In This Issue:
- Public Comment Portal Meeting for Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050
- Livable Communities Programs Review Update
- LCA Affordable Homeownership Program Application is Open
- Low Carbon Transportation Materials NOFO
- Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Opening
Public Comment Portal Meeting for Metropolitan Council’s Imagine 2050
The Metropolitan Council will host a virtual meeting on Monday, September 16th, from 12:00 noon — 1:00 pm to demonstrate its public comment portal and to highlight key policies that will be part of the upcoming regional development guide, Imagine 2050. Highlighted topics will include housing, transportation, water policy, and parks and trails. The public comment period is open until October 7th. To register to join the meeting, click HERE.
Questions? Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or [email protected].
Livable Communities Programs Review Update
On Monday, the Metropolitan Council’s Community Development Committee (CDC) received an update on the review of the Livable Communities Act (LCA) programs that is occurring following discussions and concerns regarding the programs by Council members earlier this year. External consultants are guiding the work to assess the programs and receive feedback. Metro Cities hosted two meetings with city officials this summer to solicit input and local experiences with the programs.
On Monday, the committee reviewed historical and current city participation rates, scoring criteria and perspectives on priorities. Consultants discussed participation and feedback, and differences on program goals. View the presentation and discussion HERE. Metro Cities will continue to monitor this process and provide updates.
Additionally, during the meeting, the CDC recommended funding for round two of the Livable Communities Act Policy Development Grants for 2024 and recommended an award to the city of Hugo for a residential zoning update for $50,000. This award will go toward revising the city’s current mixed-use zoning to allow for more density and multi-family development, and to reduce barriers to multi-family development in the development process. You can view a presentation on the funding recommendations HERE.
The committee also approved the second round of the 2024 Livable Communities Act Pre-Development Grants. The communities recommended for funding include Minneapolis, St Louis Park EDA, Richfield, Saint Paul, and Blaine for a total of $1,050,000. Seven out of nine projects were recommended for funding. This fund is using the $50,000 fund balance remaining from the policy development program. These projects are scheduled for final approval by the Council on September 11th. There was discussion about the balance between new construction and preservation from applicants. View the presentation and discussion HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact Ania McDonnell at [email protected].
LCA Affordable Homeownership Program Application is Open
The Livable Communities Act (LCA) Affordable Homeownership Program application opened on Tuesday, September 3rd and will close on October 1st. This program supports affordable homeownership development, including acquisition and rehabilitation. For more information on the program and to apply, click HERE. Award decisions will be made in December.
If you have any questions, please contact Ania McDonnell at [email protected].
Low Carbon Transportation Materials NOFO
On August 27th, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) opened applications for $800 million in funding under the Low Carbon Transportation Materials (LCTM) Program. This program supports the use of low-carbon materials in transportation projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Applications are due by November 25th; local governments are eligible to apply. Click HERE to view the notice of funding opportunity for this program. There is no match requirement for this program.
FHWA will be hosting an informational webinar on the LCTM program on September 25th at 2:00 PM (ET). Click HERE to register. The webinar will provide general information on the program, including the application process and program requirements.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Opening
Metro Cities is seeking interested applicants for a municipal opening on the Metropolitan Council’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that advises the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). Appointees must be department head level staff with an engineering, planning or public works background. Metro Cities’ guidelines place priority on making the TAC balanced with respect to city size and geography. The Board also gives preference to those who agree to serve on Metro Cities’ Transportation Policy Committee.
The deadline to apply is Friday, September 27, 2024. Interested candidates for the TAC should submit a letter of interest and resume to Jennifer Dorn at [email protected].
Please contact Mike Lund, at [email protected] or Patricia Nauman at [email protected] with any questions.