In This Issue:
- Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) Implementation Guidelines Updated
- Save The Dates! Regional and Local Planning Foundations Webinar Series
- Metropolitan Council Committee Approves Livable Communities Funding
- Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) Implementation Guidelines Updated
The Metropolitan Council’s Community Development Committee this week discussed a proposed update to the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) Implementation Guidelines Update for 2026. Council staff reviewed responses on the draft MUSA update from the Environmental Committee, Land Use Advisory Committee, Community Development Committee, a city focus group, and the Regional Planning Advisory Group. These groups reviewed and provided feedback to Council staff on potential impacts and suggested changes for the update.
Key changes include: new exclusions provided to density calculations including publicly owned and properly maintained stormwater ponds, as well as arterial or collector right of way, aligning the review process more closely with the city approval process, outlining the demonstrated need for expanding the MUSA, and the creation of a Land Use Inefficiency Surcharge, among other changes.
Find the 2026 MUSA Implementation Guidelines starting on page 8 of this document HERE. The guidelines will be considered by the Metropolitan Council on February 11th.
Please contact Ania McDonnell at [email protected] with any questions.
Save The Dates! Regional and Local Planning Foundations Webinar Series
Metro Cities will host a three-part webinar series for cities, with Metropolitan Council staff, to give an overview of local comprehensive planning and its context within a regional planning framework. The series will cover the Metropolitan Council’s role in regional planning and infrastructure, intersections of regional planning with local visioning and land use planning, and resources available to communities in preparing comprehensive plans. This three-part series is open to all city elected officials and staff and will cover a range of topics and information. Please plan to join us!
- Foundations of Regional Planning: March 12, 12:00-1:00 pm
- Comprehensive Planning in A Regional Context: April 9, 12:00-1:00 pm
-Technical Assistance for Comprehensive Planning: May 7, 12:00-1:00 pm
To register, email Jennifer Dorn at [email protected]. Meeting access and other information will be sent in advance of the series. Questions? Contact Patricia Nauman at 651-215-4002 or [email protected].
Metropolitan Council Committee Approves Livable Communities Funding
On Monday, the Metropolitan Council’s Community Development Committee (CDC) approved 2026 funding for the Livable Communities (LCA) program. The program includes two rounds of funding in 2026, with a single application entry point for all funding categories. The recommended funding is $27.5 million. The funding amounts for each program include: $200,000 for Policy Development, $400,000 for Small Area Planning, $500,000 for Early Stage Development: Environmental Site Investigation, $1.5 million for Early Stage Development: Pre-Development, $5.5 million for Construction Stage Development: Environmental Cleanup, $3.5 million for Construction Stage Development: Homeownership, $12.4 million for Construction Stage Development: Rental, Mixed-Use, and Commercial, and $3.5 million for the Minnesota Housing Consolidated RFP.
The recommendations will be forwarded to the full Council for approval. View the presentation HERE. Contact Ania McDonnell at [email protected] with any questions.
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
The Metro Cities Board of Directors will have openings for terms beginning July 1. The 19-member Board is comprised of elected and appointed officials and must be balanced by city size and population. The Board oversees Metro Cities’ operational budget, strategic goals, and legislative policies. The Board also appoints municipal officials to the regional Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). A nominating committee will meet in March to recommend officers and members for election at the April annual meeting. Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter and completed application. For more information contact Patricia Nauman at [email protected]. The deadline for applications is March 6, 2026.