Over the last several months, my office has regularly communicated updates about the Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction project, the largest public infrastructure investment in Ward 10. To fully understand my perspective and the timeline of this project, please see my past newsletters from May 19th, 2022, June 9th, 2022, and June 17th, 2022.
After the Council approved (in an 8-5 vote including the Chair of the PWI Committee, the President of the Council, and one of the Councilmembers that represents the corridor) a layout that included 24/7 bus lanes, that layout was vetoed by the Mayor on June 17. On June 30, the Council voted to override the Mayor’s veto and missed the 9-vote threshold by 1 vote.
Because of this, along with the passage of Question 1 last year which has resulted in a strong mayor government structure, I’ve spent the last few weeks negotiating with Mayor Frey and his administration on the future of the Hennepin Ave Reconstruction Project. These negotiations have led to a Resolution coming to PWI Committee today for discussion and approval. My office has been in regular communication with advocacy organizations throughout the negotiation process. The Resolution represents as far as I was able to get the Mayor to move on this issue.
It will take a majority of committee members – 4 votes – to advance an item to the next Council meeting, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 4, for final action.
From the very beginning, I’ve championed – and exhausted every legislative and strategic tool in service of – 24/7 bus lanes. My public remarks and legislative actions, my colleagues, and anyone in the administration will tell you that I fought fiercely every step of the way for the 10,000 residents who live along the corridor, economic vitality and small businesses, transit access and transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists.
With the support of the Mayor, Director Anderson Kelliher, and Chair Johnson, this Resolution on the Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction Project:
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Approves the layout submitted by the Public Works Department
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States that the Council supports an operational plan that contributes to the goals of the Arterial Bus Rapid Transit Program and the goals of Transportation Action Plan including a mode share of 25% of trips by transit in 2030, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80% by 2050, and an annual reduction in vehicles miles traveled of 1.8%
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Agrees to and ensures that each direction of the reconstructed Hennepin Ave corridor will have a minimum of six (6) hours of dedicated transit and emergency vehicle-only lane use between 6AM and 7PM on day one of operations
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Supports a plan to provide up to 24 hours of operation for prioritized transit lanes based on data analysis, metrics, and service availability agreed upon by the City and Metro Transit
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All-day or 24-hour operations will not begin for at least 24 months after completion of construction due to necessary data analysis
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Data analysis will be provided to the Council on a quarterly basis to assist with policymaking and oversight
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Supports an operational plan with enforcement strategies to ensure that transit priority lanes operate as intended
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Supports the formation of an Area Parking Management Task Force that includes City staff, commercial (business/landlord), and residential stakeholders
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Supports the Task Force in identifying strategies and locations for implementing active curbside management and parking strategies along and adjacent to the Hennepin Avenue corridor between Douglas Avenue and Lake Street
This Resolution isn’t perfect, nor is it the outcome I wanted. I’ve been very transparent about my goal of 24/7 bus lanes on this corridor, and it’s what I will continue to advocate for. To the thousands of residents who organized over the last 4 years for dedicated transit; who sat through dozens of open houses; who did the hard work of talking to transit riders, pedestrians, patrons, and neighbors and moving them to take action; who filled out public comment cards or called and emailed policymakers – thank you for your work. Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into imagining and fighting for a better, more connected, and more accessible world. I am sorry that this is the best outcome we can get in this moment.
My office has received over 3500 emails and hundreds of calls on the Hennepin Avenue South Reconstruction Project. We’ve also participated in 50 meetings and 10 walks along the corridor. To me, this speaks to the level of importance this project has, not only for my office and Ward 10 residents but to others who live, work, and play on this corridor too. This project is also precedent-setting, charting the path for future street reconstruction projects.
This Resolution provides a path forward, which is important to keep this project moving. There will be more actions from City Council to come regarding Hennepin Avenue. Please continue to reach out to our office if you have additional questions, concerns, or comments. It is our commitment to be transparent with residents as we navigate decisions that greatly impact our communities.
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