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<br /> <br /> Staff Report <br /> <br /> <br />To: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />From: Ben Harrington, AICP, Community Development Director <br /> <br />Date: June 10th, 2026 <br /> <br />Re: Resolution of Support for Metro Micro Program Expansion <br /> <br />Action To Be Considered: <br />Motion to approve and adopt, table, or deny the following: <br />• A resolution of support for Metro Transit’s regional solicitation funding application for <br />Metro Micro on-demand transit service <br />Background: <br />Metro Transit recently approached staff regarding their intent to apply to the Metropolitan <br />Council's Regional Solicitation program for increased funding to expand their Metro Micro on- <br />demand transit service. <br /> <br />This microtransit program operates as an affordable, localized, shared-ride public option that <br />functions similarly to a commercial rideshare service, allowing users to request real-time curb- <br />to-curb rides via a mobile app or telephone. By utilizing smaller, ADA-accessible minibuses <br />rather than traditional fixed-route vehicles, the service offers the flexibility to navigate local <br />neighborhood streets and efficiently transport passengers anywhere within a designated zone <br />for the price of a standard bus fare. <br /> <br />To strengthen their competitive standing for this regional funding opportunity, Metro Transit <br />requested a formal letter of support from the City of Little Canada before the Metropolitan <br />Council’s submission deadline at the end of June 2026. While staff will fulfill this request, a <br />formal resolution from the City Council provides an even stronger signal of local support to the <br />grant reviewers. <br /> <br />Supporting this application represents a highly practical opportunity for the community with <br />no municipal financial match or operational risk. If funded, the service zone will operate within <br />the city limits out of the Little Canada Transit Station, establishing a critical first- and last-mile <br />transit connection for the City’s residents, workers, and visitors accessing local destinations <br />and the upcoming METRO G Line. <br />Staff Recommendations: <br />Staff recommends approving and adopting the resolution of support for Metro Transit’s <br />regional solicitation funding application for Metro Micro on-demand transit service <br /> <br />Attachments: <br />• Attachment A: Proposed Resolution <br />• Attachment B: Metro Micro FAQ