Municipal Consent
Local input creates a better project
In Minnesota, major transportation projects like the METRO Blue Line Extension require local approval of physical design components. The law (Minnesota Statutes Sec. 473.3994) was passed to ensure that cities and communities are partners in projects that will impact and benefit their residents.
This process is called "municipal consent." It involves each city and county along the line holding public hearings to get input from residents then voting to approve preliminary project design plans. If a city does not vote to approve the design plans, they have to describe what changes to the physical design of the project need to be made for their approval.
Timeline
The municipal consent approval period is expected to be from August to October 2024.
What’s in the plans?
The preliminary light rail design plans that will be considered in municipal consent include major project elements such as where the tracks will go, if the tracks are on the ground or on a bridge, and station locations. Many project details are yet to be determined and the plans leave a lot of room for future design choices that will ensure the project is responsive to the needs of the people it will serve.
Review current design plans
Plans will continue to be refined leading up to municipal consent based on city and community input.
Official municipal consent design plans will be available both online and in-person at various locations throughout the corridor during the municipal consent period this summer and fall.
Official municipal consent comments
As part of the municipal consent process, comments on the physical design of the project will be collected by the Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, and each of the cities along the line. Comments can be shared directly with those agencies during the municipal consent period this summer.
Public hearings will also be held by Metropolitan Council and Hennepin County. Cities will be responsible for taking actions on the municipal consent plans within 45 days after the public hearings.
Instructions and contact information will be posted to this web page when available.