Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/27/2018

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Metropolitan Agencies 4-B Regional Governance Structure Metro Cities supports the appointment of Metropolitan Council members by the Governor with four year, staggered terms for members, to stabilize ideological shifts and provide for continuity of knowledge on the Council, which is appropriate for a long-range planning body. The appointment of the Metropolitan Council Chair should coincide with the term of the Governor. Metro Cities supports a nominating committee process that maximizes participation and input by local officials. Metro Cities supports expanding the nominating committee from seven to 13 members, with a majority of a 13-member committee being local elected officials. Of the local officials appointed to a nominating committee, two thirds should be elected city officials, appointed by Metro Cities. Consideration should be given to the creation of four separate nominating committees, with committee representation from each quadrant of the region. Metro Cities supports having the names of recommended nominees or other individuals under consideration for appointment to the Council by the Governor to be made public at least 21 days prior to final selection by the Governor, and a formal public comment period before members are appointed to the Council. Metro Cities supports the appointment of Metropolitan Council members who have demonstrated the ability to work with cities in a collaborative manner and commit to meet with local government officials regularly, and who understand the diversity and the commonalities of the region, and the long-term implications of regional decision -making. A detailed position description outlining the required skills, time commitment and understanding of regional and local issues and concerns, should be clearly articulated and posted in advance of the call for nominees. 4-C Comprehensive Analysis and Oversight of Metropolitan Council Metro Cities supports the comprehensive study of the Metropolitan Council's governance structure recently conducted by the Citizens League, the recommendations of which are largely consistent with Metro Cities' governance policies. The metropolitan region will continue to expand while simultaneously facing significant challenges for the effective, efficient and equitable provision of resources and infrastructure. Metro Cities supports an objective study of the Metropolitan Council's activities and services as well as its geographical jurisdiction to ensure that the Metropolitan Council's services are positioned to be effective and adequate in addressing the future needs of the region. Such work must include the participation of local officials. The Metropolitan Council should also examine its scope of services to determine their benefit and efficiency, and be open to alternative methods of delivery to assure that services are provided at high levels of effectiveness for the region. Metro Cities supports appropriate legislative oversight of the Metropolitan Council, to 2018 Legislative Policies 38