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Metropolitan Council

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Metropolitan Council?

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning agency serving the Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area. The Council establishes regional growth policies, and plans for transportation, aviation, water resources and regional recreation open space. It also provides essential services, including transit and wastewater treatment, to the region. More about the Council. See also a brief history of the Council.

Who makes governing decisions for the Council?

The 17-member Metropolitan Council has 16 members who each represent a geographic district and one chair who serves at large. They are all appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor. The State Senate confirms Council member appointments.

How is the Council funded?

The Council's operating budget has three primary sources of revenue: user fees (such as transit fares and wastewater treatment charges); state and federal funds; and a metropolitan-wide property tax. In 2005, these sources provided 43%, 54% and 2% of revenue, respectively (1% came from other sources). See Council budgets and annual reports.

Where and when does the Council meet?

The Council normally meets at 4 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul. Several committees of the Council also meet regularly. See a complete schedule of Council and committee meetings, as well as upcoming public hearings and other events.

How can I get involved with the Council?

Citizens can stay informed about regional issues through the Council's publications, newsletters and Web site, attend Council and committee meetings, and apply for positions on Council advisory committees. How to get involved.

How can I contact Council members and staff?

All Council members' email addresses and phone numbers are listed on the Council Members web page. Staff can be reached by email using this model: name.surname@metc.state.mn.us. For telephone numbers, call the receptionist at 651-602-1000.

How can I order maps and publications from the Council?

The Council provides a wide variety of reports, plans, maps, brochures, data, and expertise to the region's citizens and communities. The Council's Regional Data Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul. The phone number is 651-602-1140; email is data.center@metc.state.mn.us. See the Council's publications directory.

How can I find out about job openings at the Council?

Current job openings and application forms are listed on the Careers web pages.

Where is the Council located?

The Council's administration and planning offices are located in 390 N. Robert St. in downtown St. Paul. (See map with directions and parking information.) Metro Transit's headquarters are at 560 Sixth Avenue N., Minneapolis. The Council also owns transit facilities, such as bus garages and park-and-ride lots, and wastewater collection and treatment facilities, throughout the region.

Where can I find information about bus routes?

Metro Transit, operated by the Council, is the nation's 11th largest bus system. The Council also contracts with private providers for some regional route bus service. See bus route and schedules, bus pass sales, a trip planner and other transit information. Bus route and schedule information is also available by calling 612-373-3333.

If you use a wheelchair or have another disability, you may qualify for the region's on-demand paratransit service, Metro Mobility. For details, call the service center at 651-602-1111.

Where can I find information on regional parks?

The Council works with local park agencies to acquire and develop parks and trails to protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation for public enjoyment. Regional park facilities include 46 parks and park reserves, six special recreation features, and 22 regional trails. The Council also publishes a map and guide to the regional park system. Call 651-602-1140 for details.

Where can I find information about wastewater treatment and water quality?

The Council's Environmental Services division is charged with protecting the public health and the environment by providing efficient wastewater collection and treatment services and water resources management. See an overview of water-related services, and contact information arranged by environmental topic.

Where can I find information about affordable housing opportunities?

The Metropolitan Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA), a division of the Council, provides affordable housing opportunities under the federal Section 8 program for more than 6,800 seniors, families and people with disabilities in the region. Metro HRA can be reached at 651-602-1428.

Directions to Metropolitan Council

Council offices are located at 390 N. Robert St., St. Paul, MN. (See map with directions and parking information.) Parking is available on the street and is free after 4:30 p.m.

Directions to Metro Transit's Heywood offices

Metro Transit's headquarters is located in the Heywood Building, 560 Sixth Ave. N., Minneapolis, at the north edge of downtown. Heywood is served directly by Routes 5, 19 and 22 from north and south. Leave the bus at the intersection of 7th St. and Olson Memorial Highway. Heywood has a large parking lot for visitors.

If you're driving:

  • From the west, take I-394 into downtown Minneapolis, turn left on 5th St. N., go two blocks, turn left on 6th Ave. Heywood is on your right.
  • From the east, take I-94 westbound through the Lowry Tunnel to the Hwy. 55 exit. At the stoplight for Hwy. 55 turn right on to Sixth Ave. Go just more than two blocks; Heywood is on your left.
  • From the north, take I-94 southbound to the Hwy. 55 exit. Turn left at the top of the ramp on to 7th St., go about three blocks to Heywood, which will be on your left.
  • From the south, take I-35W to westbound I-94 through the Lowry Tunnel to the Hwy. 55 exit. At the stoplight for Hwy. 55 turn right on to Sixth Ave. Go just more than two blocks; Heywood is on your left.

© 2009 Metropolitan Council. All Rights Reserved. · 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101 · Phone: 651-602-1000 · TTY: 651-291-0904