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Carver County board adopts 2026 legislative priorities after debate over transit opt-out and housing language
Summary
The Carver County Board voted Nov. 4 to adopt a 12-item package of 2026 legislative priorities that includes language defending local 'opt-out' transit agencies and new, broadly worded housing support. The action passed by voice vote after extended debate over process and scope.
CHASKA, Minn. — The Carver County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4 adopted its 2026 legislative priorities, including a formal position opposing state efforts to eliminate local transit 'opt-out' agencies and newly added housing language, after an extended debate about process and scope.
County administrator Hemsey presented the priorities and urged a concise list focused on the county’s most pressing concerns, saying the board’s work this year centered on defending against "unfunded state mandates" and proposed shifts that could increase property taxes. Hemsey told commissioners the county is coordinating with other metro counties and the Association of Minnesota Counties as it prepares for the legislative session.
The board added explicit language opposing proposals to fold opt-out transit agencies into the Met Council’s system and asked the legislature to preserve the existing model for agencies such as Southwest Transit. "We're asking that…
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