Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan issued Executive Order 20-88 creating the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on the Metropolitan Council’s Structure and Services to evaluate the governance structure of the Metropolitan Council.

“As the needs of our communities evolve, it is good stewardship to evaluate the broader governance of the Metropolitan Council by assessing what changes have been made and determining whether changes need to be made as we look ahead,” said Governor Walz. “I have great respect for the leaders on the committee, and I trust that they will complete this work thoroughly and thoughtfully.”

“Our metropolitan community has the potential to be a place of opportunity and growth for everyone,” said Lt. Governor Flanagan. “I look forward to the recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Committee to create a more equitable and prosperous region for all to thrive.”

The Metropolitan Council has been serving the Twin Cities metropolitan region for more than 50 years and has evolved over time to proactively take on challenges that transcend city and county boundaries. The organization provides critical services in the metropolitan area, bringing communities together to develop a shared vision for the region.

Governor Walz has selected a regional and bipartisan team to review and assess the work of the Metropolitan Council. The committee includes civic, business, and academic leaders to provide for a broad range of input and expertise.

Mary Liz Holberg

Dakota County Commissioner, former Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and former Chair of the House Transportation Finance Committee

Jay Cowles

Chairman, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees

Peter Bell

Former Chair of the Metropolitan Council from the Pawlenty administration

Mary Jo McGuire

Ramsey County Commissioner, District 2

Doug Loon

President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Pahoua Yang Hoffman

Senior Vice President, Community Impact, Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation

Tom Weaver

CEO, Achieve Services

Alene Tchourumoff

Senior Vice President, Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank for Community Development and the Center for Indian Country Development.

Pat Born

Member, Citizens League Board of Directors.

Elizabeth B. Kautz

Mayor, Burnsville

Jim Hovland

Mayor, Edina and Chair of the Municipal Legislative Commission

Janet Williams

Mayor, Savage

Jerry (Zhirong) Zhao

Professor and Director of the Master of Public Policy program, University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs

George Schember

Vice president, Cargill Transportation & Logistics

Khani Sahebjam

Chief Strategy Office, SRF Consulting.

The Committee will review and make recommendations on the role of elected versus appointed council members, the role of the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the effectiveness of the delivery of regional transit service.

“The Metropolitan Council welcomes the independent commission of nonpartisan leaders to do an in-depth review of the organization’s governance,” said Charlie Zelle, Chair, Metropolitan Council. “I am optimistic this committee will validate the integrity of the work being done to foster efficient and economic growth for a prosperous metropolitan region.”

The Committee will convene its first meeting after Labor Day. Conclusions and recommendations will be provided to the Governor by mid-December.