Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Legislative Affairs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lakeville reviews 2026 legislative priorities; council adds local funding asks and discusses broadband franchise fees
Summary
City staff reviewed a redline draft of 2026 legislative priorities including local authority on cannabis implementation, e-bike safety laws, tax-forfeited property coordination, and a $22 million ask for the County Road 550 interchange; council discussed adding EMS funding, broadband franchise-fee options and community event/public-art ideas for the 250th anniversary.
Staff presented a redline draft of Lakeville’s proposed 2026 legislative priorities at the Dec. 8 work session and walked council through several additions. The draft asks that state action on adult-use cannabis recognize local implementation needs and retain or restore a local-government cannabis aid fund. It also requests state statutes that promote e-bike safety, including age limits and protective headgear.
The draft updates a County Road 550 interchange funding request and asks the state for an additional $22 million to close the project funding gap. Staff removed a broadband high-speed-internet item from the draft but council members raised the broader issue of broadband franchise fees and whether the city should pursue a local fee or wait for clarifying state legislation and recent court developments.
Council members discussed whether to add EMS funding language to the priorities and whether the city should sustain a role in franchise-fee or broadband policy discussions. Staff said they would refine language and that, if the council agrees, the packet can be finalized and placed on next week’s agenda for approval.
The meeting also included a side discussion about community initiatives tied to the 250th anniversary and the Great American Road Trip promotion, including public-art ideas and use of downtown banners; council members asked staff to explore options and potential sponsors.
Staff will prepare the final priorities and, if council approves next week, transmit the city’s formal priorities to the legislative delegation.
