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Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023 was authentic. We heard that word a lot as we completed our internal communications audit over the past nine months. We heard that many of you want more authenticity from your leaders, and you’re looking for more authentic ways to connect with your colleagues. You want to hear what other divisions and departments are working on, meet new employees, celebrate wins together, and to know how we all fit into the larger mission and strategy of the Met Council. You also want to be kept in the loop and hear the truth about what we could do better as an organization.
Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts and insights with us via the survey and focus groups. We received 442 responses to our survey and held 10 focus groups across the organization. Now, we’re strategizing and making changes based on your feedback. In fact, you may have noticed some small changes already.
Change is happening
We realized that many folks do not distinguish between our four internal newsletters – The Wire, HR Connect, ES Update, and Insights – so we’re considering making changes to one or more of them.
For example, several people told us that the identity of The Wire is unclear, so we’re going to make it more inclusive of all divisions and departments across the Met Council. We’re also refreshing design elements and adjusting the questions in The Wire’s staff Q&A column. We’re also connecting with our newsletter partners from Metro Transit Insights, ES Update, and HR Connect to ensure we share content from across the organization and highlight all areas and employees of the Met Council.
Based on your feedback, we will include video, graphics, and new non-leadership voices who we perhaps haven’t heard from before, along with columns from executives. We’re hoping you can help us. Please let us know when you’re working on something that impacts the organization or if you have an idea for an interesting story. Let’s highlight your great work!
In addition, the Communications team is exploring ways to incorporate new digital signage to create eye-catching content, branded templates, and consistency where it is currently missing. Again, thank you for all the content ideas you submitted – you can look forward to seeing those implemented soon.
More cooperation, better communication
The communications audit has opened the door for more communications and conversations. In an effort to promote authenticity and transparency, we supported the last Regional Administration town hall -- modeling it after how our Metro Transit Communications teammates hold their townhalls – and facilitated both pre-submitted and live questions in a hybrid setting. We will continue to look for more ways to connect you with leadership, so you receive important messages, strategies, and plans. We’re hoping to help facilitate information sharing at all levels throughout the organization.
We’re also considering holding yearly internal communications focus groups to learn how we can improve. After all, we want to target the right audiences with accurate, relevant information that connects you to the organization, and your coworkers, more effectively.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a start. If you have further feedback, story ideas, or want to work with us, please send us a note at TheWire@metc.state.mn.us. Let’s keep the communications lines open.
We would also like to thank all the contributors to The Wire and all of our internal newsletters. Your articles, ideas, time, and contributions are greatly appreciated.
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A thought for the day …
"When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak."
– Audre Lorde (1934–1992), American writer, professor, philosopher, poet and civil rights activist.
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In this issue
At the Met Council, we know that an essential part of creating a great place to work is fostering a great workplace culture. But getting a clear, measurable, and well-rounded understanding of culture can be challenging for any organization. That’s why we’re prioritizing a Councilwide Culture Assessment project to get a clearer picture about what’s working and where we can improve.
The first step is the all-staff Culture Survey. The survey will open Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 8 a.m. and close Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. Make plans now to take the survey. It will take you about seven minutes to complete, and will provide critical information about ways we can make the Met Council one of the best places to work. How can we better support you?
The MetNet Survey FAQ page has more detailed information about the survey. Here’s some basic information to help you get ready for when the survey opens next week.
You will receive an email with the survey link from Employee Strategies, a vendor who is administering the survey for the Met Council. Employee Strategies is a small, Minneapolis firm that has extensive expertise in workplace culture. They are using Survey Monkey to conduct the survey and capture feedback. Watch for the email that will come the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 16.
You will receive a postcard at home next week with a QR code you can use to take the survey. There will also be posters and handouts at all Met Council facilities with the QR code so you have easy access to take the survey online or with a smartphone.
You should take the survey on work time. Met Council leadership has arranged for all employees to be able to prioritize taking the schedule during your work time. Metro Transit staff who cannot access a survey during their regular shift will have the opportunity to receive an additional 15 minutes of paid time to complete the survey. (Find specific instructions on the MetNet FAQ page.)
Survey responses are anonymous to the Met Council. Confidentiality is of utmost importance in this process. Employee Strategies will serve as an independent third party to administer and report on the survey. Your responses will not be individually identifiable. In your responses to open-ended questions, please try to avoid identifying specific people or providing information that could identify you or others.
Your voice matters. We need high participation rates to make changes that matter to you. As Chair Charlie Zelle said recently, “We want to make changes. We know we need to make changes, but that only works if we hear from everyone.” Met Council leadership has set ambitious participation rates, because the collective voices of our employees are powerful.
Each work area will have events to encourage participation. High participation could mean additional benefits for work areas. Watch for information about onsite events during the survey period in January. Each area is planning something fun to connect staff and encourage survey participation.
Have questions? For more specific information about the survey and how it will be part of the larger Culture Assessment, visit the MetNet FAQ page. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please email culture@metc.state.mn.us.
Applications for MentoringWorks mentees and mentors open Monday, Jan. 15.
The group will start in April with an in-person kickoff session, during which mentees and mentors will meet, learn about the program, and receive resources for a successful experience.
Over the last six years, MentoringWorks has helped more than 150 participants explore career options, develop professionally, and network with others throughout the Met Council. A past participant wrote, “I would recommend MentoringWorks to anyone searching for a way to gain insight into where they are in their career and how to take the next step toward their goals.”
Those interested in becoming a mentor and a mentee or should apply by Thursday, Feb. 15. To learn more, please attend the final virtual information session on Tuesday, Jan. 23, or visit the MentoringWorks site on MetNet for program information and additional testimonials from past participants.
MentoringWorks Info Session
Tuesday, Jan. 23
2:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
For more information or if you have questions, please email MentoringWorks@metc.state.mn.us.
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The Procurement team is here to support Met Council staff in acquiring goods and services necessary to do their job. In order to adhere to federal, state, and local laws regarding use of public funds, the team uses tools such as the purchasing matrix (PDF) to guide staff through the process.
If you have any questions when using these tools, please feel free to reach out to Procurement. The team is also continuing their quarterly Ask Procurement trainings in 2024.
View a list of trainings in the article below to add them to your calendar.
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The Procurement team is continuing to offer quarterly trainings in 2024 to educate staff on the policies and procedures to procure goods and services at the Met Council. Below is the full schedule for first quarter.
If you are interested in attending one of these virtual Ask Procurement sessions, add the event to your calendar or at the scheduled time use the link below to join on Microsoft Teams. Email Tara Rasch at Tara.Rasch@metc.state.mn.us if you have questions.
Ask Procurement: Contract management 101 Thursday, Jan. 18, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) This training will share project management tools and information on how our new support unit can help.
Ask Procurement: Conflict of interest Thursday, Jan. 25, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) Understand where conflicts occur related to contracts and procurement.
Ask Procurement: Procurement 101 Thursday, Feb. 1, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) I need to purchase something, but what do I do? Learn the rules and procedures of completing procurements at the Met Council.
Ask Procurement: Small purchases Thursday, Feb. 8, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) I need to buy something small – help! Learn when to use a P-Card vs. a requisition.
Ask Procurement: CPV purchases Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) How do I piggyback? Learn how to use approved CPV opportunities.
Ask Procurement: Sole source Thursday, Feb. 22, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) Don’t force a sole source. Understand when, how, and why sole source contracts can be awarded – and when they cannot.
Ask Procurement: MCUB purchases Thursday, Feb. 29, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) Support small and diverse businesses! How to find opportunities for underused organizations.
Ask Procurement: Procurement construction 101 Thursday, March 7, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. (add to calendar or use this link to join) Build it and they will come. Learn the rules around construction solicitations.
Earned sick and safe time policy information
As of Monday, Jan. 1, regular full-time and part-time employees who work at least 80 hours a year in Minnesota are entitled to earned sick and safe time, a form of paid leave, as required by Minnesota Statute 181.9447.
For most employees, the Met Council’s annual leave and sick benefits provide accruals that exceed Minnesota earned sick and safe time requirements and no additional time shall be added to employees’ current accrued leave time bank accruals. Certain employee groups, including interns, will begin to accrue leave Monday, Jan. 1, to meet the law’s requirements.
Questions regarding earned sick and safe time can be directed to your manager or supervisor.
Participate in the next Great Day in Transit
All employees are invited to participate in the next Great Day in Transit on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Throughout the day, participants are encouraged to ride trains and buses to connect with riders and frontline staff. Sign up for a Great Day in Transit. Contact Jeremiah Cox at jeremiah.cox@metrotransit.org for more information.
Employee town hall at North Loop Garage
All employees are invited to join the next Metro Transit town hall, which will be held virtually and in-person from 11:00 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Wednesday, Jan. 10. To attend in person visit the North Loop Garage, Room 104. Questions can be submitted in advanced. A full schedule of Metro Transit town halls can be found on MetNet.
For the Teams link, contact Lindsey Geyer at lindsey.geyer@metrotransit.org.
Stay up to date with Metro Update
Looking to hear more about the fantastic work your colleagues are doing in other departments or divisions? Check out the Met Council's monthly external newsletter, Metro Update.
Read these stories and more in the December issue:
- Met Council grants promote efficient land use in affordable housing developments
- Revised code of conduct, expanded presence will improve rider experience
- Transit-oriented development grants help connect people and place
- 80 cities eligible for grant funding to reduce clear water in the sewer system
- Highway projects increase safety, improve mobility in the region
From the Chair: 2023 Met Council Highlights
As the Met Council’s leader, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in 2023. We’re taking on complex challenges and working in partnership with local governments, community groups, businesses, and residents to solve them. I’d like to share a few highlights from the past year.
Clean water for future generations
Our Environmental Services division treats the wastewater produced by 111 cities in the seven-county metro region. Its mission is to ensure clean water for future generations. And we are accomplishing that mission by building, operating, and maintaining one of the most cost-effective and environmentally safe systems in the nation. Our nine wastewater treatment plants have a combined total of 135 years of perfect compliance with their clean-water-discharge permits.
Read the full December column from Chair Charlie Zelle.
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 A gaggle of geese on a frozen lake
Keep your gaggle over there!
Too close!
Keep away!
Don’t even look at me!
Angry ice geese.
Photo submitted by Scott Smrekar, process manager, Environmental Services.
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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Heather Amsbaugh
Pronouns: she/her/hers
GIS Specialist 3
Information Services
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Primary duties
I collaborate with other workgroups and GIS professionals to create/deliver GIS products, applications, and services. I will be leading GIS projects such as migrating web applications from ArcGIS Web AppBuilder to ArcGIS Experience Builder and supporting other staff as we upgrade our ESRI products.
Started
Nov. 6
What has the transition been like starting this new job?
The transition has been smooth, but there is a lot to learn. I feel very supported and my team has been very effective in getting me the information I need to be successful. It has been fun learning about the organization, and I am excited to be a part of Information Services.
Hometown
I grew up in a variety of places in Minnesota. A large part of my childhood was also spent in Maine.
Current residence
Rogers
Family
I am married and have a cat. I have three sisters that I am very close to and nine nieces and nephews.
Education
I have a Bachelor of Science in secondary science/outdoor education from the University of Minnesota - Duluth, a GIS certificate from Itasca Community College, a Master of Science in data intelligence and geoanalytics, and a GIS certificate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I’m currently completing a certificate for data engineering from Saint Mary’s, as well.
Experience
I worked in the transportation operations asset management division at Hennepin County prior to the Met Council. I did inspection and data collection for the contract drainage and pavement projects, as well as cartography and GIS analysis to assist with programming of pavement maintenance projects.
Other interests
I enjoy spending time with my family, spending time outdoors, traveling, and reading.
Michelle VanDyke
"Shelley" (unless you're mad at me)
Program Technical Specialist
Office of General Counsel
Regional Administration
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Primary duties
I am a paralegal and still learning all my duties. I know I’ll work closely with the team that does the condemnation work, acquires the easements, and property for the light rail and the bus lanes.
Started
Nov. 27
What has the transition been like starting this new job?
It has been great so far. In my past life, I did construction and municipal law so it has been seamless so far, with a few things to learn along the way. It’s been exciting.
Hometown
I grew up in South. St. Paul.
Current residence
Inver Grove Heights
Family
My husband and I have been together since high school. We lived in Kansas City for about five years before we started a family and came back to Minnesota. We have two adult children. My son goes to school in Des Moines where he is studying psychology and art. Our daughter recently left to attend school at University of Northern Iowa where she is pre-med to get her doctorate in physical therapy. We have one very old sheltie, named Brenna, who is 14 years old. We love dogs and have fostered in the past, but after the loss of our chocolate lab, Kinzi, Brenna has decided she is happy being the one and only for a while. I also have an African fat-tailed gecko who loves to hang out on the back of my neck or up my sleeve when I am relaxing.
Education
I have a paralegal degree.
Experience
I started my career in a small construction law firm, and after many years of watching the firm grow, I moved on and landed at a municipal law firm. This is where I learned a great deal about the work that the Met Council does. When the opportunity presented itself, I took another leap to the Met Council, where I hope to stay for a long time!
Other interests
I am a recent empty nester, so I am now just learning what hobbies are! I am a big Harry Potter nerd (I can thank my kids for that!). I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and experiencing new things. I love all sorts of animals.
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A bi-monthly publication for Metropolitan Council employees |
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