2012 Legislature long on rhetoric and short on results
Except for approving a publicly subsidized stadium for the Vikings, this was a mediocre performance by state lawmakers.
Steven Dornfeld
Steven Dornfeld reports on government, politics and public policy issues. He has been a government reporter for the Minneapolis Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. From 2003 to 2011, he was the Metropolitan Council’s director of public affairs.
Transit fare cards gain popularity
For the last five years, a form of smart card – called the Go-To card – has been rapidly gaining in popularity.
Grants help fund Twin Cities’ transit-oriented development
The Metropolitan Council figures that it doesn’t hurt to prime the pump, especially during these challenging economic times.
Twin Cities population growth expected to slow
Forecasted trends will affect future demand for housing, schools and other services.
Twin Cities’ rail-transit proposals could be on a collision course
Officials from the southwest, northwest and east could be converging at the Capitol seeking $100 million each.
It’s time to take the ‘Commuter Challenge’
Try taking the bus or train, bicycling, ridesharing, walking or teleworking at least once by June 30.
Twin Cities’ exurban housing boom stalls — perhaps for good
Shift largely due to rising gasoline prices and an aging population.
Minnesota builders warn energy-code changes would raise price of homes
Dispute highlights tough housing issue of balancing energy efficiency and affordability.
Why the quality of Minnesota’s Legislature has declined
Four reasons the Legislature’s membership isn’t what it used to be.
House GOP would aid inefficient suburban transit lines
The proposal also opens the door for more suburbs to opt out of the Metro Transit system.
Housing squeeze tight for Minnesota’s low-income families
The dramatic decline in home values has not resulted in improved access to affordable housing for extremely low-income families.
Minnesotans are driving less, MnDOT says
The trend has helped slow the growth in traffic congestion on metro area roads.
House GOP floats plan to restructure regional planning
Proposal would create multiple boards and commissions to do the work now performed by the Met Council.
How MPR’s legal misadventure is driving up the cost of LRT line
The case graphically illustrates one of the reasons that public infrastructure projects escalate in cost and drag on past intended completion dates.
Central Corridor LRT will bring bus service changes
Metro Transit will seek public input beginning this week on plans to restructure bus service along University Avenue.
With stadium plan, Dayton carries on unfortunate legacy of ‘gambling governor’
Mark Dayton is borrowing a page from the political handbook of Rudy Perpich to expand legalized gambling in Minnesota.
Two routes in St. Paul recommended for bus rapid transit service
Snelling Avenue and West Seventh Street have emerged as candidates for a new form of “urban” BRT service in the metro area.
Met Council assesses Twin Cities employment trends
The job supply is growing, but the Twin Cities is lagging behind many of its regional peers.
Construction resumes soon on LRT project
The second season of heavy construction on the $957-million Central Corridor light-rail transit line will begin as soon as March 1.
Park-and-ride use hits new high in metro area
Expanding facilities is a key element in the Met Council’s strategy for growing transit ridership and easing traffic.
