LisaBeth Barajas

This document outlines the Action Plan and Performance Report for the Metropolitan Council's FY23 PRO Housing award, addressing the critical need for affordable and accessible housing in the Twin Cities region. The plan focuses on three key strategies: improving policy and planning to facilitate affordable housing development, awarding direct grants to implement local policies and programs that remove housing barriers, and funding the construction of new deeply affordable housing units at 30% AMI. These initiatives aim to enhance regional coordination, streamline development processes, leverage local funding, and ultimately close the affordable housing gap for low- and moderate-income residents.

The meeting began with the Dakota Land, Water, and People Acknowledgment. The agenda was approved without comment. Public invitations addressed ADA compliant tracking technology for Metro Mobility and policies regarding ICE offices/detention centers. Consent business involved ratifying an Emergency Declaration for a red dye material release at the Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant, approving Anoka County's Rice Creek North Regional Trail Long-Range Plan, and authorizing contracts for electrical distribution, engineering services, and mechanical pipefitting services. Amendments to the 2026-2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) were adopted to add an EV charging station project and modifications to a bridge rehabilitation project. The Council also authorized a cooperative agreement with MnDOT for interceptor replacement and approved comprehensive plan amendments for the Cities of Lino Lakes and Dayton. Under non-consent business, the Community Development committee revised local forecasts for multiple cities and townships. The Transportation committee authorized a lease agreement for office space and a Master Utility Agreement for utility relocation costs related to the METRO Blue Line Extension. Information sessions included updates on the Network Now progress for Metro Transit service improvements planned through 2027, and an update on the Safety & Security Action Plan, highlighting the Peer Support Program, TRIP agents, and an upcoming pilot program with Canopy Roots.

This document serves as a comprehensive guide to the transportation planning and programming process in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It details the roles of various participants, including the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and other key agencies. The guide outlines significant transportation-related planning documents, funding mechanisms, and programming processes, such as the Regional Solicitation and Transportation Improvement Program. It also describes supportive activities, including federal and state requirements, ensuring a cooperative, comprehensive, and multimodal approach to regional transportation development.

The Transportation Committee discussed Business Item 2026-58 regarding the authorization to apply for Section 5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This funding is intended to support Transit Link dial-a-ride services for the 2027 calendar year. The proposed action requires the Metropolitan Council to approve Resolution 2026-4. The discussion noted that this item was placed on the Consent list and proceeded as such to the full Council. The rationale provided indicates the action supports Livability by increasing mobility in non-urban portions of the region, advances Stewardship through coordination with MnDOT, and furthers Prosperity by balancing regional investments. The Council anticipates receiving up to $1.7 million in 2027 funding.

The Community Development Committee meeting commenced with the Dakota Land, Water, and People Acknowledgment. Key discussions focused on consent business, which included authorization for the City of Lino Lakes to implement its comprehensive plan amendment and authorization for the City of Dayton to implement its unsewered rural residential interim use comprehensive plan amendment, with advisories issued for both. Under non-consent business, the Committee approved Anoka County's Rice Creek North Regional Trail Long-Range Plan, requiring avoidance of documented grave sites. The committee also approved significant forecast adjustments following the 2025 System Statements, revising local forecasts for multiple cities and townships across various policy areas. An informational session was held regarding the 2026 Community Development Committee Work Plan, where members provided input on potential discussions including the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, resolutions for job growth, and policy flexibility.