Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Peter Bell

The power of the Met Council

Traveling through Minneapolis
The light rail travels through downtown Minneapolis on Friday, May 16, 2014.
Caroline Yang / For MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The Metropolitan Council is meant to work for the seven-county metro area, but some officials involved in the southwest metro light rail debate argue otherwise.

Created in 1967, the council has had its power and influence expanded and strengthened over the years. Actions of the Met Council can trump local governments, which has some asking if it is guilty of overreach. Sixteen of the 17 members represent metro districts, but they're appointed by the governor.

From MinnPost:

For officials in the region who are elected, that fact has long been the source of frustration. "This whole thing has made me wonder once again how different would this look if ... the Met Council and the members had to answer to the people and the residents of the city?" Minneapolis Council Member Cam Gordon said during the city's debate over the alignment for the massive Southwest LRT project.

The non-partisan Office of the Legislative Auditor said much of the same when it went looking into the Met Council in 2011, finding that the council's lack of elected members reduced its credibility. "Many stakeholders we interviewed did not think the Met Council members are sufficiently accountable for their decisions," the report noted.

On The Daily Circuit, we look at the mechanics of the council and how those officials work with local governments.