Rail Crossings and Rail Safety

• Support funding for modernization and separation of rail-vehicle traffic as a critical matter of public safety and congestion relief along all major rail lines in the North Metro.

• Secure funding for vehicle/pedestrian bridge crossing BNSF rail line at 57th Avenue in Fridley.

• Support funding MnDOT quiet zone recommendations for installation of gate and median/dividers in New Brighton.

Transportation Advocacy

• North Highway 65 Coalition

• I-94 West Corridor Coalition

• Highway 252 Conversion Group

• Highway 10 Workgroup

• Connect Blue Line Now! Coalition to address barriers and begin construction on Blue Line Light Rail (Bottineau) project

Specific Transportation Projects:

• Highway 610 – Advocate for improvements through the Fish Lake Split and expanding capacity on I-94 from Maple Grove to the west. 

• Highway 65 – Support freeway conversion.

• Trunk Highway 252 – Support freeway conversion.

• Secure funding for County State Aid Highway (CSAH) reconstruction/improvement projects.

• Support Highway 169/Elm Creek Blvd interchange reconstruction

• NMMA should be an active participant in any discussions of developing an additional Mississippi River Bridge crossing in the North Metro.

• Support funding for reconstruction of 109th Avenue - Support funding for the reconstruction of this joint project for the Cities of Champlin and Brooklyn Park

• Trunk Highway 10 - Support funding to construct the Strategic Congestion Mitigation Lane (3rd lane) between Hanson and Round Lake Blvds in Coon Rapids.

Fiscal Policy

• Represent NMMA perspectives in debates over comprehensive tax reform proposals to be sure the collective North Metro voice is heard and to ensure that the Local Government Aid and Metro Area Fiscal Disparities programs remain intact.

• Support and advocate for TIF legislation sought by member cities and support the use of TIF as a tool for cities to promote economic development.

• Support legislation to provide the statutory authority necessary to impose fees for future street improvements and development.

• Work with other city groups to soften the impact to cities seeing reduced Local Government Aid (LGA) and consider proving a base minimum LGA allocation for cities.

Governance

• Collaborate with city groups to advance key local governmental legislative objectives.

• Support Metropolitan Council changes, including staggered terms, elected city officials’ significant participation in nominating Metropolitan Council members, and increased transparency in the appointment process.

• Engage NMMA Community Partners in legislative efforts to more effectively carry the NMMA message to elected officials and the governor’s administration.

• Support amending the process for appointment of Water District Commissioners to allow cities more input

Additional Issues

• PUBLIC SAFETY: Collaborate with city groups on public safety PTSD issues.

• PUBLIC SAFETY: Support efforts to improve pedestrian safety on Trunk Highway 47 between Osborne Road in Fridley to U.S. Highway 10 in Coon Rapids.

• PUBLIC SAFETY: Support funding for the Coon Creek Regional Trail Pedestrian Bridge in Coon Rapids.

• PUBLIC SAFETY: Support communities facing negative fallout from hosting landfills and toxic waste sites.

• PUBLIC SAFETY: Support funding for a Brooklyn Park fire station and emergency operations center.

• ELECTIONS: Support legislation creating administrative and financial efficiencies for local governments.

• TRANSPORTATION: Support the completion of the University of Minnesota COVID-19 Implications on Public Transportation Study and maintain NorthStar service at least through completion of construction projects on Highway 10 in Anoka/Ramsey to provide commuter options for traveling through the region.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Support funding for linking the Rice Creek North Regional Trail in Circle Pines with other regional trails.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Support funding for the Elm Creek Greenway Trail Corridor and Mill Pond Area in Champlin.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Support funding to cities to address invasive species such as Emerald Ash Borer.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Establish a MnDOT fund for the maintenance of existing noise walls.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Support Community Center renovation and expansion bonding requests.

• QUALITY OF LIFE: Support member city efforts to improve water quality and treatment.