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I write to you today to share some bittersweet news. I have decided to step down from the Metropolitan Council for personal and professional reasons. Since my early days on the Metropolitan Council, I have felt a strong commitment and responsibility to the people and communities of this district. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served as the District 6 Metropolitan Council member for the past two and a half years, and it was an immense honor to have been selected by Governor Walz for this position. I’ve enjoyed serving and meeting many of you at community events, city council meetings, and in the past year and a half, virtual meetings!
I am proud of many accomplishments achieved during my tenure at the Met Council. One of those is the establishment of the Parks Equity Grant program. This year, with the partnership of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission (MPOSC), we dedicated more than $2 million to various regional parks agencies for 23 projects that will strengthen equitable usage of regional parks and trails by all our region's residents, across age, race, ethnicity, income, national origin, and ability. Increasing the diversity of park users is one of the passions that I was able to work on at the Metropolitan Council, and I have loved serving as the Council liaison to MPOSC and working on this grant program.
The Metropolitan Council is essential to our region. The regional approach of our work is crucial. There is more work to be done, especially on racial equity issues, and I am committed to continuing to be engaged in some key areas of work that the Council is leading. The Metropolitan Council has created work groups to look at various issues, including taking action on climate change and addressing public safety on our transit system. I look forward to continuing to engage in conversations about these critical topics.
My last day with the Metropolitan Council will be October 7. Soon the Open Appointments process will begin to search for a new representative for District 6, and I encourage anyone interested to apply! In the meantime, I am confident our staff will ensure that District 6 resident voices are heard at the Council. Until the new District 6 Council Member is appointed, please reach out to Hannah Pallmeyer, Community Relations Specialist, at District6@metc.state.mn.us.
Again, it has been a privilege to serve as your Metropolitan Council Member.
Sincerely,
Lynnea Atlas-Ingebretson |
