In This Issue:
- Shared Mobility Program Update
- 2025 Water Resources Policy Plan Update
- Join a 2022 LCDA & TOD Development Grant Panel Discussion - July 7
- HomeHelpMN Application Deadline Extended to August 17
- DEED Awards $4 Million in Contamination Cleanup Grants
- 2022 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Shared Mobility Program Update
Metro Transit’s Shared Mobility Program Manager Meredith Klekotka provided a program update for council members at Monday’s Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee meeting. The presentation outlined the seven goals identified in the 2019 Shared Mobility Strategy report. Some of these include the implementation of a microtransit pilot, investment in mobility hubs, and educational efforts. The Shared Mobility Program has funded their efforts using a mix of sources including Metro Transit’s discretionary budget, competitive grants, and federal transportation dollars.
As part of the presentation, Klekotka described an upcoming microtransit pilot coming to North Minneapolis this Fall. The pilot will use an app to provide riders with trips to their destination on smaller, multi-passenger vehicles. Fares will be the same as bus fare on any other Metro Transit bus with normal transfer rules applying. Metro Transit’s marketing campaign for the microtransit pilot will kick off two weeks before service begins.
The remainder of the presentation was dedicated to mobility hubs. Specifically, Klekotka introduced committee members to the Mobility Hub Planning and Implementation Guidebook. The guidebook identifies existing mobility hubs throughout the region and provides resources, strategies, and other tips for interested public agencies or community organizations. City officials curious about mobility hubs should contact Meredith Klekotka at [email protected]. Click HERE to view the entire presentation from Monday’s meeting.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.
2025 Water Resources Policy Plan Update
Metropolitan Council staff provided an update on the ongoing Regional Water Planning efforts being undertaken by the Council in conjunction with regional stakeholders serving on the Water Resources Policy Plan Advisory Group. Several cities are participating on this advisory group, which has met three times since Fall 2021. Based on initial feedback and in reaction to emerging issues, council staff are conducting research and developing white papers to share with stakeholders and Council Members. A heavy emphasis has been placed on capturing local perspectives in the development of the draft 2050 Water Resources Policy Plan and Metro Cities encourages cities to share their thoughts as that work continues. The draft plan is due to be completed in 2023 and adopted in 2024. Click HERE to view the entire presentation from Tuesday’s Environment Committee meeting. The presentation slides include more details on the issues addressed in the white papers as well as the timeline for their completion.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.
Join a 2022 LCDA & TOD Development Grant Panel Discussion – July 7
A Metropolitan Council-hosted panel discussion will feature past LCDA and TOD grant applicants and awardees to discuss their experience participating in the programs. This will include suggested strategies and lessons learned in previous funding rounds.
July 7th, 2022
10:00-11:00 AM
Registration information available here.
HomeHelpMN Application Deadline Extended to August 17
The HomeHelpMN application deadline has been extended until August 17 at 5:00 pm to allow more households the opportunity to submit an application. Minnesota Housing announced the decision for Minnesotans who have fallen behind on their mortgage or other housing-related expenses due to the pandemic. More information and the funding application can be found at https://homehelpmn.org/.
DEED Awards $4 Million in Contamination Cleanup Grants
Four metropolitan region cities will receive state funds to help clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. DEED’s Contamination Cleanup Grants cover up to 75% of the costs of removing contamination at approved polluted sites. The remaining costs are covered by cities and counties, other units of local government, and private landowners and developers.
Funds for redevelopment projects in Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, and Saint Paul were awarded this round. Metro Cities supports state funding for the contamination cleanup program as well as the Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Program, which helps cities with other redevelopment-related costs. The application deadline for the current round of that program is August 1. More information on the awards can be found here.
2022 Metro Cities Policy Committees
Metro Cities is preparing for the association’s approaching policy committee process. Committees will hold first meetings in mid-July. Your participation is encouraged! Committees will recommend the association’s legislative policies for 2023.
Participation is open to member city elected officials and staff, and committee descriptions and dates are on the website. Please be sure to sign up for the committee(s) you wish to attend. This will help us keep rosters accurate. We look forward to seeing you this summer! Stay tuned for additional information and updates.