Community Leaders Collaboration (2024)
Thirty leaders from three community organizations participated in the Community Leaders Collaboration. These organizations—Mi C.A.S.A., Community Resource Center, and Comunidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL)—were selected to uplift resident voices that are often and historically excluded in policy making. Community Leaders held six workshops and conducted over 100 peer interviews, then collaborated with staff to interpret and draw conclusions from the qualitative data. Community Leaders' policy recommendations include the following:
- Robust public transportation is viewed as a catalyst for economic opportunity
- Safe non-vehicle transportation options, such as bike lanes and sidewalks, are needed in suburban areas
- Neighborhoods need strong social connections
- Multi-lingual and culturally responsive housing resources are vital
- Access to green space is a priority for improving physical and mental health
The reports below summarize their full findings and policy recommendations for regional land use, housing, transportation, parks and trails, and environmental justice.
Young Leaders Collaboration (2023)
The Young Leader’s Collaboration partnered with five youth (ages 14 - 24) leadership development organizations in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Scott Counties. During 30 hours of workshops and outside research, participants studied Metropolitan Council authorities and research methods. They identified their own values, vision statements, and goals for the region based on their analysis work and lived experience.
Young leaders completed over 125 interviews with their peers on topics including pedestrian and transit safety, housing affordability, land use needs for cultural and community connection, habitat conservation, park access, and welcoming communities. They identified the connections between their lived experiences, community needs, and Met Council policy areas.