Agenda - Council - 05/26/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regional water supply work is based on shared principles Although attention often focuses on "what" water supply planning activities the Metropolitan Council has done under Minn. Stat. 473.1565, equally important is "how" that work is done. Guided by stakeholders during the development of Thrive MSP 2040 — the Council's long-range vision and plan for the region over the next 30 years — the Council identified three principles to carry out all its work, including water supply planning: Collaboration recognizes that shared efforts advance our region most effectively toward shared outcomes. Addressing the region's issues —particularly the emerging challenges of climate change, economic competitiveness, racial disparities, and water sustainability—requires collaboration because no single entity has the capacity or the authority to do the work alone. Integration is the intentional combining of related activities to achieve more effective results, leveraging multiple policy tools to address complex regional challenges and opportunities. Accountability includes a commitment to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our policies and practices toward achieving shared outcomes and a willingness to adjust course to improve performance. Collaboration sets direction and drives results Metropolitan Council's water supply planning activities support both local stakeholder goals and progress toward the regional outcomes put forth in Thrive MSP 2040, shown in Figure 4. Stewardship Prosperity Equity Livability Sustainability • • • • Figure 4. Regional outcomes put forth in Thrive MSP 2040 include stewardship, prosperity, equity, livability, and sustainability. Since 2005, the Council has connected with hundreds of water supply leaders in the State government's water agencies, local governments, public water utilities, academic institutions, environmental advocacy groups, businesses, and neighborhoods (Table 3 of the appendix). Working together to tackle challenges has better equipped communities to meet current and future needs: • Scoping and contributing to technical projects at subregional water supply work groups, MAWSAC and TAC meetings, inter -agency coordination team meetings and focus groups • Shaping regional plans and related local plan requirements through input to and approval of Master Plan and development of local water supply and comprehensive plans • Demonstrating new approaches through projects such as rainwater harvesting and stormwater reuse at CHS field in Saint Paul and turfgrass demonstration site at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum • Building capacity through new programs such as industrial water efficiency audits through Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) intern program, community grants for water efficiency rebates, and the water conservation efforts of the Freshwater Society Water Stewards program Page - 9 I METROPOLITAN COUNCIL