Calling it a "bold move" on behalf of transit and the regional economy, local elected officials  ̶  including Shakopee Mayor Brad Tabke  ̶  joined with Council Chair Sue Haigh to cast their support for a quarter-cent sales tax for transit proposed in the governor's budget. Local officials say it's a commitment to transit that is long overdue and will help fuel the region's economy.

The Council is taking public comments on amending the region's Transportation Policy Plan (TPP) to include light rail transit for the Bottineau Corridor in Hennepin County, and to include additional arterial bus rapid transit corridors throughout the metro area. A public meeting is tonight, March 7, and a public hearing is set for March 11. Details on the TPP amendments and meetings.

The Council's Transportation Advisory Board is receiving public comments on a draft amendment to the 2013-2016 Transportation Improvement Program. The proposed amendment includes 74 new projects, using $159 million in funding, chosen through the TAB's regional solicitation process for construction in years 2015-16. See list of projects.

According to economic indicators tracked annually by Council Research staff, the metro area appears to be fundamentally strong and competitive. As the nation's 13th largest metropolitan economy, the Twin Cities area enjoys a balanced mix of industry, a well-prepared workforce, and some productivity and cost advantages. Read the latest MetroStats.

MnDOT has awarded a total of $11 million to Metro Transit for development of Arterial Bus Rapid Transit on Snelling Avenue and on West 7th Street in St. Paul. The funding represents about 25% of the overall cost of these transitways. With improvements like off-board fare collection, upgraded stations, fewer stops and more frequent service, ridership is projected to double in the corridors by 2030. Read more about arterial BRT plans.

A recent story in The Line, a publication that "tells the story of the new economy in the Twin Cities" region, discusses how cities like Edina are making great strides in becoming more friendly to biking and walking. Read more about what suburban communities are doing to promote biking and walking.