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Council staff summarize 2026 legislative session: bonding wins, forecast adjustments and items to revisit
Summary
Government affairs staff told the Metropolitan Council that the 2026 session produced a capital investment (bonding) package that included $10 million for regional parks and trails, forecasted funding for Metro Mobility totaling just under $9 million for the current fiscal year, and $5 million for community tree planting grants; several major proposals (transit consolidation, missing‑middle zoning reforms) did not pass and are likely to return next session.
Government affairs staff updated the council on the 2026 legislative session, highlighting several enacted items and those that did not advance.
Hannah Palmer said the legislature passed a capital investment package late in the session and that the February 2026 budget forecast produced additions for forecasted programs. She said the legislature included funding to address forecasted needs for Metro Mobility/Metro Move (just shy of $9 million for the current fiscal year and roughly $1 million for the next fiscal year).
Jud Shatnan, government affairs director, and Palmer described a $10 million state general obligation bonding appropriation for regional parks and trails; under council policy that state match would be paired with regional bonds for a combined program, and staff said those funds are passed through to implementing agencies for capital improvements. They also noted a $5 million allocation for community tree planting grants and continued LCCMR funding for regional park acquisition.
Shatnan reviewed significant proposals that did not advance, including a transit consolidation bill (House File 411) proposing a regional governance model for transit, and a range of housing and zoning 'missing middle' reforms; he said those debates are likely to resume during the 2027 budget year and under the incoming administration.
Why it matters: The enacted bonding and forecasted program dollars provide funding for capital improvements and operational support important to Metro Transit, regional parks and environmental programs; items that did not pass remain policy topics for next session.
What’s next: Staff will circulate a more detailed written update and links to bill language and follow up with council members who request specific briefings.
