In This Issue:
State of The Region
The Metropolitan Council will host its annual State of the Region on Thursday, January 29 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Ames Center in Burnsville. The event will include remarks from new Metropolitan Council Chair Robin Hutcheson and panel discussions on a range of topics.
RSVP at Attend State of the Region 2026 - Metropolitan Council.
Governor Walz Releases Capital Investment Recommendations
Governor Walz has unveiled his capital investment recommendations ahead of the 2026 legislative session. The proposal totals $907 million in investment and includes funding on several programs of note for metropolitan area cities. In addition to appropriations for various state agencies and their associated programs, the Governor’s recommendation includes $35 million in general obligation bonds for unspecified local government projects.
Items of note include:
- $2.5 million for the Transportation Economic Development Public Infrastructure (TEDI) Grant Program.
- $50 million for Housing Infrastructure Bonds.
- $1 million for improvements to the metropolitan regional parks and trails system.
- $5 million for the Inflow and Infiltration grant program.
- $2.15 million for statewide drinking water system improvements.
- $7 million for Lead Service Line replacement.
- $15 million for the Emerging Contaminants grant program.
- $50 million for high-priority pavement projects.
- $5 million for Local Government Roads Wetland Replacement.
The proposal also includes $41 million for security upgrades at the Capitol. An advisory committee on Capitol security has been discussing security and safety improvements throughout the interim.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.