Archived News

2020

December 22, 2020 
Metro Cities' Legislative Session Preview - Please Join Us! 
Blue Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Council Releases Findings 
Metropolitan Council Committee Recommends Tax Base Revitalization Awards 

December 18, 2020 
Governor Walz Modifies and Extends Commercial Activities Pause 
Employer and Employee Assistance Package Signed Into Law 
Minnesota Housing Announces 2020 Housing Funding Awards 
TAB Approves Regional Solicitation 
Metro Transit's Network Next Seeks Public Input 
Mark Your Calendar! Legislative Session Preview y
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings 

December 11, 2020 
Save the Date! Metro Cities Legislative Session Preview
House, Senate Review COVID-Relief Proposals in Advance of December Special Session 
Metropolitan Council Passes 2021 Budget 
Public Comment Period for TMA Certification Open 
Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application Now Open 
MnDOT Releases HUTDF/MSA Fund Update 
2021 Virtual Brownfield Basics Course 

December 04, 2020 
November Budget Forecast Shows Surplus
City 2021-2030 Housing Goals for Livable Communities Proposed - Public Hearing Set 
House and Senate Name 2021-22 Committee Chairs 
COVID-19 Housing Assistance Fund Applications Due MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 
Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Funding Now Available - Applications Due February 1 
TAC Sends Regional Solicitation Recommendations to TAB, Names New Chair 
Shared Mobility Collaborative Convening Invitation 
MPCA Recycling Market Development Projects Grants Announced 
Metro Cities Accepting Applications for TAB/TAC Openings  

November 20, 2020 
Metro Cities 2021 Legislative Policies Adopted by Membership 
New Executive Order Further Restricts Gatherings 
TAB Considers Regional Solicitation Funding Scenarios 
TPP Adopted by the Met Council 
TAB/TAC Solicitation 
Metropolitan Council Amends 2020 Distribution Plan for Low-Income Housing 
Housing Assistance Funds Remain Available, Deadline Expected Soon 
MHFA Funding Announcements Expected in December 

November 13, 2020 
Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee Holds Fourth Meeting 
November 19 Policy Adoption Meeting is Next Week! 
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Adopts Update to the TPP 
Governor's Powers Remain After November 12 Special Session 
Executive Order Tightens Social Settings 
Governor Rescinds Local Government Reporting Requirements Suspension 
Share Your City's Housing Stories and Successes 

November 6, 2020 
Reminder: CRF Spending Reports Due November 10 
RSVP for November 19 Policy Adoption Meeting! 
Elections Shift Several Legislative Seats - Split Majorities Maintained 
Metropolitan Council Approves Livable Communities Demonstration Account (LCDA) Awards 
TAC Discusses Regional Solicitation Funding Scenarios 
Governor Walz Appoints Department of Revenue Commissioner 

October 30, 2020 
Metro Cities Provides Testimony to Blue Ribbon Committee on the Metropolitan Council 
November 19th Policy Adoption Meeting: Mark Your Calendar! 
Metropolitan Council Releases 2021 Draft Budget for Public Comment 
MnDOT Releases Municipal State Aid (MSA) Needs Report 
Metropolitan Council Plans Purchase of Council-Owned Housing Unit 

October 23, 2020 
Metro Cities 2021 Draft Legislative Policies 
House Committee Reviews Economic Costs of Racism 
Senate Committees Review 2020 Riots Report 

October 16, 2020 
Metro Draft 2021 Legislative Policies 
Legislature Passes Capital Investment Bill 
Governor's Blue-Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Council Structure Holds Its Third Meeting 
Metropolitan Council Receives Legislative Water Report and Clean Water Council Funding Update 

October 09, 2020 
CRF Report Reminder 
Special Session Scheduled for October 12 
Metro Cities Board of Directors Approves 2021 Legislative Policies 
Livable Communities Program Reviewed; Four Metro Projects Recommended to Receive LCDA-TOD Awards 
State Increases Restaurant Table Size to 10 Diners 
Housing Assistance Funds Remain Available 
TAC Begins Regional Solicitation Scoring Discussion 

October 02, 2020 
Governor's Blue-Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Governance 
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Update 
2021 Legislative Policies Update 

September 25, 2020 
Updated Federal FAQ - Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF)
2020 Policy Committees 
Metropolitan Water Supply and Water Programs Updates 
Metropolitan Council, Metro HRA Apply for Mobility Demonstration Program Funds
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Plat Monitoring Report -- Shows Increased Density 

September 18, 2020 
Third Round of Policy Committees Next Week 
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Approves TIP 
TAB Approves ABRT Delay, Receives Regional Solicitation Update 

September 11, 2020 
Fourth Special Session of 2020 Begins Friday
Updates: CRF Requirements and Guidance 
State August Revenues Tick Upward 
Metropolitan Council Committee Approves 2021 Public Housing Plan  

September 4, 2020
MnDOT Releases New Trunk Highway Bridge Guidance 
TAC Recommends ABRT Project Selection Moved to April 

August 28, 2020
New CRF Reporting Requirements for Local Governments 
New COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program 
Metropolitan Council Passes Preliminary Budget and Levy 
Additional $300 Weekly Lost Wage Assistance for Unemployed Minnesotans 
Governor Establishes Committee to Study Metropolitan Council 

August 21, 2020
Metropolitan Council Community Development Committee Discusses 2021 Budget 
MN Brownfields Accepting Applications for Brownfield Redevelopment Awards 
TAB Approves TIP, Hears Updates on ABRT and Regional Solicitation 

August 14, 2020
August Policy Committees Meet Next Week 
State Revenues See Uptick in July 
One-Day Special Session 
Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government Discusses Housing and Equity 
Metropolitan Council Adopts Regional Economic Framework 
DEED Broadband Grant Application Process Open - First Step Due August 19

August 7, 2020
REMINDER: First Local Government Coronavirus Fund Spending Reports Due August 11 
Metro Cities August Legislative Policy Committees 
Special Session and Capital Investment Bill 

July 31, 2020
State Revenue Collections and Budget Update 
Federal CARES Act Funds and Reporting for Local Governments 
Governor Announces School Re-Opening Plan 
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Population Data 
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals for Re-Enrollment 
Metropolitan Council Adopts Wastewater Rates and Charges 

July 24, 2020
Federal CARES Act Funds Reporting Requirements for Local Governments 
Governor Walz Issues Executive Order on Face Masks
Law Enforcement Reform Measures Pass Legislature 
Legislature Adjourns Sine Die 
Community Development Committee Discusses 2021 Budget 
Call for Border to Border Broadband Grant Applications 
DEED Names Businesses That Received Small Business Emergency Loans 
Small Business Relief Grant Program Update 

July 17, 2020
Funding Announced for Housing Assistance: Applications Due July 22 
Updated Eviction, Foreclosure Executive Orders 
House Committee Considers Flexibility for Jobs and Economic Development Programs 
Draft Regional Economic Framework Released - Comments Sought 
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Approves CARES Act Funding 
Metropolitan Council Environment Committee Adopts Wastewater Rates 
Senate Joint Committee on Civil Unrest 
Ways and Means Committee Meets to Discuss Bonding, Public Safety and other Spending Bills 

July 10, 2020
Metro Cities' Policy Committees Begin Week of July 20 
Federal CARES Act Funding for Local Governments: Update
Public Meeting for Draft TIP Comments Monday 
Senate Committees Hold Hearings on Civil Unrest 
House Committee Hears from Health Experts on COVID-19
Mortgage-Relief Options Available to Homeowners Facing Hardship Due to COVID-19
Participate in MHFA's QAP Public Hearing Next Tuesday 
Contamination Cleanup Awards Announced 

July 2, 2020
Metro Cities Board of Director Updates 
LMC Hosts CARES Act Webinar
MnDOT Accepting Highway Freight Program Applications 
Senate Committees Hold Joint Hearing on Recent Unrest 
House Public Safety Committee Police Accountability Hearing 
Regional Economic Framework Priorities and Timeline Released 
Metro Cities' Policy Committees 
State COVID-19 Testing Capacity Goal Met 

June 26, 2020
$841.4 Million in Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to be Distributed to Local Governments 
Metropolitan Council Releases Draft TPP for Public Comment 
MCES Wastewater Update 
Senate Announces Plans for Oversight Committee 
Small Business Assistance Grant Applications Now Open Through July 2
Federal CARES Act Funding Webinars Posted
Metro Cities' Policy Committees 

June 24, 2020
Special Session Ends Without Agreement on Key Items
COVID-19 Re-Opening Plans for Cities 
Municipal Permit Fee and Expense Report Due June 30
REMINDER: Information Session: Federal CARES Act EDA Funding Opportunity 
Metro Cities' Policy Committees 

June 19, 2020
Special Session Update 
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Government Distribution 
House Passes Public Safety Reform Bill 
TAB Approves Draft TIP for Public Comment 
MHFA QAP Public Comment Period Open 
Metropolitan Council Discusses Joining Climate Tracking Group 
Safety Plan Template for Re-opening Critical Sector Businesses 
Small Business Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting Applications on June 23 
EVENT: City Information Session and Federal CARES Act Funding Opportunity - June 25  

June 17, 2020
Special Session Update
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Governments 
Public Safety Reform Bills 
Bonding Bill Heard in the Senate Capital Investment Committee 
House Environment, Ways and Means Committees Pass Environment Omnibus Bill 
Small Business Assistance Grants Signed into Law 
Evictions Moratorium Update 
House Bills would Create Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Corporation 
Municipal Permit Fee and Expense Report Due June 30 
Metro Cities' Policy Committees 

June 12, 2020
Governor calls Legislature into Special Session
Cities Must Adopt COVID-19 Preparedness Plans: Reminder and Update
Federal CARES Act Funds for Local Governments
State Revenues Update
2020 Legislative Session Recap 
Federal CARES Act Funds for Local Governments
Housing Policy and Local Authority Preemption 
COVID-19 Funding and Resources 
Housing Assistance 
4d Low Income Property Tax Program - Expansion and Study 
Street Impact Fee Authorization 
Capital Investment Bills 
City Related Bills Signed into Law 
COVID-19 Resources for Cities 
Metro Cities COVID-19 Survey Responses 
Metropolitan Council Committee Approves Grants to Suburban Transit Providers 

June 05, 2020 
Governor Announces Phase III of Stay Safe MN
COVID-19 Resources for City Officials 
Special Legislative Session in June Appears Likely 
Metropolitan Council Updating Housing Performance Score Methodology - FEEDBACK REQUESTED 
MCES Budget Workshop and Proposed Wastewater Rates 
TAC Recommends Release of Draft TIP for Public Comment 
DEED's COVID-19 Efforts Reviewed 
Sensitivity Analysis of Twin Cities Highway Mobility Presented to TAC 

May 29, 2020 
Governor Walz Activates National Guard 
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings 
Metro Cities COVID-19 Survey Responses 
Metropolitan Council Establishes Internal Housing Work Group 
Minneapolis Federal Reserve Hosts COVID-19 Webinar
2020 Metro Cities Policy Committees 

May 21, 2020 
Governor Moves State Into "Phase II" of Stay Safe Plan
2020 Legislative Session Concludes 
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Governments 
Housing Proposals and Local Authority 
Capital Investment Bills: No Agreement Prior to Adjournment 
Governor Signs Bills into Law
TAB Approves Release of TPP Draft for Public Comment, Receives Regional Solicitation Update 
MCES Budget Workshop and Proposed Wastewater Rates 
2020 Metro Cities Policy Committees 

May 15, 2020 
2020 Legislative Session Adjournment Monday
Bills Propose Share of Federal Funds to Local Governments: Update
New Proposal Preempts City Roles in Housing and Planning 
House Passes City Charter Commission Changes Legislation 
Metropolitan Council Hears COVID-19 Update 
Senate Committee Advances Housing Assistance Bill 
Tobacco 21 Legislation Passes House and Senate 
Senate Passes Electronic Documents Bill 
Met Council Begins MCES Rate Work, Announces Budget Webinars 
Governor Walz to Allow Stay at Home Order to Expire on May 18 
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
U.S. House Democrats Unveil $3 Trillion "HEROES Act" 

May 13, 2020  
Proposals Distribute Federal Funding for Local Governments 
House Passes Electronic Documents Bill
House Passes Data Privacy Omnibus Bill
House Environment Supplemental Bill Passes to House Floor, Includes EAB Funding
Metropolitan Council Begins MCES Rate Work, Announces Budget Webinars 
House Capital Investment Bill Passes Ways and Means Committee 
Senate Passes Business Reopening Plan 
Senate Passes Small Business Grant Program 
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
DEED Awards Redevelopment Grants
Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals Intent to Apply Deadline 
Bills of Note

May 06, 2020 
Interim State Budget Projection Shows $2.426 Billion Shortfall 
House Property Tax Division Report Contains City-Related Provisions 
House Committee Discusses Budget, COVID-19 Response and Un-allotment
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Senate Passes Data Privacy Omnibus Bill
House Committees Pass Bills with Emerald Ash Borer Funding
House Committee Passes Bill on Water Quality Standards 
House Government Operations Passes Electronic Documents Bill
Senate Finance Committee Passes Transportation Bill
Senate Passes Broadband Funding Bill 
Livable Communities (LCA) Affordable Housing Goals Methodology Proposed 
Metro HRA Considers Application Changes for Project Based Vouchers 
Bills of Note 
TAC Recommends Draft TPP be Released for Public Comment 

May 01, 2020 
Metro Cities Hosts Virtual Annual Meeting
Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 18
House Division Hears Bill to Allow Flexibility for TIF and Local Revenues 
House Committee Hears PERA Aid Extension Bill 
House and Senate Committees Pass Transportation Policy Bills
Senate Capital Investment Committee Hears Transportation Proposals 
Senate Environment Finance Committee Passes Appropriations and Policy Bill 
Emerald Ash Borer Grant Recipients Announced 
Transit Ambassador Bill Passes House Committee 
Housing Assistance, Jobs, Broadband Bill Passes to House Floor 
Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Webinar - Monday, May 4
Bills of Note 

April 29, 2020 
Housing Assistance Bill Passes Senate Committee 
4d Expansion Bill Passes Senate Taxes Committee 
Senate Committee Passes Bills Relating to City Commissions and Documents 
House Ways and Means Passes Tobacco 21 
Elections Bills Heard in the House 
Bill Establishing a COVID-19 Relief Account Passes Senate 
Bills of Note
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings 
Metro Cities COVID-19 Page 

April 24, 2020 
Metro Cities Annual Meeting is Next Week: Mark Your Calendar! 
Senate Taxes Committee Hears Bill that Includes 4d, TIF Modifications 
Federal Guidance for Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund
Pandemic Unemployment Payments 
Housing Assistance Bill Heard in Senate Committee 
Small Business Assistance Funds Approved by Jobs Committees
Contamination Cleanup Applications Due May 1
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings 
House Committee Passes Elections Bill 
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals Survey 
Metropolitan Traffic Update
Regional Advisory Committees Jointly Discuss Metropolitan Water Supply 
Assistance for Minnesotans Applying for Stimulus Payment 
House Environment Finance Hears DNR Policy Bill, Includes MRCCA Regulation 

April 22, 2020 
Metro Cities Annual Meeting: Mark Your Calendar
Bill Establishing a COVID-19 Relief Account Heard in Senate Finance Committee 
Senate Jobs Committee Discusses Business Reopening Process 
Housing Assistance Bills Heard in House and Senate 
MPCA Suspends Rulemaking Schedule for Water Quality Fees 
House Environment Finance Committee Passes Trust Fund Bill
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings 

April 17, 2020 
Federal Funds Received by State
Legislation Allows Restaurants to Sell Beer and Wine To-Go 
Senate Tax Committee Discusses COVID-19 Relief Tax Proposal 
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings 
House and Senate Jobs Committees Discuss Unemployment, Workforce Needs 
Housing Assistance Proposals 
TAB Approves Changes to Regional Solicitation in Response to COVID-19 

April 15, 2020 
Metro Cities Annual Meeting: Mark Your Calendar
Legislature Passes Fourth COVID Response Bill 
MnDOT Estimates COVID-19 Fiscal Impacts 
House Ways & Means Committee Discusses State Budget Outlook
Senate COVID-19 Working Group
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Metropolitan Council Environment Committee Approves Emergency Declaration 

April 10, 2020  
Virtual Annual Meeting for Metro Cities Board Elections: Mark Your Calendar
State COVID Briefings 
House and Senate will Hold Floor Sessions Tuesday 
Open Meeting Law Bill Passes House Committee 
House Subcommittee on Elections Discusses Elections Bill  
Metropolitan Council Addresses Current Operations 
DEED Solicits Employer Feedback on Workplace Social Distancing 

April 08, 2020 
Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 4
Legislature Passes First Responders Workers Compensation Legislation 
Senate Working Group Discusses State Budget and Economic Trends
Unemployment Insurance Benefit Updates
MPCA Update and Regulatory Flexibility Portal 
Transportation Issues Discussed in House and Senate 

April 03, 2020 
Federal Stimulus Bill 
Governor's COVID-19 Updates 
Senate COVID-19 Working Group Convenes Remote Hearings 
MnDOT Releases 2020 Road Construction Project List
Sanitizer Resources Available 
TAC Discusses Further Regional Solicitation Changes Related to COVID-19 
Minnesota Housing Announces Funding Availability, Technical Assistance, Extended Deadlines 

April 01, 2020 
Executive Order Extends Licensure Recertification Deadlines for Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Private Detectives 
DPS Issues Executive Order Enforcement Guidance
MPCA Stormwater Regulations 
Minnesota Housing, Met Council Funding Application Timelines Feedback Sought
DEED Posts COVID Guide for Small Businesses 
Metro Cities COVID-19 Resources for City Officials 
Call for State Funding for Public Safety and Health Employees Infected with COVID-19

March 27, 2020 
Stay at Home Order Guidance Issued
Legislature Passes COVID-19 Funding Bill
League of MN Cities and National League of Cities Offer Webinars
City Responsibilities for Building Inspections and 60-Day Rule Remain - FEEDBACK REQUESTED
Federal Stimulus Bill 
Census 2020 Outreach Updates - Stay at Home Outreach Strategies 

March 19, 2020
CANCELLED-Metro Cities 2020 Annual Meeting
COVID-19/Housing Stability Legislation
TAB Approves Extension of Regional Solicitation Deadline
Competitive Grant Opportunity for Public Water Systems 
4d Expansion Study Bill Introduced  

March 13, 2020
Governor Walz Calls State of Emergency on COVID-19 Virus
Governor's Supplemental Budget Released
Local Option Sales Tax Bills Update
Housing/Buildings Bills
High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Bill
Transit Ambassador Bills
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes House Tax Committee
House Environment Budget Hears Climate Grants Bill
Metro Cities' Annual Meeting
Metropolitan Council Equity Advisory Committee Sets 2020 Agenda
Metropolitan Council Revising Housing Performance Score Form, Scoring Criteria 
Bills of Note

March 6, 2020
Save the Date for Metro Cities' Annual Meeting!
Legislative Update
Housing/Building Bills
Senate Finance Committee Passes Funding to Address Coronavirus(COVID-19) 
Senate Bill on Primary Election Data
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee 
Metropolitan Council Accepting Regional Solicitation Applications
Water Quality Fee Increase Comment Deadline Approaching
Bills of Note

February 28, 2020
Bills Affecting City Roles in Housing Introduced
February Budget Forecast Released
Legislative Housing Commission Holds First Meeting
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes House Transportation Committee
Flushable Wipes Bill Passes House Environment Policy Committee
Broadband Funding Bills Heard
Save the Date for the Metro Cities' Annual Meeting!
Metropolitan Council Accepting Regional Solicitation Applications
Presidential Primary Data Bill Passes House
Metropolitan Council Passes Livable Communities Fund Distribution Plan
Metro Cities Hosts Workshop with Minnesota Housing
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Bills of Note

February 21, 2020
Second Week of Session Concludes; Budget Forecast Next Week
Local Option Sales Tax Bills Receive Consideration in House
Street Improvement Districts Bill Passes House Subcommittee
City Employee Salary Cap Expansion Bill Passes Senate Committee
House Housing Committee Hears $500 Million Bonding Bill, Tax Credit Bill
Presidential Primary Bill Heard in Ways and Means
Transit Ambassador Bill Passes House Transportation Committee
Metropolitan Council Meeting Posting and Recording Requirement Bill Debated
Flushable Wipes Bill Passes House Commerce Committee
House Taxes Committee Discussion Local Performance Measurement Program
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Bills of Note

February 14, 2020
EVENT: Join Us Next Friday! Workshop with MN Housing
2020 Legislative Session Begins
House Transportation Committee Hears Transit Bill and Safety Update
House Subcommittee on Elections Hears Presidential Primary Data Privacy Bill
House Energy and Climate Division Hears Climate Overview
House Capital Investment Division Meetings
House Hears High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Bill
House Committee Passes Bill to Extend Pay/Workforce Protections to Bond-Funded Projects
State Revenues Dip in January
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
WEBINAR: Local Brownfield Funding Resources
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Bills of Note

February 11, 2020 - Legislative Preview
Legislative Preview
Session Priorities for Legislature and Governor
Legislative Deadlines and Timelines
Metro Cities' 2020 Session Priorities
Newsletter and Bills of Note
Legislative Information
Metro Cities Staff Contacts

February 7, 2020
Legislative Session Begins on Tuesday
Senate Committee on Home Ownership Affordability and Availability
EVENT: Join Us! Metro Cities Workshop with MN Housing
MPCA Seeking Public Comment on Water Quality Fee Increases
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!

January 31, 2020
EVENT: Join Us! Metro Cities and MN Housing Workshop for City Officials and Staff
Governor Walz Appoints City Officials to Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee (MAWSAC)
MPCA Seeking Public Comment on Water Quality Fee Increases
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
DEED Brownfields Updates - Call for Presentations and Funding Resources Webinar

January 24, 2020
Legislative Timelines
State Revenue Update
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops

January 17, 2020
Governor Releases Transportation Bonding Recommendations
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops

January 10, 2020
Governor Walz Proposes $276 Million for Housing in 2020
Governor Walz Releases Water Infrastructure Proposal
Metropolitan Council Reviews Status of Comp Plan Updates and Trends
Housing Goals for Livable Communities Program
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops
Metro Cities Internship