HF1329

This bill proposes significant changes to the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council in Minnesota. Below are the key provisions:

1. Changes to Membership and Appointment Process:

   • Expands the Metropolitan Council from 17 members to 44 members.
   • Members will be appointed as follows:
     • One county commissioner from each of the seven metro-area counties.
     • One local elected official or citizen representative from each Metropolitan Council district, appointed by a municipal committee, or by the city council if the district is entirely within a single city.
     • The Commissioner of Transportation (or designee).
     • One representative each for non-motorized transportation, freight transportation, and public transit, all appointed by the Commissioner of Transportation.
   • Members serve staggered four-year terms, except those appointed by the Transportation Commissioner, who serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

2. Changes to the Council Chair’s Role:

   • The chair will no longer be appointed by the governor.
   • Instead, the council will elect a chair and vice-chair from its members.
   • The chair's duties will include being the principal spokesperson, meeting with local officials and legislators, and presenting the council’s plans to the governor and legislature.

3. Introduction of Municipal Committees:

   • Each Metropolitan Council district will have a municipal committee, consisting of representatives from cities and towns within the district.
   • These committees will be responsible for appointing council members and must meet quarterly.

4. Election and Representation Changes:

   • The Metropolitan Council will expand from 16 districts to 33 districts after the 2027 redistricting.
   • Council district boundaries will be redrawn after each federal census to maintain equal population.

5. Elimination of the Transportation Advisory Board:

   • The bill removes the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB), shifting its functions to the Metropolitan Council.

6. Voting Rules and Quorum:

   • The chair and most appointed members can vote on all matters.
   • The Commissioner of Transportation and transportation appointees can only vote on metropolitan planning issues.
   • Council levies require a 60% approval vote from the members present.
   • Adopting or amending metropolitan system plans also requires 60% approval.

7. Transition Provisions:

   • The current council members will continue to serve until new members are appointed using the new process.

Overall, this bill shifts power away from gubernatorial appointments and gives local officials and municipalities more control over Metropolitan Council representation. It also eliminates the Transportation Advisory Board while expanding the council's size and changing voting structures.