District 9
Message from Council Member Diego Morales
Since I was appointed to the Met Council in 2023, I have had the opportunity to connect with communities both in District 9 and across the metro region on a diverse range of policy areas. As the Council member for District 9, I am excited by the progress that we have made together in 2024, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to build a prosperous, equitable and resilient region next year and beyond.
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The Imagine 2050 regional development guide was adopted February 12, 2025. I personally read every comment from District 9 community members and worked to integrate your feedback. I have been fully committed to ensuring that your feedback is not only reflected in the policies but also incorporated into the Met Council's implementation of the guide.
The proposed new water resource recovery facility on the Crow River will reduce energy use and meet advanced sustainability standards.
Forecasts show future growth more toward suburbs.
Metro Gold line will open on March 22, 2025, and will be extended in 2027. This year, we will also open the Metro B and E lines.
Customers can expect reduced transit fares during rush hour in 2025, which is expected to boost ridership.
I’m excited to share updates on a few recent developments at the Met Council. We continue to build and enhance our regional transit network, including expanding our on-demand shared ride service, Metro micro, to serve more customers in more areas. We’re also investing in transit safety and security to improve public safety and the rider experience.
I’d like to highlight the impressive work of our Environmental Services division staff, who work tirelessly to reduce our region’s environmental impacts and ensure clean water for future generations. Because of their efforts, the Met Council remains a national leader in high-quality wastewater treatment and environmental protection. We’ll continue to hold events throughout the region as planning for the expanded Environmental Services capital program ramps up in the coming years. As a member of the Met Council’s Environment Committee, I have a front row seat to their work and a deep appreciation for their efforts.
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We’re also hard at work developing the long-term regional plan, Imagine 2050. It’s the foundational policy document for our region that addresses critical issues across several policy areas, like climate, equity, natural systems, public health, safety and wellbeing. As the Met Council begins implementation throughout 2025, I am excited about what comes next as we work together to shape how our region grows over the next 30 years.
 Following completion of the guide, we’ll work collaboratively with local governments, business partners, and community members to implement the plan while ensuring alignment between their community’s vision and regional policy.
I am keenly interested in how the regional development guide can ensure we collectively meet the goals of a prosperous, equitable, and resilient region by aligning community planning with critical infrastructure like wastewater treatment, transportation networks, and public transit.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with staff, local governments, and community leaders to build a collaborative vision for our region’s future, with abundant opportunities for all to live, work, play, and thrive.
Throughout 2024, I had the pleasure of visiting cities throughout District 9 to meet local officials. I always enjoy learning more about communities, hearing from local leaders about their priorities, and discussing how we can work together to align local vision with regional goals. I look forward to continuing to meet with communities throughout the district in 2025 and bringing their perspectives to my work at the Met Council.
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As always, please feel welcome to reach out if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Diego Morales
Metropolitan Council Member | District 9
390 Robert Street North, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Diego.Morales@metc.state.mn.us
Phone: 651-602-1727
Cell: 651-341-4454
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