Metro Update: Development grants, new staff leader, transit code of conduct, and more

Metropolitan Council sent this bulletin at 12/20/2023 10:56 AM CST

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2023: Year of progress on several fronts

Charlie Zelle

As I sat down to reflect on what the Met Council accomplished in the past year, every example had its roots in goals set in previous years or discussions we’re engaged in for future projects. I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in 2023 to help ensure a prosperous future for our region. Catch up on some of the highlights.

Ryan O'Connor to lead Met Council staff

Portrait of Ryan O-Connor, incoming Met council regional administrator

The Met Council has named Ryan O'Connor its next regional administrator, the top staff position for the agency. Ryan comes to the Met Council from Ramsey County, where he has served as county manager since 2018. Learn more about this key appointment.

More news & events

metrocouncil.org

Dec. 20 | 2023

Met Council grants promote efficient land use in affordable housing developments

The Met Council this month awarded nearly $10 million in grants for projects that promote efficient development, affordable housing, economic opportunities, and jobs. Recipient cities for this round of Livable Communities grants include Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Edina, Maplewood, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. Read about the eight projects.

 

 Artist rendering of Maplewood apartment building.

Revised code of conduct, expanded presence will improve rider experience

Community service officer issues a citation to a rider.

After extensive outreach, the Met Council this month adopted an updated Code of Conduct that outlines expected behaviors on transit and will be prominently displayed on vehicles and at stations. The code reminds riders of requirements like having a paid fare and using no more than one seat. It also includes prohibited behaviors like eating on transit, harassment, and playing music or phone calls through a speaker. Learn more about the updated Code of Conduct.

 

Transit-oriented development grants help connect people and place

Artist rendering of apartment building

Buses and trains not only drive you to where you’re going, they help drive the economy by getting people to work, shopping locations, and other destinations. They also help to drive decisions about where development goes. This month, the Met Council awarded nearly $5 million in Livable Communities grants to three communities to develop affordable housing and create job opportunities along some of the region’s major transit corridors. Read about the four projects.

 

80 cities eligible for grant funding to reduce clear water in the sewer system

Worker repairs maintenance hole

The Met Council is continuing its successful partnership with cities to keep stormwater and groundwater out of the regional wastewater system. Over time, wastewater flows have remained steady or gone down despite population growth and increased rainfall. Our 2023 Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program will leverage $12 million in state funding to repair leaky pipes and maintenance holes, and make other improvements to public wastewater infrastructure. Eligible cities may apply through Jan. 26, 2024. 

 

Highway projects increase safety, improve mobility in the region

Vehicles on a divided highway.

Increasing safety and mobility on the regional highway system are two key goals of transportation policy at the Met Council. In December, we added five major road projects to planned transportation investments that will help achieve these goals. Two projects will begin construction in 2024; three more are also fully funded but have a longer timetable before construction begins. Learn more about the projects.

 

After losing vision, passenger brings new perspective to transit accessibility

Visually impaired MOA passenger

After Annie Young lost her vision several years ago, she saw transit as key to maintaining her independence. So, she made it her mission to do what she could to help it feel safer to get around on buses and trains. Her feedback led to improvements at the Mall of America Transit Station that make navigating easier for blind and visually impaired customers. Read how Annie worked with Doug Cook, a Metro Transit outreach coordinator, to find solutions.