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Charlie Zelle
Met Council Chair
When the Legislature created the Metropolitan Council more than 55 years ago, they were inspired by the conditions in our region to imagine a better, coordinated way forward. We were given the challenge to consider the long-term future of our communities. In order to effectively apply that long-term lens, we need to be able to imagine what is possible in the future.
I would say that after the past several years – from the pandemic, to economic and social challenges, to the ever-growing impacts of climate change – we have experienced some new things that may have broadened our capacity to imagine what can happen.
Scientists say that our imaginations are fed by letting our minds wander to places where we can envision both what we hope is possible, as well as what we fear is possible. In creating long-range plans, we need both the innovation and expectation that live in our imagination.
That’s why it feels right to capture the power of imagination with the name of our 2050 Regional Development Guide – Imagine 2050: The Region’s Plan for an Equitable and Resilient Future.
Now, I know there are probably some skeptics out there who think imagining is just a pie-in-the-sky mindset. But I’m here to tell you it’s grounded in our policymaking philosophy and our initial phases of engagement. Our Council members have high expectations that require all of us to be creative, to step outside our comfort zones. That means, we must engage our imaginations.
The other thing we know is that when we ask people to think big-picture and imagine the community we want in the future, they are ready to go there. There are overwhelmingly big challenges that we face in partnership with our communities. If we stay in the current context, it feels like an insurmountable list of what-ifs and how-on-earths. If we give ourselves the distance of a few years into the future and pair that with the possibility of providing something for our children, our grandchildren, and our communities, we can imagine.
So let’s imagine the region of the future.
Work on the 2050 Regional Development Guide and the accompanying policy and system plans has been ramping up this year as we get closer to setting clearer expectations for 2050. Over the next year as we continue to engage with residents of this region, our plan will solidify, followed by more formal public engagement late next summer. We anticipate approving the 2050 plan before the end of 2024.
The final product will reflect imaginative solutions for today’s challenges but will be far from imaginary. We will be setting policy and investment direction for the region’s future. This will guide our work and our partners’ work for years to come.
A big thank you to those staff who have been working to create the 2050 Regional Development Guide. Your insights and commitment to engaging our local government and community partners is already making a difference.
It’s time we had a name to ground that work – so from here on out, we’ll be calling it Imagine 2050, just like we called our 2040 plan Thrive MSP 2040.
Each of you, as employees of the Met Council, play a critical role in both creating this plan and putting it into practice. You support the information that guides the plan’s expectations, you help our partners in local government interpret these expectations, and you implement these expectations through our service to the people of this region. This will be our guiding document for long- and short-term planning in the years ahead. We encourage you to engage with this process and Imagine 2050 along with your neighbors and colleagues.
I’m looking forward to what we can imagine together.
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A thought for the day …
"Everything you can imagine is real." – Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer
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In this issue
When recreational marijuana becomes law in Minnesota on Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Met Council’s drug and alcohol policies for Department of Transportation (DOT) and non-DOT safety-sensitive employees still apply.
The use of, impairment by, or possession of marijuana while on Met Council premises or while performing Met Council work is prohibited for all employees, including both non-safety-sensitive employees and safety-sensitive employees.
Employees in positions governed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are still required to follow federal law on possession and use of marijuana.
Policies regarding non-safety-sensitive employees will be reviewed and updated in accordance with Minnesota law and existing federal regulations.
For more information, review the relevant policies on MetNet:
If you are unsure which policies apply to your position, please talk to your supervisor or use the new Occupational Health request form.
The Communications department invites you to complete a survey on the Met Council’s internal communications strategy.
The survey is designed to gather your thoughts and opinions on various internal communication channels and tools, such as the four internal newsletters (The Wire, ES Update, HR Connect and Insights), digital signage, bulletin boards, MetNet, and more. Its primary objective is to gain insights into the effectiveness of our current communication methods and identify opportunities to better meet your communications needs.
It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and we ask you to respond by Friday, Aug. 11.
We encourage you to provide detailed feedback in comment boxes, when prompted, to help us gain a deeper understanding of your needs and preferences. Your feedback will be treated with confidentiality, and your individual responses will remain anonymous. We assure you that your participation is voluntary, and your input will be aggregated with others to maintain anonymity. Your participation is highly valued. Thank you in advance for your insights!
Throughout the coming weeks, we will be reaching out to different departments and work units to participate in voluntary focus groups. If you’re interested in participating in a focus group, please complete a short interest form.
Thirty-three years ago on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. This historic civil rights law protects the rights of people with disabilities and guarantees the same opportunities as everyone else including employment opportunities, state and local government programs, and to purchase goods and services.
Over the last several years, the Met Council has conducted several initiatives to improve physical and digital accessibility across the organization, including conducting an evaluation of all our facilities in 2019. This evaluation identified barriers that are being addressed in larger Met Council projects, as well as establishing an ADA Transition Plan that is updated annually.
The Met Council has also made significant changes to its digital and document accessibility practices that impact staff and community members with and without disabilities. Some changes include updated document templates, alt text on social media images, audio description in videos, and trainings on ableism and Deaf culture.
Connect with others on social media using the hashtags #ThanksToTheADA and #ADA33 and find ADA anniversary events and more information on the ADA National Network website.
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 Nearly 80 managers and staff from across the Met Council came together to attend one of four recent Climate Action Work Plan training sessions. Pictured above, participants engaged in discussion about the plan’s commitments and strategies at the July 19 training at North Loop Garage.
The Met Council's Climate Action Work Plan is an internally focused, agency-wide plan to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and adapt our facilities and operations to be more resilient in the face of growing climate change risks and hazards. The plan is part of implementing the Minnesota Climate Action Framework, a key priority of the Walz-Flanagan administration.
The Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity and Human Resources will host the Met Council’s management conference this October. The conference – part of the Met Council’s Affirmative Action Plan – is required for all general managers, directors, managers, and supervisors.
Once again, the Leadership Forum will be centered around one topic. And after going virtual in 2021 during the pandemic, we are excited to be back holding this event in person.
Save the date
All managers and supervisors will participate in the conference, choosing from one of two dates. The event will be held at the RiverCentre in downtown Saint Paul, and lunch will be provided.
2023 Leadership Forum on Sexual Harassment
All managers and supervisors
Pick one: Monday, Oct. 23, or Tuesday, Oct. 24
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saint Paul RiverCentre
Conference materials and session information will be posted in a SharePoint site for attendees to review resources before and after the event.
Invitations to register for one of the two conference dates will be sent in mid-August.
Pre-event assignment
All attendees must complete a short online course in Learn before the conference. This assignment will give everyone a baseline understanding of sexual harassment, allowing the conference information and discussions to go deeper into this important topic.
Managers and supervisors will be assigned the pre-event training in Learn in August, shortly before conference registration invites are sent. It will be due in October.
For questions or more information, email LeadershipForum@metc.state.mn.us.
Last year, more than 2,000 employees from across the Met Council attended the first Employee Forum on Racial Equity, engaging in this topic with bravery and thoughtful reflection. The Met Council is committed to continuing this work and aligning our behaviors and actions with our values and goals.
Every other month in 2023, we are rolling out resources in The Wire to help facilitate this effort, with a new topic and set of tools each time. Past topics have included having difficult conversations, microaggressions in the workplace, and unconscious bias. For details on past topics, visit the MetNet home page.
Topic 4: Self-care practice
Self-care refers to a wide range of activities, practices, and habits we engage in to care for ourselves. Caring for ourselves is vital and helps us bring focus, balance, and mindfulness to our lives; helps us to better navigate our work challenges; and equips us to build up our equity muscles.
Self-care is unique to everyone, and there isn't one single formula. It is not an emergency plan to be activated when feeling overwhelmed. It should be practiced daily before things become overwhelming.
This month’s resources can help us stay grounded, incorporate self-care practices in our daily lives, and find mental health providers.
Please take a few minutes to explore these resources on the Employee Forum site, in the “Topic 4” folder of the “Continued Learning Series” tab:
- Six self-care activities
- Three types of grounding
- Culturally responsive mental health providers
- Self-care management worksheet
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In The Wire's second issue of the month, you'll find updates on cultural and heritage events. This feature aims to increase cultural awareness, foster inclusivity, and engage all Met Council employees. Special thanks to the Cultural and Heritage Embracement Committee and employee resource groups for providing content. For information or suggestions regarding cultural holidays or events, please email Suidi Hashi, associate outreach coordinator in Environmental Services, at Suidi.Hashi@metc.state.mn.us.
Holidays this month
Somali Independence Day
Somali Independence Day, which took place on July 1, celebrates the unification of the two colonial territories: British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland. Celebrations of this day can include flag hoisting, parades, award ceremonies, and singing of patriotic songs. Learn more about Somali Independence Day.
Fourth of July (Independence Day)
This federal holiday on July 4 commemorates the United States' independence from Great Britain and the adoption by all 13 colonies of the Declaration of Independence. Festivities can include parades, fireworks, outdoor barbecues, and get-togethers with friends and family. Learn more about the Fourth of July.
Bastille Day
A French national day marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. Celebrations can include fireworks, parades, and parties. French troops have marched every year since 1880 along the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Visit the Bastille Day page to learn more.
Hijri New Year
Hijri New Year's Day marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year. The date of this event, which took place on July 18 and July 19 this year, changes every year and can vary in different countries. Celebrations and customs can include prayers and religious acts of worship. Learn more about Hijri New Year on MetNet.
August celebrations
Other upcoming events include:
Melvin Saballos
Pronouns: he/him/his
Development, Security and Operations
Information Services
Melvin is a second-year student at Dunwoody College of Technology working toward his Associate of Applied Science degree in web development and database programming. This summer, he is interning in the Information Services department, assisting with projects such as application development and security.
Melvin said that he uses the Met Council’s services frequently, so it is exciting to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.
“I've been using Metro Transit for a longtime,” he said. “When I was in high school, I rode the bus every day to school. Now, being on the other side and working to support the Met Council is awesome.”
He also expressed gratitude for how kind and welcoming Met Council staff have been to him.
Outside of his internship, Melvin loves making music. He especially enjoys collaborating with other musicians in the talented Twin Cities music scene. You can also find him hanging out with his cat, watching movies, and eating out too often.
Add Melvin on LinkedIn
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Anika Whittington
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Community Outreach and Public Art Administration
Metro Transit
Anika is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse studying public health and community health education. As a community outreach and public art administration intern, Anika assists the Community Affairs department with outreach and engagement efforts related to programs within Metro Transit.
Recently, she has helped create newsletters and webpage updates for the Network Now project. Within the Public Art division, she has assisted with the creation and implementation of internal and external art tours along the METRO Blue and Green lines.
Reflecting on her time with the Met Council so far, Anika says she has appreciated the hands-on experience in community engagement.
“Communicating with community stakeholders and supporting project development has enabled me to expand my leadership skills and learn more about making engagement efforts with various communities,” she said. “Acting as a guide on art tours has gifted me with a wealth of information regarding public art and the ways in which it enriches and reflects communities near transit stations.”
Anika’s passion for her community is evident outside of her internship, too. She holds an executive position with her university’s environmental justice group, where she teaches others about sustainability. Additionally, she enjoys walking, gardening, thrifting, reading, and making her own clothes and jewelry.
Add Anika on LinkedIn
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Benefits webinar rescheduled to July 26
The Benefits series webinar on preventive care was rescheduled from last week to tomorrow, July 26. It will focus on why many of us don’t utilize the free preventive care visits within the health and dental plan.
Guest speakers will include the plan administrator, HealthPartners, and our benefit consultant, AON. The discussion will include the financial costs, as well as health costs.
Benefits series: The Cost of Preventive Care
Wednesday, July 26
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
An Outlook calendar invitation was sent to all staff. These events are open-house style, so join as you can and bring all your questions.
Ask HR session on July 27 canceled
The Ask HR session on Perform tasks that was scheduled for Thursday, July 27, has been canceled. A cancelation Outlook calendar notification has been sent to those who RSVP'd.
New way to request occupational health support
The Occupational Health unit in Human Resources has created an online request form on MetNet to better serve Met Council staff who have questions and need occupational health support. This will lead to a better customer experience for staff and an easier process for Occupational Health team members to respond to inquiries in the order they are received.
Employees should now use this new request form instead of emailing the Occupational Health inbox.
State Fair: Four Park & Rides, mobile app incentive, headway service test
Last year, Metro Transit brought people to and from the fairgrounds from three Park & Rides. This year, the list will grow to four.
State Fair Express Bus service will return to the 95th Avenue Park & Ride in Blaine when the fair opens on Thursday, Aug. 24. Buses will also serve the County Road 73 Park & Ride in Minnetonka, the Cottage Grove Park & Ride, and the 30th Ave. Park & Ride in Bloomington.
Buses will run every half hour from 9 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
Route 3 and the METRO A Line also serve the fairgrounds. Amid congestion on Snelling Avenue, Metro Transit will gather data to learn more about headway-based service versus schedule-based service. Headway-based service maintains the distance between buses instead of using time as a measure of reliability.
Customers can still expect to pay $6 for cash fares. However, Metro Transit hopes customers prefer to save a dollar by using the Metro Transit app to receive a $5 fare. The app streamlines boarding and provides ridership data.
Operators interested in State Fair service should speak with their managers.
More information will be available at metrotransit.org/statefair beginning Tuesday, Aug. 1.
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 Capturing beauty from every angle
Julia Quehl, program evaluation and audit manager, attended a photography class at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska on June 21, the summer solstice. From learning how to master soft and hard lighting to perfecting composition, she captured the beauty of the rose and sculpture gardens, pictured above.
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, to more artful fare like reflections and silhouettes. The only criteria is that it's a cool photo! Email the editor at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us.
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Dusty Kenkel
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
IT Service Owner
Information Services
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Primary duties
As an IT service owner, most of my work right now revolves around facilitating the transition of my assigned services to the Service Portfolio Management model. My focus in the near-term future is on capturing the state of where those services are now, which puts me in touch with various Met Council business representatives and function owners.
Started
May 22
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
I find that the mix of working from home combined with time in the shared office on team days suits my work style and my responsibilities. I’ve worked for fully remote/distributed teams that were spread across time zones before, so it’s not a huge shift in work style for me!
Hometown
Stafford, Virginia (just outside Quantico; one hour south of Washington, D.C.)
Current residence
Just south of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis!
Family
My spouse, Pam, works in UX research and design for a federal government contractor, and we moved to the Twin Cities with our dogs in June 2022. If you catch me on a Teams meeting when I’m at home, there’s a good chance at least one of our pups will wander into the frame!
Education
American University in Washington, D.C.
Bachelor of Arts, print journalism
University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia
Master of Library and Information Studies
Experience
Most of my work experience is in academic libraries. My work in that field involved system design and administration, digital asset and metadata management, and data migrations. Before I started with the Met Council, I managed data and content operations for a small startup in the library/archives space.
Other interests
Biking (I commute by bike from Minneapolis to the office in Saint Paul), gardening, tabletop gaming, classic film, sci-fi television (Deep Space 9 is our favorite), baking, and reading! My spouse and I both used to be librarians, so our home is absolutely stuffed to the gills with books.
Bryce Fischer
Pronouns: he/him/his
Applications Developer 3
Information Services
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Primary duties
My focus will be on supporting Microsoft Dynamics 365 customer relationship management (CRM) and related Microsoft Power Platform applications.
Started
July 3
How does it feel to start a new job when many employees are working from home?
It's worked out great for me, but I also have experience working remotely pre-pandemic, and the way technology has evolved allows us all to be very connected no matter where people work.
Hometown
South Saint Paul
Current residence
Eagan
Family
My wife, Darcy, and our German shorthaired pointer, Molly
Education
Winona State University
Experience
I have more than 15 years of experience supporting CRM technologies and six years with Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM. I worked in a smaller organization prior to the Met Council and had the opportunity to support most of the core Microsoft 365 cloud-based technologies and services, as well.
Other interests
Enjoying time with friends and family. That may be catching a Wild game at the Xcel Energy Center, checking out one of the many breweries in the state, going on a hike at a state or regional park, heading to the cabin or North Shore, or just relaxing on our patio.
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A bi-monthly publication for Metropolitan Council employees |
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