Transportation issues central to District Dialogue discussions
As Metropolitan Council members met with local officials throughout the seven-county metropolitan area in 2009, one issue consistently topped the list of concerns: transportation.
State and regional rail studies, transit resources, roadway improvements and dial-a-ride service restructuring were among the transportation topics raised at the nine District Dialogue meetings held by Council members throughout the region from July to December 2009. Issues related to local planning, water resources and the park system were also on the agenda.
Lilydale Mayor Tom Swain and Mendota Mayor Steve Golias chat at the District Dialogue for Dakota County officials in December.
Nearly 350 elected officials and staff attended the meetings, which are designed to promote ongoing dialogue between the Council and its important regional partners in local government. Invitations are extended to elected city, county, and state officials, as well as top administrators from local units of government.
“These meetings are an important way for the Council to hear the concerns and issues of local officials throughout the region, and discuss potential solutions,” said Council Chair Peter Bell.
Local officials appreciate the give-and-take
“It’s extremely helpful to meet,” agreed Inver Grove Heights Mayor George Tourville, who attended the joint meeting with the Dakota County Mayors/Managers group on Dec. 11. He said there are many issues that affect both the Council and cities, and the dialogues provide opportunities to address those issues collaboratively.
“There are a lot of issues that are huge items for communities, and are also important to the whole region,” Tourville said. “This shows us the big picture.”
Read more about the topics addressed at the dialogues.
Each session opened with an update on regional issues from Chair Bell, followed by a question-and-answer period. Though transportation issues were a key focus, several meetings included questions about the Council’s activities related to inflow and infiltration of stormwater into the wastewater system, and availability of Livable Communities program funds in future years.
State Sen. Gen Olson, Minnetrista, makes a point during the District Dialogue meeting held in Minnetonka.
One meeting was held in each metro county, with additional meetings in Hennepin County and the city of Minneapolis. Wherever possible, meetings were planned in conjunction with other groups of local officials, such as the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, and the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency.
Shoreview City Council Member Ady Wickstrom, president of the Ramsey County League of Local Governments, said the opportunity to discuss regionally significant issues is important, as are the opportunities to collaborate among government agencies. At the Ramsey County meeting in August, attendees suggested working together more to advocate for transit development in the eastern metro area.
“I’m really pleased to have this opportunity,” said Wickstrom. “This has been a very valuable discussion, and I hope we can continue our conversations as we plan for the future.”