[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of John Pacheco, Jr. as District 6 Council member on the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) for a term expiring on January 2, 2023. Met Council District 6 serves Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, St. Louis Park, and a portion of Minneapolis.

“I’m honored to appoint John Pacheco, Jr.,” said Governor Walz. “The Met Council plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and development not only for the metro, but all of Minnesota. As a former Council member and President of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota, John is well prepared to help create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient economy for Minnesotans.”

“John Pacheco, Jr. is an experienced professional with a demonstrated record of including and elevating the priorities of underrepresented communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I’m hopeful to see John take on this appointment to the Metropolitan Council.”

“I would like to thank Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan for providing me with an opportunity to serve on the Metropolitan Council,” said Pacheco. “ The Council has great responsibilities impacting the day to day lives of the people in the metro area and the state. I look forward to serving as the representative for District 6.”

About John Pacheco, Jr.
John is the president of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota and a principal with Pacheco & Associates, where he works with nonprofits and corporations to develop workforce initiatives to close employment and training gaps for communities of color and Indigenous communities. Previously, John was Vice President and Director of the U.S. Bank Foundation and the Xcel Energy Foundation. He studied at the University of Minnesota.

About the Met Council
The Met Council is a state-funded regional planning agency that serves the Twin Cities' seven-county metropolitan area. The council's mission is to work with local communities to develop a comprehensive regional planning framework that focuses on transportation, wastewater, housing, parks, and aviation systems, and guides local growth.