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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-037 CCR Member Kay Lasman introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -37 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A STRONG, EFFECTIVE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL FOR THE TWIN CITIES REGION WHEREAS, the U.S. and global populations are increasingly centered in metro regions, resulting in concentrated labor, knowledge, capital, and social networks within a small percent of overall landmass; and WHEREAS, the nation's one hundred largest metro areas, like the Twin Cities region, account for two thirds of our nation's population and three quarters of our gross domestic product and a disproportionate number of jobs, commerce, patents, research, and knowledge institutions; and WHEREAS, the success of the Twin Cities region is critical to the success of our State as a whole, as it generates three fifths of the jobs for our state and three quarters of Minnesota's wealth; and WHEREAS, the Twin Cities region has shown foresight by thinking and acting as a region greater than the sum of its parts for far longer than most regions in the United States; and WHEREAS, since its creation decades ago, the Metropolitan Council has embodied regional cooperation and planning and operation of regional services; and WHEREAS, the Twin Cities region's success in applying for competitive federal finding from the Urban Partnership Agreement and the Sustainable Communities Partnership highlight the importance of regional cooperation and cross - sector collaboration around transportation, land use, and environmental protection; and WHEREAS, the need for regional cooperation and leadership by public and private entities in the area of economic development has been highlighted by the Itasca project and the Brookings Institutions' Blueprint for American Prosperity; and WHEREAS, despite policies and goals to increase housing density, the Twin Cities have become known for decentralized jobs and housing, ranking 9 of 12 peer regions in urban area density; and WHEREAS, the social equity implications of dispersed jobs makes it hard for low - wage earners to find housing near work; and RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -37 WHEREAS, the Twin Cities' ability to respond to issues of sustainability, energy usage, high oil and gas prices, and affordability may depend on our ability to align multi -modal transportation choices and housing and jobs in compact areas; and WHEREAS, the only way that our state —or our nation —will be able to effectively prosper and compete in a global economy is by investing in the sustainability, continued growth, and success of our metro regions; and WHEREAS, now, more than ever, we need a strong Metropolitan Council to engage the region's leadership, manage the tools, and leverage the assets our region needs to compete in a global economy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, that in developing policythe City ofBrooklyn Center recommends that the Metropolitan Council incorporate the following principles for Regional Decision - making: 1. Collaborate with local government, the private sector, advocacy and non - profit organizations, and other partners to foster a unified vision and achieve regional goals. 2. Have clear lines of accountability to the people of the region, private and public stakeholders, and local government and strong, unambiguous means to measure that accountability. 3 Align public policy decisions and public investment decisions with a comprehensive plan and the region's vision for economic development. 4. Leverage public and private partnerships and maximize resources in order to aggressively and proactively pursue federal and state resources. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Brooklyn Center recommends that the Metropolitan Council consider the following Regional Policy and Funding Priorities: 1. Provide leadership with public and private partners in setting a regional economic development vision that supports growth and guides growth for our region. 2. Adopt and implement policies to eliminate racial disparities and reverse racial and economic se trends that threaten our region's economic strength. 3. Take an active role in the planning, development, and continued sustainability of large public facilities within the region. 4. Define and strengthen existing job and activity centers and align land use, transit opportunities, housing density, commercial investment, open space and recreation and transit opportunities along existing connecting corridors. RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -37 5. Invest resources in integrated transit systems and maintain and improve existing roadways and bridges. 6. Prioritize maintenance and improvement of existing infrastructure and projects that integrate investments in regional systems with development. 7. Adopt policies that protect the region's natural environment. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in selecting members to the Metropolitan Council, the City of Brooklyn Center recommends: 1. That the Governor, per Minn. Stat. Sec. 473.123, appoint Met Council members that: a. Reflect the demographic and political composition of the district; b. Be knowledgeable about urban and metropolitan affairs; and C. Meet regularly with locally elected officials and legislative members from the councilmember's district. 2. That the Governor should consider additional qualifications for Met Council members, including that members: a. Support the need for a regional governance organization; and b. Demonstrate interest in regional issues or public service through service on local government boards or commissions or other relevant community or professional activities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Brooklyn Center recommends that the Legislature restructure the governance of the Met Council to provide more direct accountability to voters and local government by including locally - elected officials in a Council of Governments model which reflects the following: 1. A majority of council members shall be locally elected city and county officials: a. A combination of population and communities of interest (central cities, developed area, and developing area) should guide the apportionment of local elected council members; b. Representation on the governing board should be proportional to the city and county responsibility for land use, waste water, community development, housing, parks and open space, transportation, and environment protection. 2. The Governor shall maintain power of appointment, with Senate confirmation, for a minority of councilmember positions. RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -37 February 28, 2011 Date Mayor ATTEST: Awl�'t City Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Dan Ryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Tim Willson, Carol Kl.even, Kay Lasman, Tim Roche, and Dan Ryan; and the following voted against the same: none whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.