The idea of expanding the influence of the metropolitan planning organization in Minnesota's Twin Cities region has been around for a while. But increasing growth and congestion may finally push the idea forward.
"A serious push is needed to bring those counties under the influence of the Metropolitan Council or lure them into another form of coordinated planning, said numerous speakers Monday at a conference of regional leaders."
"Expanding the council's reach into surrounding counties has been batted about for many years but seldom, if ever, with quite the public intensity of Monday's session."
"One of the main concerns within the inner metro is that surrounding counties are adding new housing and therefore commuters without any overall coordination, meaning they are being piled on top of already congested roadways without regard to the long term."
"The Metropolitan Council, which has modest taxing authority, oversees growth in the Twin Cities area, while providing various services. Cities within its jurisdiction benefit from a number of those services, such as transit and waste treatment, but are also subject to certain restrictions, at times controversially so. The cities may not, for instance, get expensive water and sewer service unless they agree to a certain amount of density in housing developments."
FULL STORY: How far a reach for Metropolitan Council?
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Since Zion's Shuttles Went Electric “The Smog is Gone”
Visitors to Zion National Park can enjoy the canyon via the nation’s first fully electric park shuttle system.
Trump Distributing DOT Safety Funds at 1/10 Rate of Biden
Funds for Safe Streets and other transportation safety and equity programs are being held up by administrative reviews and conflicts with the Trump administration’s priorities.
German Cities Subsidize Taxis for Women Amid Wave of Violence
Free or low-cost taxi rides can help women navigate cities more safely, but critics say the programs don't address the root causes of violence against women.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie