‘District Dialogues’ meetings to begin in July

Metropolitan Council members are planning a series of meetings with elected officials throughout the region to continue ongoing dialogue regarding regional development and transportation issues.

Council Chair Peter Bell at Burnsville dialogue

Council Chair Peter Bell speaks with elected officials at a 2008 District Dialogue in Burnsville.

The District Dialogues will begin in July with a meeting held in conjunction with the Anoka County officials group. Meetings in each of the other metro-area counties will take place through the end of 2009.

Council Chair Peter Bell established the meeting series in 2008 to increase dialogue between the Council and elected officials. Each meeting will include a briefing of regional and local issues, provided by Chair Bell and Council members, followed by a question-and-answer period. Participation will be limited to invited city, council and state officials, who will be asked to RSVP.

“The District Dialogues were a tremendous success in 2008 – communities were truly appreciative that we would come to them and provide an opportunity for dialogue on issues important to future growth in the metro area and to maintaining our region’s quality of life,” Bell said.

“Some of the best solutions to issues in our region come from efforts of partners to work together within their jurisdictions and across them,” Bell said. “That’s the spirit we hope to foster in the District Dialogues.”

Each meeting will last about 60 minutes, with registration and networking beginning 30 minutes prior to the published meeting time.

See a current list of all upcoming District Dialogues.