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In this Issue
Many moons ago, I used to write a regular column for a newsletter for the faculty who teach in Minnesota’s technical colleges. Coming up with a topic was always a bit of a challenge for me, not to mention the challenge of making the message coherent! In the many years since, it has not gotten easier.
However, for me at this point in my Met Council experience I feel extraordinary gratitude. Gratitude for the invaluable opportunity to serve. Gratitude for the opportunity to learn so much from each of you and the Met Council leaders and staff about our region, as well as each of the cities, townships, and counties in District 11. Gratitude for the work of current and former city, township, county, and regional officials to meet the needs of all residents.
Recently, the Met Council held its annual gathering to recognize staff for years of service and achievements. In her remarks at the event, Chair Nora Slawik noted a few of the many achievements and forms of recognition that the Council has received in the last year. Here are a few –
-Our regional parks system hosted a record-breaking 60 million visits by families and individuals last year, including my dog, Murphy, and me.
-Grant dollars for local projects that promote economic development, jobs, and affordable housing were approved, strengthening those cities and townships, as well as the families who live there.
-The Council received an award from the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership for assisting the region in adapting to climate change.
-The Metro HRA won the federal government’s highest ranking for its rent assistance program. In an era when resources are tight and the need for more housing assistance is growing significantly, efficient and effective administration of the federal funding is imperative.
We can’t – and won’t – rest on our laurels! The work continues and happens in partnership with each of you. In the next couple months, I will complete my first round of visits with each city and township in District 11. I am grateful for each of these initial introductions and look forward to many, many more opportunities to work together.
As the holidays approach, I want to close with my best wishes to each of you! Please don’t hesitate to call when you have a request or question!
Recently, the Metropolitan Council awarded a total of nearly $500,000 in stormwater management grants to five cities, one county, and one watershed district. The grants will support projects at redevelopment sites. Local governments submitted 15 applications requesting a total of more than $1 million.
The Council has approved changes to its policies related to the federal housing voucher program. Among the changes are charging voucher holders a minimum rent of $50 per month, unless a hardship is demonstrated. Expansion of a pilot project to move towards every-other-year inspections for qualifying properties is also moving forward.
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In Rosalind Graham's world, every dollar counts. So when Metro Transit introduced a fare program that would allow her to ride for $1, she welcomed the opportunity to cut costs. Now she rides transit multiple times a week to get to and from work, applying the savings to housing and other expenses. |
Local comprehensive plans reflect the vision of cities and townships in the Twin Cities region, describing how their localities will grow, develop, and prosper. Under state law, local plans must correspond to broader infrastructure and investment plans for transportation, wastewater services, and regional parks and trails. Within the regional planning framework, cities and townships have the freedom to choose how, where, and under what conditions to support forecasted growth.
Mike Webb, former mayor of Carver, owns a coffee shop. He learned, firsthand, the need for homes that are affordable for working people. He says he was skeptical, at first, when an affordable housing development was proposed in his city. But now, Carver Crossing Apartments makes him proud.
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