Archived News
2020
December 22, 2020
Metro Cities' Legislative Session Preview - Please Join Us!
Blue Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Council Releases Findings
Metropolitan Council Committee Recommends Tax Base Revitalization Awards
December 18, 2020
Governor Walz Modifies and Extends Commercial Activities Pause
Employer and Employee Assistance Package Signed Into Law
Minnesota Housing Announces 2020 Housing Funding Awards
TAB Approves Regional Solicitation
Metro Transit's Network Next Seeks Public Input
Mark Your Calendar! Legislative Session Preview y
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
December 11, 2020
Save the Date! Metro Cities Legislative Session Preview
House, Senate Review COVID-Relief Proposals in Advance of December Special Session
Metropolitan Council Passes 2021 Budget
Public Comment Period for TMA Certification Open
Local Road Improvement Program Grant Application Now Open
MnDOT Releases HUTDF/MSA Fund Update
2021 Virtual Brownfield Basics Course
December 04, 2020
November Budget Forecast Shows Surplus
City 2021-2030 Housing Goals for Livable Communities Proposed - Public Hearing Set
House and Senate Name 2021-22 Committee Chairs
COVID-19 Housing Assistance Fund Applications Due MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Funding Now Available - Applications Due February 1
TAC Sends Regional Solicitation Recommendations to TAB, Names New Chair
Shared Mobility Collaborative Convening Invitation
MPCA Recycling Market Development Projects Grants Announced
Metro Cities Accepting Applications for TAB/TAC Openings
November 20, 2020
Metro Cities 2021 Legislative Policies Adopted by Membership
New Executive Order Further Restricts Gatherings
TAB Considers Regional Solicitation Funding Scenarios
TPP Adopted by the Met Council
TAB/TAC Solicitation
Metropolitan Council Amends 2020 Distribution Plan for Low-Income Housing
Housing Assistance Funds Remain Available, Deadline Expected Soon
MHFA Funding Announcements Expected in December
November 13, 2020
Governor's Blue Ribbon Committee Holds Fourth Meeting
November 19 Policy Adoption Meeting is Next Week!
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Adopts Update to the TPP
Governor's Powers Remain After November 12 Special Session
Executive Order Tightens Social Settings
Governor Rescinds Local Government Reporting Requirements Suspension
Share Your City's Housing Stories and Successes
November 6, 2020
Reminder: CRF Spending Reports Due November 10
RSVP for November 19 Policy Adoption Meeting!
Elections Shift Several Legislative Seats - Split Majorities Maintained
Metropolitan Council Approves Livable Communities Demonstration Account (LCDA) Awards
TAC Discusses Regional Solicitation Funding Scenarios
Governor Walz Appoints Department of Revenue Commissioner
October 30, 2020
Metro Cities Provides Testimony to Blue Ribbon Committee on the Metropolitan Council
November 19th Policy Adoption Meeting: Mark Your Calendar!
Metropolitan Council Releases 2021 Draft Budget for Public Comment
MnDOT Releases Municipal State Aid (MSA) Needs Report
Metropolitan Council Plans Purchase of Council-Owned Housing Unit
October 23, 2020
Metro Cities 2021 Draft Legislative Policies
House Committee Reviews Economic Costs of Racism
Senate Committees Review 2020 Riots Report
October 16, 2020
Metro Draft 2021 Legislative Policies
Legislature Passes Capital Investment Bill
Governor's Blue-Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Council Structure Holds Its Third Meeting
Metropolitan Council Receives Legislative Water Report and Clean Water Council Funding Update
October 09, 2020
CRF Report Reminder
Special Session Scheduled for October 12
Metro Cities Board of Directors Approves 2021 Legislative Policies
Livable Communities Program Reviewed; Four Metro Projects Recommended to Receive LCDA-TOD Awards
State Increases Restaurant Table Size to 10 Diners
Housing Assistance Funds Remain Available
TAC Begins Regional Solicitation Scoring Discussion
October 02, 2020
Governor's Blue-Ribbon Committee on Metropolitan Governance
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Update
2021 Legislative Policies Update
September 25, 2020
Updated Federal FAQ - Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF)
2020 Policy Committees
Metropolitan Water Supply and Water Programs Updates
Metropolitan Council, Metro HRA Apply for Mobility Demonstration Program Funds
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Plat Monitoring Report -- Shows Increased Density
September 18, 2020
Third Round of Policy Committees Next Week
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Approves TIP
TAB Approves ABRT Delay, Receives Regional Solicitation Update
September 11, 2020
Fourth Special Session of 2020 Begins Friday
Updates: CRF Requirements and Guidance
State August Revenues Tick Upward
Metropolitan Council Committee Approves 2021 Public Housing Plan
September 4, 2020
MnDOT Releases New Trunk Highway Bridge Guidance
TAC Recommends ABRT Project Selection Moved to April
August 28, 2020
New CRF Reporting Requirements for Local Governments
New COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program
Metropolitan Council Passes Preliminary Budget and Levy
Additional $300 Weekly Lost Wage Assistance for Unemployed Minnesotans
Governor Establishes Committee to Study Metropolitan Council
August 21, 2020
Metropolitan Council Community Development Committee Discusses 2021 Budget
MN Brownfields Accepting Applications for Brownfield Redevelopment Awards
TAB Approves TIP, Hears Updates on ABRT and Regional Solicitation
August 14, 2020
August Policy Committees Meet Next Week
State Revenues See Uptick in July
One-Day Special Session
Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government Discusses Housing and Equity
Metropolitan Council Adopts Regional Economic Framework
DEED Broadband Grant Application Process Open - First Step Due August 19
August 7, 2020
REMINDER: First Local Government Coronavirus Fund Spending Reports Due August 11
Metro Cities August Legislative Policy Committees
Special Session and Capital Investment Bill
July 31, 2020
State Revenue Collections and Budget Update
Federal CARES Act Funds and Reporting for Local Governments
Governor Announces School Re-Opening Plan
Metropolitan Council Releases 2019 Population Data
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals for Re-Enrollment
Metropolitan Council Adopts Wastewater Rates and Charges
July 24, 2020
Federal CARES Act Funds Reporting Requirements for Local Governments
Governor Walz Issues Executive Order on Face Masks
Law Enforcement Reform Measures Pass Legislature
Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
Community Development Committee Discusses 2021 Budget
Call for Border to Border Broadband Grant Applications
DEED Names Businesses That Received Small Business Emergency Loans
Small Business Relief Grant Program Update
July 17, 2020
Funding Announced for Housing Assistance: Applications Due July 22
Updated Eviction, Foreclosure Executive Orders
House Committee Considers Flexibility for Jobs and Economic Development Programs
Draft Regional Economic Framework Released - Comments Sought
Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee Approves CARES Act Funding
Metropolitan Council Environment Committee Adopts Wastewater Rates
Senate Joint Committee on Civil Unrest
Ways and Means Committee Meets to Discuss Bonding, Public Safety and other Spending Bills
July 10, 2020
Metro Cities' Policy Committees Begin Week of July 20
Federal CARES Act Funding for Local Governments: Update
Public Meeting for Draft TIP Comments Monday
Senate Committees Hold Hearings on Civil Unrest
House Committee Hears from Health Experts on COVID-19
Mortgage-Relief Options Available to Homeowners Facing Hardship Due to COVID-19
Participate in MHFA's QAP Public Hearing Next Tuesday
Contamination Cleanup Awards Announced
July 2, 2020
Metro Cities Board of Director Updates
LMC Hosts CARES Act Webinar
MnDOT Accepting Highway Freight Program Applications
Senate Committees Hold Joint Hearing on Recent Unrest
House Public Safety Committee Police Accountability Hearing
Regional Economic Framework Priorities and Timeline Released
Metro Cities' Policy Committees
State COVID-19 Testing Capacity Goal Met
June 26, 2020
$841.4 Million in Federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to be Distributed to Local Governments
Metropolitan Council Releases Draft TPP for Public Comment
MCES Wastewater Update
Senate Announces Plans for Oversight Committee
Small Business Assistance Grant Applications Now Open Through July 2
Federal CARES Act Funding Webinars Posted
Metro Cities' Policy Committees
June 24, 2020
Special Session Ends Without Agreement on Key Items
COVID-19 Re-Opening Plans for Cities
Municipal Permit Fee and Expense Report Due June 30
REMINDER: Information Session: Federal CARES Act EDA Funding Opportunity
Metro Cities' Policy Committees
June 19, 2020
Special Session Update
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Government Distribution
House Passes Public Safety Reform Bill
TAB Approves Draft TIP for Public Comment
MHFA QAP Public Comment Period Open
Metropolitan Council Discusses Joining Climate Tracking Group
Safety Plan Template for Re-opening Critical Sector Businesses
Small Business Relief Grants Program to Begin Accepting Applications on June 23
EVENT: City Information Session and Federal CARES Act Funding Opportunity - June 25
June 17, 2020
Special Session Update
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Governments
Public Safety Reform Bills
Bonding Bill Heard in the Senate Capital Investment Committee
House Environment, Ways and Means Committees Pass Environment Omnibus Bill
Small Business Assistance Grants Signed into Law
Evictions Moratorium Update
House Bills would Create Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Corporation
Municipal Permit Fee and Expense Report Due June 30
Metro Cities' Policy Committees
June 12, 2020
Governor calls Legislature into Special Session
Cities Must Adopt COVID-19 Preparedness Plans: Reminder and Update
Federal CARES Act Funds for Local Governments
State Revenues Update
2020 Legislative Session Recap
Federal CARES Act Funds for Local Governments
Housing Policy and Local Authority Preemption
COVID-19 Funding and Resources
Housing Assistance
4d Low Income Property Tax Program - Expansion and Study
Street Impact Fee Authorization
Capital Investment Bills
City Related Bills Signed into Law
COVID-19 Resources for Cities
Metro Cities COVID-19 Survey Responses
Metropolitan Council Committee Approves Grants to Suburban Transit Providers
June 05, 2020
Governor Announces Phase III of Stay Safe MN
COVID-19 Resources for City Officials
Special Legislative Session in June Appears Likely
Metropolitan Council Updating Housing Performance Score Methodology - FEEDBACK REQUESTED
MCES Budget Workshop and Proposed Wastewater Rates
TAC Recommends Release of Draft TIP for Public Comment
DEED's COVID-19 Efforts Reviewed
Sensitivity Analysis of Twin Cities Highway Mobility Presented to TAC
May 29, 2020
Governor Walz Activates National Guard
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Metro Cities COVID-19 Survey Responses
Metropolitan Council Establishes Internal Housing Work Group
Minneapolis Federal Reserve Hosts COVID-19 Webinar
2020 Metro Cities Policy Committees
May 21, 2020
Governor Moves State Into "Phase II" of Stay Safe Plan
2020 Legislative Session Concludes
Federal CARES Act Funding and Local Governments
Housing Proposals and Local Authority
Capital Investment Bills: No Agreement Prior to Adjournment
Governor Signs Bills into Law
TAB Approves Release of TPP Draft for Public Comment, Receives Regional Solicitation Update
MCES Budget Workshop and Proposed Wastewater Rates
2020 Metro Cities Policy Committees
May 15, 2020
2020 Legislative Session Adjournment Monday
Bills Propose Share of Federal Funds to Local Governments: Update
New Proposal Preempts City Roles in Housing and Planning
House Passes City Charter Commission Changes Legislation
Metropolitan Council Hears COVID-19 Update
Senate Committee Advances Housing Assistance Bill
Tobacco 21 Legislation Passes House and Senate
Senate Passes Electronic Documents Bill
Met Council Begins MCES Rate Work, Announces Budget Webinars
Governor Walz to Allow Stay at Home Order to Expire on May 18
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
U.S. House Democrats Unveil $3 Trillion "HEROES Act"
May 13, 2020
Proposals Distribute Federal Funding for Local Governments
House Passes Electronic Documents Bill
House Passes Data Privacy Omnibus Bill
House Environment Supplemental Bill Passes to House Floor, Includes EAB Funding
Metropolitan Council Begins MCES Rate Work, Announces Budget Webinars
House Capital Investment Bill Passes Ways and Means Committee
Senate Passes Business Reopening Plan
Senate Passes Small Business Grant Program
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
DEED Awards Redevelopment Grants
Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals Intent to Apply Deadline
Bills of Note
May 06, 2020
Interim State Budget Projection Shows $2.426 Billion Shortfall
House Property Tax Division Report Contains City-Related Provisions
House Committee Discusses Budget, COVID-19 Response and Un-allotment
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Senate Passes Data Privacy Omnibus Bill
House Committees Pass Bills with Emerald Ash Borer Funding
House Committee Passes Bill on Water Quality Standards
House Government Operations Passes Electronic Documents Bill
Senate Finance Committee Passes Transportation Bill
Senate Passes Broadband Funding Bill
Livable Communities (LCA) Affordable Housing Goals Methodology Proposed
Metro HRA Considers Application Changes for Project Based Vouchers
Bills of Note
TAC Recommends Draft TPP be Released for Public Comment
May 01, 2020
Metro Cities Hosts Virtual Annual Meeting
Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 18
House Division Hears Bill to Allow Flexibility for TIF and Local Revenues
House Committee Hears PERA Aid Extension Bill
House and Senate Committees Pass Transportation Policy Bills
Senate Capital Investment Committee Hears Transportation Proposals
Senate Environment Finance Committee Passes Appropriations and Policy Bill
Emerald Ash Borer Grant Recipients Announced
Transit Ambassador Bill Passes House Committee
Housing Assistance, Jobs, Broadband Bill Passes to House Floor
Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Webinar - Monday, May 4
Bills of Note
April 29, 2020
Housing Assistance Bill Passes Senate Committee
4d Expansion Bill Passes Senate Taxes Committee
Senate Committee Passes Bills Relating to City Commissions and Documents
House Ways and Means Passes Tobacco 21
Elections Bills Heard in the House
Bill Establishing a COVID-19 Relief Account Passes Senate
Bills of Note
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Metro Cities COVID-19 Page
April 24, 2020
Metro Cities Annual Meeting is Next Week: Mark Your Calendar!
Senate Taxes Committee Hears Bill that Includes 4d, TIF Modifications
Federal Guidance for Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund
Pandemic Unemployment Payments
Housing Assistance Bill Heard in Senate Committee
Small Business Assistance Funds Approved by Jobs Committees
Contamination Cleanup Applications Due May 1
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
House Committee Passes Elections Bill
Livable Communities Program Housing Goals Survey
Metropolitan Traffic Update
Regional Advisory Committees Jointly Discuss Metropolitan Water Supply
Assistance for Minnesotans Applying for Stimulus Payment
House Environment Finance Hears DNR Policy Bill, Includes MRCCA Regulation
April 22, 2020
Metro Cities Annual Meeting: Mark Your Calendar
Bill Establishing a COVID-19 Relief Account Heard in Senate Finance Committee
Senate Jobs Committee Discusses Business Reopening Process
Housing Assistance Bills Heard in House and Senate
MPCA Suspends Rulemaking Schedule for Water Quality Fees
House Environment Finance Committee Passes Trust Fund Bill
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
April 17, 2020
Federal Funds Received by State
Legislation Allows Restaurants to Sell Beer and Wine To-Go
Senate Tax Committee Discusses COVID-19 Relief Tax Proposal
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
House and Senate Jobs Committees Discuss Unemployment, Workforce Needs
Housing Assistance Proposals
TAB Approves Changes to Regional Solicitation in Response to COVID-19
April 15, 2020
Metro Cities Annual Meeting: Mark Your Calendar
Legislature Passes Fourth COVID Response Bill
MnDOT Estimates COVID-19 Fiscal Impacts
House Ways & Means Committee Discusses State Budget Outlook
Senate COVID-19 Working Group
Governor's COVID-19 Briefings
Metropolitan Council Environment Committee Approves Emergency Declaration
April 10, 2020
Virtual Annual Meeting for Metro Cities Board Elections: Mark Your Calendar
State COVID Briefings
House and Senate will Hold Floor Sessions Tuesday
Open Meeting Law Bill Passes House Committee
House Subcommittee on Elections Discusses Elections Bill
Metropolitan Council Addresses Current Operations
DEED Solicits Employer Feedback on Workplace Social Distancing
April 08, 2020
Governor Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 4
Legislature Passes First Responders Workers Compensation Legislation
Senate Working Group Discusses State Budget and Economic Trends
Unemployment Insurance Benefit Updates
MPCA Update and Regulatory Flexibility Portal
Transportation Issues Discussed in House and Senate
April 03, 2020
Federal Stimulus Bill
Governor's COVID-19 Updates
Senate COVID-19 Working Group Convenes Remote Hearings
MnDOT Releases 2020 Road Construction Project List
Sanitizer Resources Available
TAC Discusses Further Regional Solicitation Changes Related to COVID-19
Minnesota Housing Announces Funding Availability, Technical Assistance, Extended Deadlines
April 01, 2020
Executive Order Extends Licensure Recertification Deadlines for Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Private Detectives
DPS Issues Executive Order Enforcement Guidance
MPCA Stormwater Regulations
Minnesota Housing, Met Council Funding Application Timelines Feedback Sought
DEED Posts COVID Guide for Small Businesses
Metro Cities COVID-19 Resources for City Officials
Call for State Funding for Public Safety and Health Employees Infected with COVID-19
March 27, 2020
Stay at Home Order Guidance Issued
Legislature Passes COVID-19 Funding Bill
League of MN Cities and National League of Cities Offer Webinars
City Responsibilities for Building Inspections and 60-Day Rule Remain - FEEDBACK REQUESTED
Federal Stimulus Bill
Census 2020 Outreach Updates - Stay at Home Outreach Strategies
March 19, 2020
CANCELLED-Metro Cities 2020 Annual Meeting
COVID-19/Housing Stability Legislation
TAB Approves Extension of Regional Solicitation Deadline
Competitive Grant Opportunity for Public Water Systems
4d Expansion Study Bill Introduced
March 13, 2020
Governor Walz Calls State of Emergency on COVID-19 Virus
Governor's Supplemental Budget Released
Local Option Sales Tax Bills Update
Housing/Buildings Bills
High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Bill
Transit Ambassador Bills
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes House Tax Committee
House Environment Budget Hears Climate Grants Bill
Metro Cities' Annual Meeting
Metropolitan Council Equity Advisory Committee Sets 2020 Agenda
Metropolitan Council Revising Housing Performance Score Form, Scoring Criteria
Bills of Note
March 6, 2020
Save the Date for Metro Cities' Annual Meeting!
Legislative Update
Housing/Building Bills
Senate Finance Committee Passes Funding to Address Coronavirus(COVID-19)
Senate Bill on Primary Election Data
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes Senate Transportation Committee
Metropolitan Council Accepting Regional Solicitation Applications
Water Quality Fee Increase Comment Deadline Approaching
Bills of Note
February 28, 2020
Bills Affecting City Roles in Housing Introduced
February Budget Forecast Released
Legislative Housing Commission Holds First Meeting
Vehicle Registration Modification Bill Passes House Transportation Committee
Flushable Wipes Bill Passes House Environment Policy Committee
Broadband Funding Bills Heard
Save the Date for the Metro Cities' Annual Meeting!
Metropolitan Council Accepting Regional Solicitation Applications
Presidential Primary Data Bill Passes House
Metropolitan Council Passes Livable Communities Fund Distribution Plan
Metro Cities Hosts Workshop with Minnesota Housing
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Bills of Note
February 21, 2020
Second Week of Session Concludes; Budget Forecast Next Week
Local Option Sales Tax Bills Receive Consideration in House
Street Improvement Districts Bill Passes House Subcommittee
City Employee Salary Cap Expansion Bill Passes Senate Committee
House Housing Committee Hears $500 Million Bonding Bill, Tax Credit Bill
Presidential Primary Bill Heard in Ways and Means
Transit Ambassador Bill Passes House Transportation Committee
Metropolitan Council Meeting Posting and Recording Requirement Bill Debated
Flushable Wipes Bill Passes House Commerce Committee
House Taxes Committee Discussion Local Performance Measurement Program
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
Bills of Note
February 14, 2020
EVENT: Join Us Next Friday! Workshop with MN Housing
2020 Legislative Session Begins
House Transportation Committee Hears Transit Bill and Safety Update
House Subcommittee on Elections Hears Presidential Primary Data Privacy Bill
House Energy and Climate Division Hears Climate Overview
House Capital Investment Division Meetings
House Hears High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Bill
House Committee Passes Bill to Extend Pay/Workforce Protections to Bond-Funded Projects
State Revenues Dip in January
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
WEBINAR: Local Brownfield Funding Resources
Metro Cities Board of Directors Openings
EVENT: Local Governments Roundtable on 2020 Census
Bills of Note
February 11, 2020 - Legislative Preview
Legislative Preview
Session Priorities for Legislature and Governor
Legislative Deadlines and Timelines
Metro Cities' 2020 Session Priorities
Newsletter and Bills of Note
Legislative Information
Metro Cities Staff Contacts
February 7, 2020
Legislative Session Begins on Tuesday
Senate Committee on Home Ownership Affordability and Availability
EVENT: Join Us! Metro Cities Workshop with MN Housing
MPCA Seeking Public Comment on Water Quality Fee Increases
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
January 31, 2020
EVENT: Join Us! Metro Cities and MN Housing Workshop for City Officials and Staff
Governor Walz Appoints City Officials to Metropolitan Area Water Supply Advisory Committee (MAWSAC)
MPCA Seeking Public Comment on Water Quality Fee Increases
Save the Date for the Metro Cities Annual Meeting!
DEED Brownfields Updates - Call for Presentations and Funding Resources Webinar
January 24, 2020
Legislative Timelines
State Revenue Update
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops
January 17, 2020
Governor Releases Transportation Bonding Recommendations
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops
January 10, 2020
Governor Walz Proposes $276 Million for Housing in 2020
Governor Walz Releases Water Infrastructure Proposal
Metropolitan Council Reviews Status of Comp Plan Updates and Trends
Housing Goals for Livable Communities Program
EVENT: Regional Solicitation Workshops
Metro Cities Internship
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