The Metropolitan Council approved awards for decennial planning assistance and Small Communities Planning programs and adopted local affordable housing goals enabling three cities to participate in Livable Communities Act grant programs.

Councilmember Tony Carter presented the planning assistance award recommendations, explaining the programs provide technical or financial help for local comprehensive planning. The two programs combined can serve up to 103 of the region’s 188 communities. Carter moved to set the award amounts as detailed in the business item; the motion was seconded and approved.

During discussion, Councilmember Wolf said she had voted no at committee because she wanted the council to consider raising the population cap so more communities could participate if additional funds become available; she said she would change her vote to yes if the council commits to explore expanding participation later. Councilmember Johnson expressed support for Wolf’s proposal to return to committee for further discussion.

Separately, Carter moved to approve resolution 2025-40 to adopt affordable and life-cycle housing goals for the cities of Anoka, Champlin and Norwood Young America for the 2021–2030 decade, making them eligible for Met Council Livable Communities grants. The council held the required public hearing and received no comments; the resolution passed by voice vote.

What’s next: staff will work with the regional administrator and committee to revisit program eligibility and population-cap questions in future committee meetings.