Metropolitan Council

**Who We Are** The Metropolitan Council is the regional policy-making body, planning agency, and provider of essential services in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Our mission is to foster efficient and economic growth for a prosperous region. Policy-making, planning, and coordination The [17-member Metropolitan Council](https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/TheCouncil/CouncilMembers.aspx) is a policy-making board that guides the strategic growth of the metro area. We partner with 181 cities and townships, 7 counties, other government entities, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others. Elected officials, local government staff, and residents share their expertise with the Met Council by serving on [key advisory committees](https://metrocouncil.org/Council-Meetings/Committees.aspx). Strategic investments and services support regional economic vitality The Met Council [provides essential services and infrastructure](https://metrocouncil.org/About-Us/What-We-Do.aspx) — Metro Transit's bus and rail system, Metro Mobility, Transit Link, wastewater treatment services, regional parks, planning, affordable housing, and more — that support communities and businesses and ensure a high quality of life for residents. We rely on several funding sources, including user fees for wastewater treatment and transit services, state and federal funds, and a seven-county property tax.