Adopt Resolution #20-263 Renewing Enrollment in the Livable Communities Program

The purpose of this case is to consider renewing enrollment in the Metropolitan Council's Livable Communities Program. Participants must renew their enrollment every ten years following completion of local Comprehensive Plans. Ramsey's Comprehensive Plan was just recently considered complete for review and is slated for final adoption in November/December. Ramsey was not eligible to start this renewal process until the Comprehensive Plan was considered complete for review. 

Ramsey has been one of the original participants in this voluntary grant program. Over the past 20+ years, Ramsey has secured over $6M for development projects including, but not limited to the list below.

• Sunwood Drive in The COR
• Center Street in The COR
• The Draw Park and Amphitheater in The COR
• Planning and Design for Future Grade Separated Pedestrian Crossing over Highway 10
• Brownfield Cleanup in Business Park 95
• Soils Remediation in former Municipal Center for Harvest Estates Redevelopment
• Brownfield Cleanup for River Walk Village Redevelopment

Notification is not required. 

This is a voluntary program; the City is not obligated to participate. Participation does not require any additional resources; requirements of the program are activities already completed (i.e. development reporting). While participation in the program does require establishing certain housing goals, these goals are not regulatory in nature. In fact, these goals are simply a reflection of what is already in our Comprehensive Plan. 

At the end of the day, participation in this program is a net benefit to the City. There are not costs to participate in the program and no penalties for not meeting any of the stated goals. It simply provides an additional funding opportunity that has been critical to a number of projects and necessary infrastructure. 

Looking forward, there are a number of potential development projects in the near term that might benefit from this program. Of note, Riverstone South might have a number of grant eligible activities that this program could support. 

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. 

Staff recommends renewing enrollment in the program. 

Motion to adopt Resolution #20-263 renewing enrollment in the Livable Communities Program.