Roseville staff outline 2026 legislative priorities; council adds housing flexibility and other items

Roseville — City Manager Pat Trojgen briefed the Roseville City Council on Jan. 5 about the city’s legislative priorities ahead of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session (Feb. 17–May 28), highlighting a handful of high‑priority items staff and council plan to pursue and monitor.

Trojgen said the city will continue to push for capital improvement funding through the state bonding process—naming the Oval facility roof, HVAC and restroom upgrades as a specific local ask—and to press for statutory changes that can help local service delivery such as enabling local governments to designate ambulance providers and appropriate levels of service. He also flagged a bill recently introduced to establish statewide licensing for massage therapists (House File 362; Senate File 1131) and recommended active engagement with bill authors and the legislative delegation.

Council discussion broadened the list. Members urged the city to preserve its position on emerald ash borer funding, to consider adding cannabis tax revenue sharing back to the advocacy list (previously removed), and to frame housing‑related priorities to favor local flexibility—supporting affordable housing goals while resisting statewide preemption of local zoning where possible. Several council members requested a memo or presentation about Woodbury’s broadband/franchise approach and invited an expert (Mike Bradley) to discuss franchising and local options at a future meeting.

Why it matters: The council’s priorities shape the city’s advocacy during the legislature and influence requests made to area legislators and regional coalitions. The Oval capital request in particular would seek state bonding funds for a facility that council members described as a high, shared priority.

Next steps: City staff will draft updated priority language, pursue meetings with local legislators and regional partners, and schedule an informational presentation on broadband franchising at a subsequent council meeting. Trojgen said staff will monitor bill activity during the session and bring specific pieces of legislation back to the council for action.

Quote: “We have strong support from our local legislative delegation,” Trojgen said when describing the oval funding effort. House File 362 and Senate File 1131 were cited on the record as bills addressing statewide massage therapist licensing.

Context: Trojgen noted the session is the second year of the biennium and some bills introduced in the first year remain live; council members stressed proactive coordination with regional organizations such as Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities.