A great place to live, work, and enjoy

The future of our region depends on what we do today. Regional planning drives affordable housing, cleaner water, protected green spaces, convenient transportation, and much more. But no community, city, or township can make that sort of impact on its own.

We rely on relentless and strategic collaboration between local officials, business leaders, government officials, community advocates, and residents to ensure the region remains a great place for everyone. Together, we plan, work on policies, and provide essential services to improve everyday life for those who live, work, and visit here.

EXAMPLES OF HOW WE DRIVE GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY

Safe, affordable housing

The Oasis at Twin Lakes in Roseville
The Oasis is a 500-unit affordable housing complex that showcases how strategic partnership and planning can address the regional housing crisis. Supported by the Livable Communities Act Program – which has invested over $553 million in metro-area communities since 1995 – the project received more than $4 million to clean up contaminated land to make the area safe for housing development.

Abundant, accessible parks and trails

Lake Waconia Regional Park
The park – which includes the picturesque and historic Coney Island of the West – is one example of a valuable community asset that balances recreation with natural preservation. Through investments, the popular park now offers a wider range of outdoor activities and amenities for its visitors, demonstrating the positive impact of thoughtful regional development.

Thoughtful land stewardship

Land, Water, and People Acknowledgement
More than just words, the Met Council acts on its commitments to Tribal Nations in the region. Recently, the Met Council adopted a Land, Water, and People Acknowledgement written by its American Indian Advisory Council. It recognizes the sovereignty of Tribal Nations and ensures that they remain active contributors when deciding what happens to regional land.

Clean water for future generations

White Bear Lake working group
Our White Bear Lake working group is an example of how we convene community and government partners to both protect our region’s waters over the long-term and ensure sufficient, safe drinking water as the northeast metro grows.

A reliable, connected transportation system

Bruce Vento Elementary School
We emphasize safe roads, safe vehicles, safe speeds, and keeping all users safe. Recently, we used federal and regional funds to help communities add curb extensions and crosswalks, such as those pictured at Bruce Vento Elementary in Saint Paul. They encourage driver awareness in the neighborhood, so children can walk to and from school more safely.