The Equity Advisory Committee will advise the Council on advancing equity in the region, and specifically how the Council implements the equity commitments in Thrive MSP 2040, the region’s long-range development plan. Members of this committee will influence Council decisions related to regional policies on transportation and transit, local planning, housing, environmental issues and more. Applications will be accepted at least through Jan. 4, 2016. Learn more about the committee and how to apply.

Over the past 30 years, the Council has monitored and assessed the water quality of 21 streams in the metro area, in cooperation with conservation districts, local watershed management organizations, cities, and counties. A recent Council report shows that the water quality in those streams continues to improve. This is attributed to the cumulative, collective result of a whole range of policies, activities and investments to ensure the health of area waterways. But more improvements are needed. Read about the recently published stream assessments.

Earlier this month, the METRO Blue Line Extension took a major step forward as the Corridor Management Committee recommended approval of a more precise scope and cost estimate for the 13-mile LRT line. The updated scope, which project staff presented in October, takes into account needed infrastructure adjustments that address safety concerns and potential traffic and floodplain impacts. The Metropolitan Council will consider this recommendation when it votes on the updated scope and cost estimate on Dec. 9.

The City of St. Anthony Village is a first-ring suburb of Minneapolis with a population of 8,300. During a time when most communities have been financially strained, needing to do more with less, St. Anthony Village has been creative about building positive collaborative relationships with numerous communities and organizations to maintain and expand City services. Through its shared services and partnerships, the City has added new sources of revenue, increased efficiency and effectiveness of services, and built positive relationships. Learn how creative partnerships can benefit local governments.

Construction contractors from around the country gathered in Minnetonka on Oct. 21 to learn about the planned Southwest Light Rail Transit line, the largest public works project in the state’s history, and network with firms that are likely to bid on the $1.77 billion project. While construction won’t begin until 2017, potential contractors need time to prepare their bids for a spring 2016 deadline. The project anticipates a need for 7,500 workers during construction from 2017-2019.  One contractor said it was one of the best such events he's ever attended. 

Visits to regional parks continue to grow, and park agencies continue to invest in properties that expand the region's prized network of parks, trails, and park reserves. In late October, the Council approved three grants—as funds become available—to purchase properties for the Rice Creek North Regional Trail in Ramsey County, Above the Falls Regional Park in Minneapolis, and Lake Elmo Park Reserve in Washington County. The grants contribute up to 75% of the total cost of an acquisition within the boundaries of the planned regional park system.

Nearly three dozen Metro Mobility customers attended for Metro Mobility’s 2015 Fall Conversation on Oct. 29 at the Oxboro Library in Bloomington. Metro Mobility’s goal was to provide a friendly setting for customers to give feedback and suggestions on how to improve service. Participants praised the small table conversation format of the gathering, which gave everyone a chance to offer their perspectives on a service that is critical to them. Two more conversations are planned for 2016.