Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to update and refine procedures and requirements surrounding the Metropolitan Council's operations. It focuses on improving certain review processes, altering funding allocation methods, and changing reporting requirements related to metropolitan programs.

Main Provisions

• Biennial Review: The Metropolitan Council and advisory committee must conduct a review of certain rules and submit their findings every two years, specifically in years ending with the number five.

• Affordable Housing Goals: The Council is tasked with negotiating housing goals with each municipality, focusing on affordable and lifecycle housing, aligning these goals with greater metropolitan policies.

• Funding Distribution: Adjustments to how funds are distributed to municipalities that have not yet met housing goals but are actively working towards them. Priority is given to projects connecting jobs with housing and those providing additional matching funds.

• Allocation Formula: Starts the allocation request and review process earlier each year, modifying the timeline and calculations for distributing funds related to regional recreational open space systems based on use, expenses, and acreage.

• Expiration of Agricultural Land Designation: Provides steps for authorities to declassify land as agricultural for long-term development, requiring updated comprehensive plans and zoning changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Reporting Timing and Process: Changes the timeline for reporting to the legislature regarding rule reviews and major amendments, stipulating that reports must be made in January and requiring a 90-day waiting period before implementing significant changes.

• Revised Housing Goal Process: Updates procedures for municipalities to declare their plans to meet housing goals, now requiring these plans be reported every year after goals are renegotiated.

• Adjustments to Financial Requirements: Introduces new criteria and priorities for municipal funding distribution based on certain financial disparities and development impacts, influencing how resources are allocated for affordable housing initiatives.

• Land Use Changes: Details the formal process for reclassifying land away from agricultural use to promote more intensive development when aligned with regional planning updates.

Relevant Terms

Metropolitan Council, biennial review, affordable housing, lifecycle housing, funding distribution, regional recreation open space, land zoning, long-term agriculture, municipal funding, comprehensive plan.