It took a parking lot to turn me into a bike commuter.

A few years ago, I had an office just outside downtown Minneapolis. Like a lot of people, I would drive there every day, parking in a lot adjacent to my building. However, when we needed to resurface that lot, I drove to a temporary parking lot, then walked to my office. On one of these walks it occurred to me that I could simply bike the 4.5 miles to work in the same amount of time.

While I was in my daily routine of driving to work, it never occurred to me to change up my commute. It was only when something changed that I decided to change. The pandemic is certainly something that is changing life for all of us, and the way we return to work could be fundamentally different for many people.

On April 19 we will have the chance to observe National Bike Day, and in the middle of the pandemic we’re finding that record numbers of people are beginning to bike. One recent survey found that the number of people in the Twin Cities who said they had biked in the last week rose from 3% in 2019 to 20% in 2020. That same survey found that the number of people getting outside for all forms of exercise – waking, biking, jogging – more than doubled in the same amount of time.

Our region has built the infrastructure to support this new sensibility. Minneapolis is among the top bike communities in the nation, ranking 4th among cities of its size. Regionally, we have more than 400 miles of trails.

The Met Council is working with cities and counties to continue to build out a broad, regional network of trails that people can use for commuting and recreation. From Coon Rapids to Mahtomedi to Inver Grove Heights we’re leveraging federal, local, and regional funding to create an even better system of trails and bike connections.

As we continue to plan and build the region’s transportation system, we are adding more choices for people to get around. People should be able to choose between driving on excellent roads, taking world-class transit, or the joy of cycling to work on a well-maintained bikeway. This approach is friendly to changing lifestyles.

In many ways the pandemic has brought the future clearly into the present, accelerating trends that were already in the works. Virtual meetings and people doing more work from home and on flexible schedules creates more time to enjoy nature and exercise. These are just two of the positive changes to come out of the difficult year we’ve endured.

The routes represent technical and community discussions over several months since project partners announced a new direction for the project last August. Partners believe they present the best opportunities to deliver a light rail project that maximizes community benefits and connects even more people to jobs, education, healthcare, and other key destinations.

These route options provide an opportunity to advance a conversation many years in the making with the goal of identifying a single community-supported route by the end of this year to advance through official design and review processes.

“The routes released today are a big step forward for the Blue Line Extension Project,” said Chair Charlie Zelle.

“The Blue Line Extension is an important element of the region’s transportation system. While these potential routes are a good first step for seeing this project to completion, much work remains.

“We need community input from all of our neighbors and businesses, because while these routes begin the discussion, there will be more questions than answers at this early stage,” Zelle said.

“For me the biggest measure of project success is community support, and the Met Council is determined to deliver a project the community feels is an investment that directly benefits those who currently live and work in the corridor cities.”

Read the full news release.

Here are a few highlights of special interest to the Met Council.

Read more details about each item on MetNet.

State of the State postponed
The State of the State will be delayed due to Gov. Walz quarantining after a staff member tested positive recently for COVID-19. The address was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 21, at Mankato West High School.

Governor releases revised budget
Gov. Tim Walz released a revised budget proposal for the FY2022-23 biennium, which follows a February economic forecast that showed a previously projected $1.3 billion budget deficit had flipped to a projected $1.6 billion surplus. The Governor’s budget proposal may be revised again after final numbers from the latest federal relief bill are determined and guidelines for the allowable uses of those funds are established.

Chair Zelle presents transit budget in Senate Transportation Committee
Chair Charlie Zelle reviewed the Governor’s state budget recommendations, which would continue base General Fund levels and take into account one-time transit-dedicated federal relief received by the Met Council. The Chair highlighted the fact that the Met Council still faces a continued structural deficit, which has been mitigated by one-time state and federal funding but looms in upcoming biennium.

Administrative citation program for fare enforcement
A Met Council initiative that would provide authorization in law to establish an administrative citation program for fare enforcement on the regional transit system was moved forward. Metro Transit General Manager Wes Kooistra had testified to the benefits of the proposal in increasing Metro Transit’s official presence on the transit system and ensuring a more effective use of resources.

Inflow & Infiltration Mitigation Program
A bill was advanced to allow local government to provide loans and grants to property owners to assist with financing the cost of abating inflow and infiltration (I/I) on their property. Currently no help exists for private property owners, even though at least 50% of I/I in the system comes from private properties.

Parks and Trails Legacy Fund presentation
The Governor’s budget continues the 40-40-20 split between the Met Council, the Department of Natural Resources, and Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission.

Gov. Tim Walz described Cardenas as “a kind and decent man who advocated fiercely for disability rights.” Said Walz, “The accessibility pathway at the Capitol is just one of the projects that wouldn’t have happened without his firmness of purpose.”

Cardenas also was involved with “Remembering with Dignity,” an enormous project to locate and provide markers for some 13,000 patients who died while living in state institutions and were buried anonymously.

In the photo, Rick Cardenas was featured in June 2014 at the opening of a new stairway-elevator tower near the LRT Central Station in Saint Paul. Standing to the right of Cardenas is late Council Member Rich Kramer, who represented Saint Paul.

Well-known at the Met Council

Cardenas interacted with the Met Council on many programs and activities over many years. Among the most significant was his role as a key partner helping the Met Council develop its Equity Advisory Committee about 10 years ago.

More recently, he was instrumental in the decision to build a stairway-elevator tower connecting the METRO Green Line’s Central Station to the skyway system in Saint Paul.

Years later, the tower provides thousands of commuters, residents, and visitors an accessible way to get to and from businesses, offices, and residences connected through the skyway.

“This elevator is going to make a big difference, especially during inclement weather,” Cardenas said when the tower opened in 2014. “Persons with mobility problems of any sort will utilize this option, making downtown Saint Paul more viable for everyone.”

Communications Manager Michelle Fure said Cardenas was an important partner in much of the Met Council’s public engagement with the disability community over many years, especially his work on the Met Council’s Equity Advisory Committee.

“Rick was a testament to the value we often hear about the importance of showing up. He made the effort to be present, and he was a tireless and consistent advocate for people living with disabilities. He asked critical questions and wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer," she said.

“But some of my favorite memories of Rick involved his humor and his humanity. He would often pull me aside at meetings or call me to ask for tips with technology. He would complain about his tablet or his phone and how it wasn’t keeping up with his busy schedule. And he’d pair it with a joke or quip that always made me chuckle. I will miss seeing him and chatting with him. He was a wonderful person.”

Read more stories about Cardenas:

Stairway and elevator tower opens on the Green Line in Saint Paul (MetroTransit.org)

Tireless champion for Minnesotans with disabilities (StarTribune)

A strong advocate for the disabled community (Pioneer Press)

“Little did I know that only a few weeks after signing up, everything would change due to the pandemic,” said Quehl, a manager in Program Evaluation and Audit.

“The head coach of my local group quickly shifted everything online, and for the first two months we did everything over Zoom including interval training, check-ins before our endurance runs, and even social events.”

Once restrictions lifted in early June, the sessions moved outdoors and the group was able to meet in person for distance runs and interval training. To stay safe, in-person runs were limited to 20 or fewer runners, and everyone had to be 8 feet apart. In late November activities shifted online again – but the runners carried on.

Through all the changes, Quehl said she was able to stay connected with others even while maintaining social distance. “I saw people in this group more than I saw friends or family, sometimes two or three times a week whether that was online or outdoors,” she said.

Quehl said she’s glad she signed up for the program – and glad too that she kept with it. “Finding a group that shares a common interest (like running) has been crucial to my mental health. Even if running isn’t your thing, there are a lot of other interest groups out there,” she said, encouraging other employees to get involved with whatever is most appealing.

Will she continue running after the pandemic ends? “Yes!” she said. “I already signed up for the upcoming spring and summer program, and look forward to training and running a half or full marathon this year if in-person races resume.”

Share your stories of 'creating joy'

This month marks one year since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold and Minnesota began its lockdown. We've all had to adapt at work, at home, and socially. Starting with the March 9 issue of The Wire, we are happy to share some stories of Met Council employees who found creative, interesting ways to find joy, build connection, or make the most out of an otherwise dark year. If you have a story to share, or know a colleague with a good story, please email thewire@metc.state.mn.us.

You might also notice the new blue Windows Defender icon in addition to the old red McAfee icon, which will remain on the computer after the update.

A small number of computers used for light rail and credit card kiosks are not included in this software change.

If you have any issues, please contact the Service Desk by emailing ServiceDesk@metc.state.mn.us or calling 651-602-1498.

The following news briefs provide a summary of important information you need to know related to the Met Council’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The newest and most complete information is available in the COVID-19 update emailed to all staff on Thursdays. (Read the most recent bulletin, March 18.)

Teleworking to continue, but transition plans will emerge

Gov. Tim Walz has updated guidance about remote work to allow for teleworkers to return to onsite, office work. Met Council employees who can work from home will continue to do so at least through the end of the school year in June and, for many, through Labor Day. Managers will be engaging with staff and informing the Planning Leads to determine the best working arrangements for both employees and the business needs of the work area.

Review the full details shared in last week’s all-staff email about planning for a phased return to worksites for teleworking employees.

Notifying eligible Met Council staff of urgent vaccine availability

To help connect our employees with urgent, unplanned opportunities to get the COVID-19 vaccine, we are using the Met Council's emergency notification system to ask employees who are eligible (as defined by the state's criteria) if they are available immediately to receive the vaccine.

• We will notify you by texting your mobile device, calling you by phone, and sending a message to your email. If you respond that you are available, we will follow up to connect you to the appointment.
• The system uses contact information from Employee Self Service, so it’s very important that your contact information there is up to date.
• Make sure you carefully read the instructions included in the message and reply to the notification correctly. Review the test notification we sent to all Met Council employees on March 16 so you understand how to correctly respond if you receive an official notification with an urgent vaccine opportunity.
• We know scams are contacting people about COVID-19 vaccine opportunities, so please review our information on the senders of the texts, emails, and calls so you recognize our emergency notifications.

Review the full information in the announcement on MetNet.

Opportunity for transit operators at Mall of America clinic

You are now eligible to be vaccinated at the state-run clinic at the Mall of America. If you received an invitation from Homeland Health by text and/or email, those are legitimate messages providing you access to the vaccine if you choose. Please respond to arrange an appointment time to get your vaccine.

Reminders:

• Employees may use COVID-19 Leave if they have a reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine and need to take time off, but only if they have Emergency Sick Pay time available. Employees may not use COVID-19 leave to get a vaccine. If additional leave is necessary, employees can use accrued annual or sick leave. Read more about using the COVID-19 Leave Policy related to the vaccine in the latest all-staff email.
• COVID-19 Leave may not be used for days on which the school or childcare provider is closed for reasons other than COVID-19. This includes, but is not limited to, holiday breaks (including spring break), in-service days, and other reasons not related to COVID-19. For full information on the policy, review the COVID-19 Leave Policy (updated Jan. 1, 2021) on MetNet.
• If you are in one of the prioritized groups and want to learn more about how to receive the vaccine, visit the state’s Find My Vaccine site.
• Mask up, get tested, stay home when you're sick, wash your hands, and stay six feet from those outside your household. Remember that even after the vaccine is available, you should continue following these practices to stay safe.

COVID-19 testing:

• Free COVID-19 community testing locations throughout the state: Make an appointment and learn more on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
• At-home test kits offered by the state for all Minnesotans, free of charge: Learn more about the process.
• HealthPartners testing for Met Council employees who have a HealthPartners medical plan: COVID-19 care and testing information is at HealthPartners.com/COVID-19.

How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
It takes slightly longer to complete simple tasks because my work equipment is not set up in my home conveniently. And working from home, things aren’t as accessible as they were in the office. My office phone is in a different room than my computer monitors, and returning phone calls can be time consuming. As an HRA Coordinator, communication is extremely important in our day-to-day work. Tenants have the option to drop off their paperwork at the office to complete renewal for their Section 8 voucher, but with no in-person communication, they are unable to do that and it slows downs the process. Lastly, I miss my coworkers and our in-person check-ins. Back in the office, we would have coffee breaks together to show each other support. I will say, it’s nice having my cat as my new coworker. He always sits next to me while I’m working and drinking tea; it's therapeutic having him there while I work.

What’s it like working through a pandemic?
Working through a pandemic can be isolating at times because you’re working in a tight space for the next eight hours, alone. I consistently remind myself to get up and take a break for 10 minutes. It can be easy to get caught up in the work that you’re doing, which is why a healthy work/life balance is important. Since we are living in an unprecedented time, it’s a new experience for all of us. I work with families participating in the HRA Section 8 program and many of the families I work with have been financially impacted by the pandemic. It is hard for them to predict their next dollar. Through it all, they’ve not only survived but thrived. I’ve learned just how resilient our families are as well as just how resilient and adaptable I am!

How has your life changed outside of work?
One of my goals has been to create a fitness routine and stick to it. Before the pandemic, it was challenging finding time in my schedule to go to the gym after work, and going before work was not an option! Since working from home, I’ve been able to get one hour of exercise in during lunch! I feel energized and ready to tackle my work assignments after working out! In addition, the pandemic was an eye opener in the way I viewed finances. It made me get serious about how I viewed and handled money because you never know when something as serious as a pandemic will happen. I’ve found a new interest of study – financial literacy and independence, empowering stuff. I’ve even taken the Met Council’s Workplace Money Coach program. I never thought the topic of financial literacy would interest me, but I’m like my own little financial advisor now!

How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work? 
There definitely was an adjustment that took place from being in the office to working remotely last year. Over time, I’ve found that I am much more productive and effective at home (even with my two furry coworkers, Chonk and Unit) and found it is easier to concentrate.

Bringing the team up to speed on Webex and Microsoft Teams has helped with efficiency overall, as there is a convenient method to still collaborate and get work done.

Overall, it has gone much smoother than I anticipated.

What’s it like working through a pandemic?
I do sometimes miss the camaraderie of being in the office; however, that is tempered by making sure to reach out to fellow colleagues and check in, or take a couple extra seconds in an email and Teams chat and try connecting. Having my dogs around really helps, since they break up the day and are a constant source of entertainment. I also feel a deep sense of gratitude and privilege that I am able to stay safely home, and I can’t thank our frontline workers enough.

How has your life changed outside of work?
My husband is an essential worker and has been at his jobsite for the past year. That aspect of life has certainly been stressful for both of us, albeit in different ways. So much has changed this past year, and we don’t take anything for granted. We spend a lot of time with our dogs, discovered Hygge, and Zoom calls with loved ones. Also, my husband is learning to DJ, and I have spent the past year playing drums and doing “interpretive cooking” from Pinterest recipes. You know, normal stuff…

Sand Creek newsletter

Even for the most hardy, winter always presents challenges. And none more than 2020-2021, "the year of the pandemic."

Lighten your load with some helpful hints and other resources from Sand Creek to help get through the last few weeks of winter.

This month's employee newsletter features the following topics:

• Supporting a loved one with anxiety
• Presenteeism: working while sick
• Time management: finding time nuggets
• Thinking about quitting your job?
• Do you live with a problem gambler?

March 2021 Sand Creek newsletter (PDF)

Spanish version (PDF)

Primary duties
I provide data and technological support to the LCA and housing team as well as research and project management support.

Started
January 11

How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
It’s hard not being able to meet everyone in person, but the LCA team has done a great job of welcoming me and making me feel supported and seen.

Hometown
Oakland, CA

Current residence
Minneapolis (Powderhorn)

Family
My partner, Walter, and my collection of plants, which are very temperamental

Education
B.S. from San Francisco State University, M.S. from the University of Minnesota

Experience
I have more than five years of project management experience in the sustainable design world, including founding a company from the ground up. My graduate education is in Urban and Regional Planning with a specific focus on community resilience and the communication of complex data for diverse audiences.

Other interests
I love diving deep on various subjects including (but not limited to!) hydrology, baseball statistics, Lord of the Rings, and food. I live a car-free lifestyle, I am always working on an art project, and I am involved in various volunteer activities in South Minneapolis.

Primary duties
I serve on a team that replaces desktop and laptop hardware, ensuring that Met Council employees have current technology to help perform their duties efficiently.

Started
January 19

How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
Surreal. I am actually one of those who don’t actually work from home, at least not much. I work on the fifth floor of the Jackson Street office, and it sometimes feels like the apocalypse has happened. All these person-less cubicles with papers and pens and coffee cups laying about … It’s as if everyone just vanished!

Hometown
Bettendorf, IA (go Bulldogs!)

Current residence
I found a quiet little neighborhood here in Saint Paul near Como Park. I can’t wait for spring so I can enjoy it.

Family
I recently celebrated my 25th wedding anniversary with my wife, Kristine. I have an adult son who teaches music and a 13-year-old son who swears he is the next Kobe Bryant or JJ Watt.

Education
I graduated from the American Institute of Commerce, now part of Purdue University, with two AAS degrees: one in computer information systems and the other in computer programming. Also I am a Microsoft Certified Professional  (Windows 2k) and have HP ASP Certification and CompTIA A+.

Experience
Prior to working at the Met Council I worked for the City of Rock Island, IL, where I worked on a team of six who provided all the technical support for each of the city’s departments. I personally enjoyed working with the technology in the emergency vehicles. I felt like I was making a real difference in my community.

Other interests
I enjoy fishing, biking, pc gaming, and disc golf. I’m a wannabe rock star and know my way around many musical instruments but am a master of none. My wife and I enjoy karaoke. We met while working and performing at a dinner theatre. I spend as much time as I can with my 13-year-old son, who is very active. I am terrible at Fortnite.