Council's Regional Growth Strategy supports urban growth only within boundary, delineated through joint Council-city planning. Staged and managed growth with compact development patterns. Farmland essential to region's future Council's Regional Growth Strategy supports long-term agriculture in Permanent Agricultural Area. Stronger landowner incentives needed. Protection of prime farmland from spreading development.
Healthy environment contributes to sustainable growth.
Council, Association of Metro Municipalities, Builders Association and Housing Finance Agency working on recommendations to change regulations affecting housing costs Mix of housing choices strengthens region's livability, economic prospects. LRT to strengthen region's core 12-mile link from downtown Minneapolis to airport and Mall of America by 2003. Alternative to congestion. Catalyst for private investment around transit stations, creating jobs and tax revenue. Transit alternatives growing Expanded transit system to double bus ridership in 20 years.