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Policy Priority: <br />Metropolitan Council Governance <br />The issue of Metropolitan Council governance is an issue that the City Council has had an interest since 2016. <br />The current City Council will be having additional discussions on this issue. Since this is an issue that is likely <br />to continue into the future, the existence of this item as 2021 Legislative Priority reaffirms the City's interest <br />in addressing governance of the Metropolitan Council. <br />Over the last couple of years, Anoka County and three other metropolitan counties, formed a coalition that <br />advocated for a change in the structure of the Metropolitan Council. As part of that meeting, the Council <br />received documents explaining the County position, and documents outlining the position of the Metro Cities <br />organization. <br />Below are the points/observations: <br />• Consider options for a Metropolitan Council governance structure that may increase accountability <br />and address concerns of regional stakeholders and policy makers. <br />• Consider opportunities for local communities to provide input on ideas before any legislative change <br />in Metropolitan Council governance is made. <br />• Consider that the Metropolitan Council has provided financial support of past projects in the City of <br />Ramsey: <br />o Parking Ramp <br />o Sunwood Drive <br />o Center Street <br />o Sunwood Townhomes (TH 47) <br />o Sunwood Village <br />o The Draw Park and Amphitheater <br />o Rail Station <br />• The City of Ramsey expects to continue an ongoing partnership with the Metropolitan Council. <br />Recommendations: <br />A. Any reform to the Metropolitan Council should ensure that the Metropolitan Council is a responsible, <br />responsive, and accountable partner for regional development and progress; and <br />B. That in order to recognize the responsibility that the Metropolitan Council has to local units of <br />government, local governments shall have a decision role in the appointment process for representatives <br />to the Metropolitan Council; or current elected representatives of local government should be considered <br />as members. <br />C. In order to promote the stability and continuity of governance, consider staggered terms of office for <br />Metropolitan Council members. <br />Outcome <br />• No action was considered regarding this issue in the 2021 session. <br />2020 City of Ramsey Legislative Platform Page 6 of 9 <br />