The idea of expanding the influence of the metropolitan planning organization in Minnesota's Twin Cities region has been around for a while. But increasing growth and congestion may finally push the idea forward.
"A serious push is needed to bring those counties under the influence of the Metropolitan Council or lure them into another form of coordinated planning, said numerous speakers Monday at a conference of regional leaders."
"Expanding the council's reach into surrounding counties has been batted about for many years but seldom, if ever, with quite the public intensity of Monday's session."
"One of the main concerns within the inner metro is that surrounding counties are adding new housing and therefore commuters without any overall coordination, meaning they are being piled on top of already congested roadways without regard to the long term."
"The Metropolitan Council, which has modest taxing authority, oversees growth in the Twin Cities area, while providing various services. Cities within its jurisdiction benefit from a number of those services, such as transit and waste treatment, but are also subject to certain restrictions, at times controversially so. The cities may not, for instance, get expensive water and sewer service unless they agree to a certain amount of density in housing developments."
FULL STORY: How far a reach for Metropolitan Council?
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.
Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.
Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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