Consider Membership in the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative

The Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), some times  referred to as the Mississippi Mayor's group, is a local government-lead effort empowering the ten states and over one hundred cities that border the Mississippi River to act for its continued prosperity, sustainability, and economic growth. Through MRCTI, mayors and other leaders cooperate to give new urgency to issues facing the Mississippi River, and a unified voice to effectively resolve them. The following is from their web site:

"Over 3 million residents collectively populate the 124 Mississippi River main stem cities and towns. These riparian population centers are soundly River-centric. MRCTI gives a common voice to those who depend most upon the River, and by virtue of doing so, spans political and economic interests. That is, it taps a natural source of the longed-for integration of transportation, farming, industrial, municipal and environmental interests to launch lasting solutions to river management issues.
The outcome of the MRCTI is designed to be tangible improvement of Mississippi River:

• Water quality,
• Flood and floodplain management, and
• River economy and environmental protection.

The MRCTI articulates and helps drive multi-stakeholder solutions to recurring federal and state policy problems that impede environmental and economic health of river communities. This project also builds capacity of the MRCTI members to undertake effective local initiatives to attract green jobs, move to sustainable economies and achieve local environmental protection goals. Ultimately, this work helps protect and restore the Mississippi River as a natural system that can sustainably support human culture and economies as well as wildlife.

• River water quality and habitat restoration,
• Flooding and floodplain issues,
• River-focused recreation,
• Sustainable economies,
• Celebration of the River culture and history."

The following is a link to the web site:  http://www.nemw.org/index.php/current-initiatives-16859/mississippi-river-cities-and-towns-initiative
 

Staff has done preliminary research on the activity of this new organization and finds no concerns, and that membership is free.  Further, many of the above stated goals align with the city of Ramsey's interests and generally with elements of the Strategic Plan.

The purpose of this case is for City Council to direct staff to do one of the following:

• Pursue a membership for the Mayor, with one or more Staff members to serve as alternates
• Research additional information
• Do nothing further at this time

No funding is required.

Staff recommends pursuing membership in the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, as there is no cost, and it may be an effective tool in advancing a number of Ramsey's goals, as well as facilitate additional access to the State Legislature and Congress.

Based upon discussion.