A thought for the day…
All things must pass.
– George Harrison (1943–2001) Legendary English musician
 IN THIS ISSUE
Guest notes from Michelle Fure
Manager of Outreach, Communications
Studies show that employee appreciation and celebration significantly improve job satisfaction. And employees in every sector across the globe cite connections and relationships with colleagues as a significant motivating factor for their work.
You can’t underestimate the importance of providing a voice for employees and a regular space to celebrate their work. That’s what we have with The Wire and our curator-in-chief, Jeff Syme.
For nearly two decades, Jeff has shepherded this newsletter through some significant changes in the communications field – the growing prominence of the Internet and changing technology, shifting priorities and emphasis on different audiences, and greater demand for more visual tools.
As a writer and photographer, Jeff was already marrying those sensibilities. But the core of good communication – a good story – still drove the content for The Wire under Jeff’s leadership. And I know for many of you it’s a must-read each time it hits your inbox.
This issue of The Wire marks the last for Jeff Syme, who has edited this newsletter since the early 2000s, when he took it over from Jim Martin upon his retirement from the Met Council.
You may not have noticed, but we’ve had a bit of a renaissance in the past few years with respect to employee communications, with greater emphasis on internal audiences. As colleagues, we’re truly our greatest resource, and no one knows that better than Jeff. He has dedicated these past several years to telling your stories, to sharing information that’s critical to how we do our work. And he tells these stories with a twinkle in his eye and deep appreciation.
Last year, our peers in government communication bestowed upon Jeff the Scott Pengelly Lifetime Achievement award for excellence in communications and public service. (The award is named for the late, former communicator at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, known for his dedication to public service.) Jeff’s visual portfolio is impressive enough, but he’s also been honored for his work elevating the voices of his peers all these years.
In her nomination last year, Communications staff member Jeanne Landkamer said it this way: “Maybe you are a new employee at the Council, a bit nervous during your first week. You get a phone call and a friendly voice on the other end welcomes you. He invites you to share some information about yourself and have your photo taken for the Council’s internal newsletter, The Wire. The guy has a humble, friendly approach that puts you at ease, even if you hate having your photo taken.”
Jeff never wanted much attention or celebration of his own, but he’s earned it. He has inspired me through his respect for each of us, and his dedication to his craft. And I know so many of you feel the same way.
As we planned for this issue, I felt compelled to write about how important it is that Jeff has advocated for each of us and this newsletter over the years. We are blessed to have the opportunity to share in one another’s successes and to better understand the work each of us does across this complex organization. But at our core, we’re people who love our work, our neighborhoods, our families, our broader community. Jeff has always understood that and used it as his guidepost for this newsletter.
Jeff and I are practically neighbors, living just a few blocks apart on the East Side – me in St. Paul and he in Maplewood. We’d occasionally ride the bus home together, talking about music, the evolution of our neighborhoods, what his arts-loving kids were up to, how my arts-loving niece was doing.
I think back fondly on those times. Jeff is the best listener, and he tells the best stories. He has such a sincere manner, from his laugh to his warm smile, to his quiet approach. He has a true love for storytelling and helping people share their stories. He invests in people and relationships. It shows in the way he connects with people – whether he’s behind the camera, helping a subject be more at ease, or painstakingly working to get a person’s quote just right. He’s careful. He’s conscientious. He’s dedicated. That’s why he’s so good at sharing our stories as employees at the Met Council.
He’s met nearly every new employee in those nearly 16 years, to feature them in The Wire. He has the same level of enthusiasm for each one. I can’t think of a better early impression in a new workplace.
He’s celebrated countless retirements over the years, capturing the spirit of the events through his camera lens. And now we get to celebrate his.
It’s strange to mark these milestones while we’re still emerging from a pandemic. Jeff’s last day is later this week, but we’re looking forward to some in-person celebrations this summer and fall when more of us are back in the office.
And even though he won’t physically be in the office anymore, we’ll be enjoying his photographs for years to come – on the walls of the Robert Street offices, on our Met Council website, and in countless other publications. I know I’ll see his charm and grace through each one.
Congratulations on your retirement, Jeff! Thanks for being such an advocate for employee voices and shining a light on the work we do each day.
|
We have solid proof that college grades are not a predictor of career success. Jeff Syme, case in point, earned a “C” in his single, required photography course at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism.
Our longtime RA Communications colleague, who will retire on June 5, has earned dozens of awards for photography during his career – both here at the Met Council and in his former newspaper days. But shooting photos was not on Jeff’s radar when he left the university.
The Minneapolis native landed his first newspaper job as a sportswriter and photographer in 1979 at the Valley Courier in Alamosa, Colorado.
“That’s where I learned photography, and in my first year won my first award. I turned out to be pretty good,” he said with characteristic humility, noting in particular his photos of wrestling matches. “I covered volleyball, basketball, track, baseball for 12 area high schools and a state college.
“I learned how to write there, too,” he said. “With sports, there wasn’t a lot of pressure to be a great writer, so I knew I couldn’t screw up too badly.
“I wasn’t sure I would make it as a writer, but it turned out I really enjoyed it,” he said. After a few years, he moved over to the news desk. And then, in 1984, he decided to head back to Minnesota and got a job at the Hibbing Daily Tribune as a news writer and photographer.
“I loved it,” he remembered, “I got to go behind the scenes to talk to city council members, local police and sheriffs, and school board members. I felt like a real insider.”
But life circumstances pulled Jeff south to the Twin Cities in 1989. He saw an ad in the Sunday newspaper for a communications specialist job at the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (predecessor to Metropolitan Council Environmental Services). He applied, was hired, and started on June 5, 1989.
Read Jeff's full story on MetNet.
 Clockwise from top left, one of Jeff's photos during his Hibbing newspaper days; in 1995 with an Environmental Services publication; and a couple moments in front of the camera.
Tributes to Jeff
Bruce Howard, Metro Transit
“I’ve always enjoyed working with Jeff over the years. He’s knowledgeable, inquisitive, and a strong advocate for telling stories about the good work of Council staff. Never seems to take himself too seriously, but always found a way through his exceptional photos and writing to shine the light on others.”
Liz Sund, Chair’s Office
“Jeff is one of the nicest people I know, and I’m glad I got to know him. He is a hard worker and never on time for meetings because he was always working on The Wire. If anyone had a question regarding music (especially the Beatles), he knew the answer. It was always fun to see him play in his band. He will be missed by many people.”
Tammy Wiger, Metro HRA
“I will always remember Jeff standing on a ladder in the courtyard trying to get all the CD staff in the shot! The wind blowing and him all the way at the top! He’s a great guy – he will be missed!”
Alex Curtiss, Metropolitan Transportation Services
“Jeff is a great guy and a friend outside of work. He is a great listener, and we’ve had some deep conversations over the years. I’ll miss him but am thrilled he will be on to the next chapter in his life.”
Mike Rieth, Environmental Services
“I enjoyed sharing adjacent cots with Jeff during the 1989 San Francisco earthquake when we were at a Water Federation conference together. The Moscone Center was a Red Cross shelter, and we shared a ballroom with scores of other people. He was a good ‘roommate.’”
Paula Crane, Regional Administration
“Jeff has been wonderful to work with. He is thoughtful, fun to listen to, and has a lot to contribute. My favorite thing about Jeff is his knowledge about music and listening to his stories about it. He will be greatly missed.”
Lucinda Plaisance (retired)
“I was fortunate to work with (and near) Jeff for 18 years —and deeply appreciated his humor, kindness, work ethic, and professionalism, as well as his wide-ranging musical interests and exceptional photographic and writing skills. His work in The Wire helped us learn more about the Council and our colleagues, and he was a one-man welcome committee for the new hires he interviewed and wrote about. He's a great friend and human being, and I know he'll make the most of his well-earned retirement!”
Mike Murphy (retired)
“I am happy to see the Council recognizing my friend Jeff Syme at his well-earned retirement. Jeff and I go back to the first days of the merged Council. Can it really be 26 years ago?
“Jeff’s writing and photo contributions to the Council’s publications are many, but one feature that I most remember is the hundreds of profiles he has written of Council staff both new and established. Those profiles have humanized nearby and distant colleagues and built community across the wide organization.
“The occasion calls for a haiku celebrating some of Jeff’s skills and talents:
Dylanologist;
Ace at words, camera, and bass;
True friend to many.
Congratulations and a long, happy retirement, good buddy!”
If you would like to add to the tributes, please email Jeanne.Landkamer@metc.state.mn.us. Jeff’s colleagues in RA Communications are planning an outdoor party for midsummer to celebrate his retirement; if you would like to attend, let Michelle Fure know at Michelle.Fure@metc.state.mn.us.
Negotiations continue between House and Senate leaders and the administration to close out the work of the legislative session and establish the state’s next biennial budget. Leaders agreed to overall spending targets for each budget area, but legislators have yet to come to an agreement on how to allocate funds within those targets. Major policy items relating to car emission standards, public safety reform, emergency powers, and other issues remain unresolved as well.
When a full budget agreement is finalized, a special session will be required to pass the necessary omnibus finance bills. Legislators must pass a budget before July 1 to continue state government operations when the current state fiscal year comes to a close on June 30.
Questions? Email Brooke Bordson in Government Affairs at Brooke.Bordson@metc.state.mn.us.
|
The Collaborative Business Solutions team in Information Services is pleased to announce guest access for Microsoft Teams will be available starting June 7. Guest access allows Team Owners to invite people outside the Met Council to participate within a Microsoft Team. This capability will allow the Met Council to collaborate with our partners more closely and assist with fulfilling our mission to the communities we serve.
Creating a Team with guest access
To create a Team with guest access, visit the Microsoft Teams page on MetNet and select the “Create a Team Here” button on the upper right of the page. Once you complete a short form, the Team will be automatically created.
If there is a need to activate guest access on an existing Team, please contact Enterprise Content Management at ECM@metc.state.mn.us. The Team Owner must complete a data review prior to activating guest access on an existing Team.
Staff responsibilities when sharing data externally
Please review the guidance for sharing data external to the Council on MetNet.
All staff are responsible for maintaining the data they share in compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. There must be a business need and legal authority to share Council data, and the data shared needs to be reviewed periodically by the Team Owner(s) to ensure a business need continues to be valid. If the data is subject to a retention schedule, it can only be disposed of when it has met the minimum requirements defined in its retention schedule. If you have questions about legal authority, please contact the Office of General Counsel at LegalWorkRequest@metc.state.mn.us.
Staff must notify the Team Owner when a guest needs to be removed from a Team, and the Team Owner should promptly remove the guest.
|
The following highlights 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, May 27.)
Recent news:
- The COVID-19 email updates will now be every other week. Look for the next email on Thursday, June 10.
- Gov. Walz launched a vaccination incentive campaign through June.
- Teleworkers: Work with your managers on return-to-work plans.
- The Met Council's COVID-19 precautions, including face coverings, remain in effect.
- Minnesota's capacity and distancing requirements ended on Friday.
Tools to help you find vaccine appointments:
Many sites are now offering walk-in appointments.
If you still need a vaccine appointment, please email Lisa Belland at Lisa.Belland@metc.state.mn.us so we can connect you with available vaccine appointments through our state and county partners.
COVID-19 testing:
|
Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit on the way ...
 
Metro Transit staff got an early look at the I-35W & Lake Street Station last week as construction on the new facility continues.
The two-story station will be a stop on the METRO Orange Line and a boarding area for several express routes and local routes that operate on I-35W and Lake Street. The station is in the center of I-35W, allowing buses to board and drop off customers while staying in designated MnPASS lanes. Other features include real-time signs, heat, and light. The entire station will be ADA accessible.
Last week, a plan outlining recommended changes to several bus routes that will connect with Orange Line stations was released. Read more about those recommended changes on the Riders’ Almanac blog.
Creating joy
Gabriel Rios splits his time in wastewater treatment and in TV, radio studios
Council staff who know Gabriel Rios for his day job in the Environmental Services interceptor services department might be surprised to learn he also is a talented video producer, radio disc jockey, and dance DJ with deep roots in Tex-Mex and Tejano music.
Likewise, his video and music friends probably struggle to reconcile Rios’s skills with cameras and lighting with his work helping keep million gallons of wastewater flowing every day. But there it is; two sides of the coin.
“I enjoy it all, and don’t see an end to either one anytime soon,” he said. “I enjoy my job and my colleagues, and I love music, especially Tejano. It’s in my soul and in my blood.”
Rios was among the ES staff whose jobs in the field continued pretty much unabated during the pandemic. But it did shut down his work as video producer and a dance DJ. Now a COVID-19 survivor, Rios also had to take a break from his job co-hosting Tejano Lippz, a radio show that he cofounded.
On the upside, the pandemic will result in a new recording studio that Rios is helping build in Minneapolis for his friend and online cooking show host, Chef Marshall O’Brien (see photos). And Rios can feel the anticipation building for more in-person work as a video producer. “After 15 months mostly in lockdown, this summer is going to be a great one,” he said.
|
New studio ready by July
Rios studied radio and television at the former Brown Institute (now Brown College) in Mendota Heights. Using those skills, he worked with public access stations like the St. Paul Neighborhood Network and Minneapolis Television Network. Along the way he muscled his way into the music business making music videos and broadcasting live concerts on the internet.
A singular highlight was taping an interview in 1998 in Houston and in Minneapolis with Tex-Mex legend Freddie Fender and his band, the Texas Tornadoes, featuring the great Flaco Jimenez and Augie Meyers.
Nearly 10 years ago, Rios began working with his like-minded musical friend Willie Dominquez on a popular music program, “Sabado Alegres” (Happy Saturdays), on KFAI every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. The pair broadcast alternately using both Spanish and English to an enthusiastic fan base.
About three years ago, Rios struck up a friendship with local cooking legend Marshall O’Brien, who has been presenting classes to Council staff for nearly 10 years about food, nutrition, your immune system, worksite wellness, and healthy eating. Not long after, the two developed a new online cooking show, “Cooking With Confidence,” to help Twin Citians learn more about healthy eating and “putting the delicious in nutritious,” according to their website.
At a recent taping in a cramped space in St. Louis Park, Rios was one of two video producers behind the cameras helping broadcast the show live online, and recording it for future use (see photos). They are nearly done building a new, larger studio nearby that will also provide space for other kinds of video and recording work.
Another video project Rios helped sustain during the pandemic is a mental health program called “Seriously Mental with Chris Shaw.” Hosted by the Heart and Mind Connection, the show addresses mental health issues and its connection with suicide, veterans, diversity, youth, and more.
As a member of the Environmental Services Equity Team, Rios is committed to equity issues in all aspects of his life. He’s currently working on two Spanish language projects to bring legal aid to those in need.
“In all these things, my goal is to help other people,” Rios said. “I feel good when I can help get information out there to help people – whether about nutrition and healthy eating, or about mental health, or about legal aid to those in need. There are a lot of folks out there who need help.”
|
Sharing stories of 'creating joy'
It's been more than a 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've been 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.
In memoriam
Jay Heffern, former general counsel of the Met Council for nearly a decade, died on May 21 at age 76. Heffern spent his professional life working in the public sphere and serving the public interest.
Before joining our organization, Heffern served in the Minnesota Attorney General’s office starting in the mid-1970s as a special assistant attorney general. He later became deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Moving to the Council in the mid-1980s, Heffern became the organization’s new general counsel. Each legislative session, he led a staff team from the then separate metropolitan agencies to bring the regional perspective to members of the Minnesota Legislature.
The agencies at that time included the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission (now Environmental Services) and the Metropolitan Transit Commission (Metro Transit), as well as programs and initiatives to advance airport development, transportation, an emergency radio network, and regional parks.
In 1989, he represented the Council as part of a multi-agency legal team that argued a case for moving ahead with acquiring a prime area of land in Minnetrista for a regional park, an effort the city resisted. The case went to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which affirmed the lower court ruling, allowing it to proceed.
In the mid-1990s, Heffern was tapped to be the city attorney of Minneapolis by then newly elected mayor Sharon Sales-Belton, a position he held until his retirement.
At his transition from regional to city government, he saw the Legislature pass two milestone laws. One would subsequently streamline regional government and, the other, enhance the livability of the metro area.
In 1994, the Metropolitan Reorganization Act merged the regional operating agencies for transit and wastewater with the Council, providing a more integrated organization. Then in 1995, the Livable Communities Act became law, providing essential funding for cleaning up polluted land, promoting efficient development, and expanding the supply of affordable housing.
|
Employees across the organization are doing their part to keep Met Council services and programs running at full steam despite the coronavirus and state lockdown. But we’re all in this together. To help share a little virtual camaraderie, we’re asking central office staff (Robert Street and Jackson Street) how their work has changed and what it’s like to serve during a pandemic. To share your story or suggest someone who is doing outstanding work, please email TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.
Anna Bichler
Metro HRA Coordinator
Community Development
How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
If you had asked me this question a year and a half ago, I would have said without any hesitation, "Yes." Since all communication with my internal and external clients has been pushed to virtual meetings, phone, and email communication, some of the beginnings were rather bumpy. Utilizing technology was helpful, but not all of my clients knew how to do it. With daily questions from my clients, I needed to quickly adjust to my increased work demands, prioritize my job duties, and find a big chunk of my work hours to spend on the phone with my clients to walk them through new ways to send their applications or verifications. It was a bumpy and often really stressful season as my phone calls and emails tripled. Finding time to do all my normal job duties in addition to all new tasks forced me to adapt rather quickly. As time went by and clients were more comfortable and assured their cases will be done, their rent will be paid on time, and their calls will be returned, things slowly adjusted and I found a new normal routine.
What’s it like working through a pandemic?
I can only describe this as an "emotional roller coaster" haha. At the beginning, it was really difficult to find balance between work hours, kids' school/homework, plus anything in between. As time went by, and each day was a new day of "trial and error approach," I created a new work schedule which later also aligned perfectly with all other aspects of my life (kids and home). The biggest challenge was to find a new "perfect work schedule," how to fit in all my work hours and still be able to help my kids since they are at home with me. I tried a few schedules and finally found the perfect one for me and my family. I also discovered that working flexible hours has been an amazing incentive. Knowing I could work after kids go to bed or early in the morning while they are sleeping was a perfect solution for me to balance all life schedules. I also found myself more productive and somehow inspired to find new and innovative ways to help me do my job with higher customer service focus while retaining high efficiency and quality of my work.
How has your life changed outside of work?
Last year in the blink of the eye, my work and life schedules changed 180 degrees, and I needed to adapt quickly. Now, a year and a half later I could not have asked for better life balance between work and my family time. I could not have been happier and more relaxed. Through flexible work schedules, I gained more time to spend with my kids and invest in my own "me" time. Having extra time opened up some new hobbies and ways to spend time with my kids, like going for hikes, picnics in parks, or having uninterpreted time to talk to each other. Since I live in Wisconsin, I am surrounded by many state parks and trails, which have become a new outlet for me and my kids. We discovered new bike trails, started to play golf, learned how to snowshoe and snowboard, and even found new lakes to swim in or take our kayaks for some new adventures. My kids have learned to do homework during our outdoor adventures, and they loved that new approach. The pandemic caused sudden and abrupt shifts in my life but has also promoted a need for a healthier work-life balance.
|
Guthrie Byard
Pronouns: he/him/his
ADA & Title VI Administrator
Office of Equal Opportunity
How has the pandemic affected your day-to-day work?
I either biked to work along the mighty Mississippi or took the bus and light rail into work. I miss that but know it’s temporary. I’m not one who likes to work from home. I enjoy talking to people in person vs. emails or virtual meetings, but I’m making the most of it. My office is in my porch, so I get a lot of morning sunlight, which eases my mind. I also have a 3-year-old, who is back at daycare now but was at home for a good portion of the pandemic. It was tough at first, but humans are great at adapting and seek out routines.
What’s it like working through a pandemic?
It’s hopefully a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one that has been humbling. I’ve realized how fortunate I am for my job, health, healthcare, and family. I have also learned how to use nearly every meeting platform, including their accessibility features, without which would have made my job hard. I eat lunch and take a walk with my partner each day, watch the garden slowly grow in our backyard, and say "Hi" to neighbors walking by each day. The constant fresh air has been great, which is something I would miss while working in an office.
How has your life changed outside of work?
I will never say that I missed too much of my son’s initial years. I have been around him so much during his first three years, which has made me a better, more forgiving, and more thoughtful father. If not for the pandemic, I don’t think I would have understood the value of removing myself from work, especially at random times during the day, and focusing on him. Working from home has also given me more time to think about my relationship to nature, which has me using my canoe and now kayak more. Excited for the summer!
|
June info sessions on the Affirmative Action Plan
All Met Council staff are invited to attend an upcoming info session to learn more about the organization's Affirmative Action Plan and ongoing efforts to achieve workforce equity. Mark your calendars to join us for one of the discussions: June 14 at 3 p.m. and June 22 at 9 a.m.
These one-hour sessions will be hosted by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Human Resources via Microsoft Teams. Staff will present an overview of the plan and welcome questions from attendees.
Use this Microsoft short link to join the meetings: https://aka.ms/METC-AAP. (This same link will be updated and used for the second session.) If you cannot attend, a recording will be posted on MetNet for later viewing.
Staff invited to volunteer for marketing pieces
The marketing departments for the Met Council and Metro Transit are actively seeking out models for future photo and video projects from among our employees. We are looking for employee participants from all walks of life and communities to participate in photo shoots, video shoots, and voice-over work.
All Met Council staff are encouraged to consider filling out the online intake form regarding their interest. If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Lehinger at Kathryn.Lehinger@MetroTransit.org.
Summer interns are here!
A total of 46 interns started at the Met Council today, kicking off the summer program and taking on roles in all areas of the organization. We are excited to restart the internship program, doubling our numbers from last year, as we are able to safely resume parts of the program that were paused due to the pandemic. This year, we are partnering with the City of Minneapolis for our Urban Scholars program. We have eight participants, with at least one representing each division.
The internship program has been in place for many years now, with its official start date of 2007. Program Manager Luis Martinez says, "More than 890 interns have come through during the last 14 years, and it has been great seeing their careers take off and see their success."
This year will be as unique as last year, with the remote option open to many of them. As some interns will stay beyond the summer, we'll be welcoming them into the offices sometime after August. If you have any questions about the internship program, please contact Luis Martinez at Luis.Martinez@metc.state.mn.us.
'Train Days' returns to Saint Paul's Union Depot this weekend
Return to the days of yesteryear (well, back to 2019 at least) when “Train Days” returns to Saint Paul's Union Depot for two days of celebration about trains and transportation. As in years past, Train Days will include train equipment tours, a vendor marketplace, showcase of the 2020 Virtual Train Days mini-series, model trains, concessions, train photography exhibit, family-friendly activities, and more. Visit the Union Depot website for details.
Train Days
Union Depot, Saint Paul
June 5-6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
|
Elizabeth Toal
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Manager, Talent Management
Human Resources
Primary duties
I will manage the hiring processes for Metro Transit, leading the talent acquisition specialists.
Started
April 19
How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
Although it has been interesting to not physically meet people, everyone is willing to help and do what it takes to get the job done. Everyone I’ve "met" has been so nice to work with.
Hometown
Madison, WI
Current residence
Brooklyn Park
Family
Single
Education
I went to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and received a BA degree in architecture and a MA degree from Carlson School of Management in human resources/industrial relations.
Experience
I previously worked for five years at the City of Brooklyn Park as a manager of human resources. Prior to that I worked for eight years at the City of Minneapolis as a human resources senior consultant. I have over 20 years of significant human resources-related experience in areas such as recruitment and selection, compliance, HR technology, labor relations, and management of staff. I also am a certified Intercultural Competence (IDI) coach.
Other interests
Reading biographies, cooking hearty food, all while listening to good music. My guilty pleasure is watching really bad reality TV.
|
Katelyn Champoux
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Planner, Local Planning Assistance
Community Development
Primary duties
My responsibilities are varied, but I primarily work on technical assistance projects to support local planning efforts across the region by conducting stakeholder engagement, research, and data analysis. I also support the review of comprehensive plans, amendments, and environmental documents.
Started
April 19
How does it feel to start a new job when everyone is working from home?
Not bad! While I’m technically a new employee, I worked at the Council as an intern in the Local Planning Assistance unit for almost two years prior to starting my new position, so I’m already used to working from home, which has made the transition into my new role pretty seamless.
Hometown
Woodbury
Current residence
Minneapolis
Family
I have two older sisters – one who lives in San Francisco and the other in St. Paul. My parents also still live in Woodbury, so it’s been nice to have family close by throughout the pandemic.
Education
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in international studies and global health. (Woo! Go Badgers!)
Experience
As I mentioned above, most of my planning experience comes from my time as an intern. I started at the Council in summer 2019 as an Urban Scholar and stayed on as a full-time intern at the end of the program. Through that experience, I gained a foundational understanding of regional policy and planning that I’m excited to continue building upon in my new role!
Other interests
I’m a very active person, so I love trying new sports, workouts, and activities. It’s also a goal of mine to be able to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle without using Google (we’ll see if that ever happens …), so I’ve been working through a book of crossword puzzles throughout the pandemic to build up my skills! Wish me luck!
|
  Forgotten no more
For staff photographer Jeff Syme, the greatest photo is always the next one. And yet sometimes, some great images are never published because they don't fit a current need. But not today. "I've always loved these images that were left behind for various reasons, and I'm glad to share them now," Syme said. "On top, that's Chester, an old fixture on the West Bank, beaming with pride on his new bicycle, gifted by local merchants. What a character! I was leery at first, but the man was so friendly!" Below him, clockwise, are Procurement and Contracts Manager Robert Carey with his new baby in 2016; two kids in the regional parks; former Metro Transit Outreach Specialist Shoua Lee; and a young boy frozen in the deep snow at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. "I made the photo of Shoua Lee in 2011 and never forgot it," Syme said. "Who doesn't love a great hat?"
Looking for your cool photo!
Do you have photos to share? The Wire is always looking for the next cool photo from staff, from a close-up in your flower garden, to scenic vistas up north, to exotic travel adventures, or more artful fare like reflections and silhouettes. The only criteria is that it's a cool photo! Just email the editor at the address below.
The Wire is published every two weeks for employees of the Met Council. Everyone is invited to submit comments and story ideas. Contact the editor at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.
|
