Metropolitan Council approves 2026 budget amendment, authorizes purchase of 85 buses
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Summary
On March 25 the Metropolitan Council approved a 2026 unified budget amendment that adds 4 FTEs, increases cybersecurity insurance, carries forward funds for bus router updates and fair‑housing/climate work, adjusts transportation revenue forecasts, and authorizes the purchase of 85 40‑foot buses; the motion carried on a roll‑call vote with several members absent.
The Metropolitan Council on March 25 approved a 2026 unified budget amendment that updates operating and capital spending in regional administration, community development, and transportation and authorizes procurement steps for new buses.
The action, presented as business item 2026‑48, adds four full‑time equivalent positions to regional administration (communications, finance, and general counsel), increases the council’s cybersecurity insurance coverage, and carries forward funding from 2025 to complete router updates on Metro Transit buses. The amendment also carries forward community development funds to continue fair‑housing work and the regional climate action plan.
Transportation budget changes reflect the state’s February 2026 economic forecast for motor‑vehicle sales taxes and transportation sales‑and‑use tax revenues; staff told the council the adjustment includes a modest increase in sales tax revenue and a larger reduction in motor‑vehicle‑related revenue (Mvest). The amendment adds $8 million in sales tax revenue to maintain bus‑operation reserves and $1.4 million for travel‑demand passthrough grants as directed by the 2025 legislature. The capital budget portion amends previously approved dollar amounts for 23 community‑development projects and 51 transportation projects.
The packet notes the amendment would enable purchase of 85 40‑foot buses for the Metro Transit fleet. Staff said project‑level changes and the affected tables were included in the meeting packet.
Councilors approved the amended unified budget on a roll‑call vote called during the meeting; the clerk read attendance and recorded several members as not present. The chair declared the motion carried.
The council did not take separate final procurement steps during the meeting; staff said tables in the packet show the detailed project and budget changes and that buying the buses will follow procurement rules and any required separate approvals.
The council’s next regular meeting is scheduled as posted; staff said departments will continue work to implement the budget amendments and will report back as required.