01-08-2025 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MA-3 COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS AND OVERSIGHT OF METROPOLITAN COUNCIL 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, commit to meet with local government officials regularly and who are responsive to the circumstances and concerns of cities in the district that they represent on the Council. Council members should 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. Metro Cities supports opportunities for local officials to provide input during the decennial legislative redistricting process for the Metropolitan Council and supports transparency in the redistricting process. A comprehensive analysis of the Metropolitan Council’s functions and structure was conducted by a Governor’s Blue-Ribbon Committee in 2020. Metro Cities supports specific findings by this committee that recommended four-year staggered terms for Metropolitan Council members with members appointed by the governor, an expanded nominating committee with a majority of local officials on the committee, and the publication of nominees prior to their appointment. These findings are consistent with Metro Cities’ legislative policy on regional governance. The metropolitan region will continue to expand while simultaneously facing significant challenges for the effective, efficient, and equitable provision of resources and infrastructure. MA-2 REGIONAL GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE 62