals
Senate Transportation Hears Part of Governor's Transportation Budget
House Transportation Bill
Senate, House Release Housing Budget Proposals
House and Senate Jobs Bills
Contractor Bill Awaits Floor Action
MinnPost Minnesota Cities Population-Size Bracket Quiz
Bills of Note

March 29, 2019
House and Senate Set Overall Budget Targets
House Property Tax Division Releases its Report
Senate Hears Inflow-Infiltration Bill for Private Property Mitigation
City Contractor Bill
Senate, House Consider State Match for Local Housing Trust Funds
House, Senate Release Housing Policy Bills
Senate Transportation Hears Bills Related to Suburban Transit
Interactive Television Bill Passes to Senate Floor
Paid Family and Medical Leave
EVENT: Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Community Engagement Session
Join Us at the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Bills of Note

March 22, 2019
Local Government Aid Bills
City Contractor RFQ Bill Update
Senate Tax Committee Hears Affordable Housing Tax Bills
Jobs Bills Heard in HOuse
Deputy Registrar Reimbursement Bill Passes Senate
Housing Committee Hears Proposed Changes to Tax Exempt Bonds
Bills to Fund Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Receive Hearings
Small Cities Assistance Bill Heard in Senate Transportation Committee
Governor's Transportation Bill Heard in House Transportation Committee
Metropolitan Council Provides Status Update on Comprehensive Plans
RSVP Today for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Metropolitan Council Census Tracts and Block Groups
Bills of Note

March 15, 2019

City Contractor RFQ Bill Revived in Senate Committee
Separate Metropolitan Council Governance Bills Moving in House and Senate
Bill Repealing Local Government Salary Cap Sent to House Floor
Local Government Aid Bills Heard in House
Bill to Repeal Plastic Bag Ban Preemption Passes to House Floor
Proposed Rule Impact on Residential Construction - Legislative Notice and Review
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Funding Bills Heard in House Committee
Deputy Registrar Reimbursements Bill Passes Senate Committee
Senate Housing Policy Bill Includes Changes to Challenge Program, Bonding Allocations
Labor Preemption Bill Passes Senate Local Government Committee
House Transportation Hearing on Local Speed Limit Bills
Angel Tax Credit Passes House Jobs Committee
RSVP Today for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Metropolitan Council Land Use Advisory Committee Openings
Metropolitan Council PlanIt News
Minnesota Basin Water Storage Forum
Bills of Note

MNLARS Deficiency Funding Signed by Gov. Walz
Bill to Repeal Bag Ordinance Preemption Law Heard in House
Bill That Makes Changes to Interactive Meeting Attendance Passes House
Metropolitan Council Sworn In; Chairs and Committees Named
Bill to Remove Local Government Salary Cap Passes House Subcommittee
Metro Mobility Expansion Bill Heard by Senate Committee
Legislative Auditor Releases Report on MnDOT Measures
Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Funding Available for Cities
Public Comment Period for Metropolitan Council Transportation Plan Amendment
Two MIF Policy Bills Heard
Bill to Establish New Housing Commission Passes
City Contractor RFQ Bill Fails in Senate Hearing
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Bills of Note

LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT - Private Consultant Contracting Bill Scheduled for Senate Hearing
February Budget Forecast Released
Governor Announces Metropolitan Council Appointments
Governor Releases Bonding Recommendations
 * Funding for Metro Area Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation
 * Transportation/Transit
 * Jobs & Economic Development
 * Housing
Legislative Updates
 * Simplification of Local Government Construction Sales Tax Exemption
 * Metropolitan Council Governance
 * Sick/Safe Time, Insurance Bills
 * Residential Building Codes, Housing Affordability Task Force
 * New State Tax Credit, Additional State Funds For Housing
 * Housing Challenge Program Funding
 * Prohibition of State Funds for LRT
Governor's DEED Budget Proposal Discussed in House Jobs
Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities Event
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Bills of Note

Governor's Budget
 * Taxes
 * Transportation
 * Regional Parks
 * Water
 * DEED - Jobs and Economic Development
 * Housing
Jobs Funding Bill for MIF, JCF, Redevelopment Heard in Senate
Bill to Repeal Local Government Salary Cap Receives Informational Hearing
Metropolitan Council Governance Bill Advances in House
MNLARS Funding Bill Advances in House
House Transportation Field Hearings Scheduled
Transportation Bills of Interest
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Metropolitan Council PlanIt News
Bills of Note

Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Submits Finalists
MNLARS Bill Receives Hearing in House Transportation Committee
OLA Special Review on MNLARS Released
Metro Mobility Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee
House Transportation Field Hearings Scheduled
MnDOT Accepting Local Road Improvement Program Applications Through March 1st
Metropolitan Council Concurs with Regional Solicitation Projects
Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation Bills Receive Hearings
State's January Revenues Lower Than Anticipated
Legislature and Governor Set Finance-Related Deadlines
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Elections Bills
Construction Sales Tax Exemption Bills
House, Senate Committees Discuss Residential Development Fees
Met Council Reports on Affordable Housing Trends in the Metro Region
Livable Communities Fund Distribution Plan Approved by Met Council
EVENT: 2019 Economic Development Day at the Capitol
EVENT: Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities
Bills of Note

February 8, 2019
Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Schedule
House, Senate to Discuss City Residential Development Fees
Metropolitan Governance Bills Receive Hearing
Bill to Modify Remote Meeting Law Passes to House Floor
House Committee Discusses Emerald Ash Borer
Distracted Driving Legislation
Secretary of State Announces BWSR Opening
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Bills of Note

Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Schedule
Senate Committee Discusses Emerald Ash Borer
Bills Addressing Metro Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation Introduced
Elections Administration Bill Heard in House
EVENT: Cleanup Webinar - February 6
Bills of Note

January 25, 2019
Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee Meetings
Local Comprehensive Plans Update
House Bonding Committee Hears Process for Local Government Projects
New Metropolitan Council Chair Speaks with Legislative Committees
Apply for Redevelopment Grants, Demolition Loans by February 1
Does Your City Have a Local Housing Trust Fund?
EVENT: 2019 Economic Development Day at the Capitol
EVENT: Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities
Metropolitan Council Advisory Committee Openings
Bills of Note

January 18, 2019
January Update Shows Dip in Anticipated State Revenues
2019 Legislative Session
Federal Government Shutdown
Legislative Transportation Committees Hold Hearings
Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee
TAB Selects Regional Solicitation Projects
Metropolitan Council Holds Public Hearing on Rogers Wastewater Plan Acquisition
Appointments to TAB and Metro Cities Board of Directors
Bills of Note

January 11, 2019
Metropolitan Council Nominating Committee
2019 Legislative Session Begins
 * Transportation
 * Economic Development
 * Housing
 * Inflow-Infiltration Assistance to Cities
 * Metropolitan Council Governance

TAB to Select Regional Solicitation Projects Next Week
Apply for Redevelopment Grants,Demolition Loans by February 1
MnDOT Accepting Local Road Improvement Program Applications
EVENT: Affordable Homeownership Models for Suburban Cities
Clean Water Council Opening
Bills of Note

January 4, 2019
Walz Continues Naming Commissioners
Legislative Committee Chairs, Memberships Announced
DEED Announces Contamination Cleanup Awards
EVENT: 2020 Census Call Date Changed to January 24