Sorry for the delay in response on this one. My thesis work focused on growth management issues in the Seattle metro area. They had recently passed a state wide growth management initiative, which mandated that all municipalities designate a growth boundary and vow to keep lands outside that line (under jurisdiction of the county) as rural lands. My research, documenting land cover change (inferring land use from land cover) showed the urban growth boundaries meant diddly, and growth continued mostly unabated outside these lines.
The reason I bring this up is the inherent weakness in the Metro Council's ability to enforce its doctrines. They do not have the legislative privilege to mandate compliance and cooperation. Don't get me wrong... I don't like top-down government. I feel that the local constituency should have the final say in the growth of their communities. However, I don't feel that information on APPLICATION and IMPLEMENTATION and the possible benefits of growth management have been adequately disseminated amongst metro communities. Planning and zoning generally occur at the municipal level, and cooperation between communities is rare. The concept of the Met Council is great... however, they need to do a better job of encouraging and facilitating cooperation and vision across municipal and county lines to achieve a region-wide vision of a livable community. Dreaming of the future... Melissa Wyatt Uptown Minneapolis -----Original Message----- From: David Erickson [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2002 11:22 AM To: TC Metro Subject: [TCMetro] Met Council & the Gubernatorial Race Hi, all: In today's Pioneer Press, Ted Mondale responds to recent articles about the Met Council's growth policies: Met Council's growth plan not intended to encourage 'leapfrog development' http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/opinion/3804598.htm Also, during the first gubernatorial debates, the candidates addressed the Met Council, transportation, and other regional issues: RealVideo: http://video1.tpt.org:8080/ramgen/almanac/show/debate20020731.rm I'm wondering generally how people think the Metropolitan Council is doing in your local communities? Good, bad, indifferent? Any stories to share? Also, somewhat related, the transportation debate in the gubernatorial race looks like it will be interesting with the views represented by the four candidates. What are the transportation issues in your community? Best, David Erickson: [EMAIL PROTECTED] List Manager Anoka County/Fridley _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day. _______________________________________________ Twin Cities Metropolitan Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/tcmetro Rules: Sign posts with real name. You may not post more than twice a day.
