In This Issue:
- Cannabis Webinar for Local Governments: Recording Available
- Metropolitan Council Releases Draft 2050 Plans for Public Comment
- Metropolitan Council Receives Federal Housing Funding
Cannabis Webinar for Local Governments: Recording Available
Last Friday, the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) hosted a webinar, “Implementing Chapter 342: Guidance for Local Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis”
Some of the topics covered by the OCM include:
- General implementation update and 2024 legislative session changes
- Role of local governments in application and licensing framework
- Role of local governments in compliance and enforcement
- Discussion with local representatives on examples of ongoing planning work
Click HERE to view a recording of the webinar and HERE for the OCM’s webpage for local governments.
Reminder: The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has posted their first draft of proposed rules for the cannabis industry. The office is encouraging feedback on this draft through August 30. This draft is based on input received through surveys, meetings, and other engagement efforts. This is not the official public comment period for the rules. That will take place later this year. A section of note for cities is 9810.5000 – Local Control. Click HERE to view the draft rules and HERE to submit comments by the end of August.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.
Metropolitan Council Releases Draft 2050 Plans for Public Comment
On Wednesday, the Metropolitan Council voted to release the regional development guide, titled Imagine 2050, and associated policy plans, for public comment. The public comment period will run from August 15 to October 7. A public hearing will be held at 5:00PM on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.
The motion authorized the release of the draft versions of:
- 2050 Regional Vision, Values & Goals
- 2050 Land Use Policy
- 2050 Regional Parks and Trails Policy Plan
- 2050 Housing Policy Plan
- 2050 Water Policy Plan
- 2050 Transportation Policy Plan
Metro Cities staff is currently reviewing the draft plans. Click HERE to view the Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050 webpage.
Metropolitan Council Receives Federal Housing Funding
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the Metropolitan Council $4 million for a Pathways to Removing Obstacles (PRO) Housing competitive grant funding program. This program is intended to support communities to improve and implement housing strategies, provide for gaps in available resources, support deteriorating or inadequate infrastructure, and support the preservation of existing housing. The Metropolitan Council is one of 21 awards announced in this first round of funding. You can learn more about the PRO Housing program HERE, and more about the Metropolitan Council’s award HERE. The Council plans to use the funds to boost capacity to address planning and policy needs for local governments, as well as to provide technical assistance and support for localities updating local regulations, policies, and processes.
Metro Cities will provide further updates as the program is developed.
Please contact Ania McDonnell at [email protected] with any questions.