Metropolitan Council’s recently released growth forecasts are premised on analysis and modeling of the metro area’s economic strength, and regional position within a larger, world economy. The analysis suggests a very balanced industry mix, good labor supply across a complete range of occupations, and competitive strength in several high-value industries.  All of this suggests good prospects for economic and employment growth over the next three decades. 

The Council forecasts an employment gain of 570,000 jobs, up from 1,548,000 in 2010 to 2,118,000 in 2040. The Council anticipates employment growth will range from 13 percent in the current decade to 9 percent in the 2030s. This growth contrasts with a net employment loss experienced during the 2000s.
For more background on the Metropolitan Council’s projections for the metro area through 2040, click here.

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Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) recently received an award from Xcel Energy for their continued engagement and success as a partner in Xcel's Conservation Improvement Program. Due to Metropolitan Council Environmental Services’ cost- and energy-saving measures, Xcel Energy has awarded MCES its 2012 “Xcel Energy Efficiency Partner”. This is the third time MCES has received the award (previously in 2009 and 2010).

Xcel’s Minnesota Efficiency Partner program recognizes customers and trade partners for their substantial energy efficiency efforts, and highlights efforts to help the environment by implementing and promoting energy-efficiency improvements.

MCES, one of three divisions of the Metropolitan Council, collects and treats wastewater at its seven regional treatment plants. It also develops plans to preserve and manage the region's water resources. MCES treatment plants process an average of 260 million gallons of wastewater every day from more than two million residents.

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The Minneapolis-St. Paul area’s population will grow in two ways in the coming decades: it will grow in size, and it will grow in diversity.

The Metropolitan Council has predicted that by 2040, the population of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area will grow by 893,000 people to a total population of 3,743,000, and that 43% of residents will be people of color in 2040 – up from 24% in 2010. The region’s Hispanic population is expected to nearly triple, from 168,000 in 2010 to 479,000 in 2040.

The region will also see a more diverse student population. The population of color under age 25 will double in size by 2040 up from 335,000 in 2010 to 676,000. This change will then be reflected in Minnesota’s workforce as that population moves from school into the job market further down the road; likewise, the workforce by 2040 will reflect the diversity of today’s under-25 population.

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Governor Dayton speaks at the 2012 Disabilities Day Rally in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda.

The Partners in Policymaking Program recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter century of advocacy, education, and inspiration for people with developmental disabilities and their families.  

Since 1987, the program – led by the Department of Administration’s Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC), has provided leadership training for parents of children with developmental disabilities and adults with disabilities.  By helping these individuals self-advocate and form relationships with elected officials and policymakers, the program empowers them to positively shape the policies and services that impact their lives.

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-Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon during her trip to Germany 

This week, Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Pretter Solon is leading a 16-member delegation in Germany, joined by Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds.  The delegation is made up of experts from Minnesota and Iowa that will study Germany’s energy and power systems, in the search for finding more energy efficient methods that could aid in creating and maintaining a more sustainable Minnesota.  
   
What is it About?

A group of experts from Minnesota and Iowa are in Germany this week learning about energy solutions that could help Minnesota. The trip is organized by the University of Minnesota’s Center for German and European Studies together with Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Germany’s Foreign office. The group will hear from both Germany’s economics and environment ministries in hopes to learn more about their renewable energy projects.
 

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Although widely known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Minnesota is also home to 90,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 800,000 registered watercraft. The vast number of lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Minnesota led the state to establish what is now the oldest and largest water trails system in the nation. This is why Governor Dayton has proclaimed July 14, 2012 to be State Water Trails Day in Minnesota.

View the Governor’s Proclamation here.

The Water Trails System, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is comprised of a series of recreational routes mapped and managed for canoeing, kayaking, boating, and camping. One of the most scenic trails is the 155-mile Lake Superior Water Trail, which hugs the shores of the world's largest freshwater lake. The newest addition to the water trail system, the Cedar River State Water Trail, flows from just north of Austin, Minnesota to Southeast Iowa, where it joins the Iowa River.

The DNR is encouraging all Minnesotans to experience the state's water systems Saturday. You can see more about it and learn more about Minnesota’s State Water Trail system, including locations, outfitting, and safety information, at the DNR website. If you are new to paddling and want to gain some skills for the water, check out the offerings in the "I Can Paddle!" program. This is on ongoing part of the DNR's "I Can!" outdoors course offerings, which includes instruction in camping, fishing and climbing.
 

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Governor Mark Dayton kicked off Minnesota’s largest veterans career fair this morning by proclaiming July “Hire a Veteran” month.  Today at the Minnesota Veterans Career Fair the Governor urged businesses to hire veterans and noted their skills and leadership abilities are what Minnesota employers are looking for. 

“Hiring veterans is one of the best investments businesses can make in the future success of their companies and of our state,” Governor Mark Dayton said.  “Veterans have the skills Minnesota employers are looking for, including leadership, intelligence, dedication, and loyalty.  They also have proven their abilities to perform at the highest levels under all kinds of pressures and conditions.”

Governor Dayton’s office also recently hired a Minnesota Veteran, Amanda Ingvaldson, after she returned from serving with the Minnesota National Guard in support of ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom.

By increasing the public’s awareness of the high unemployment rate of veterans, “Hire a Veteran” month not only gives veterans an opportunity to work but it also promotes good business in Minnesota. 

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The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is going to grow a lot in the next few decades, and Governor Dayton is proud to be leading Minnesota into a new era of increased output, population, and diversity.

According to demographic changes projected by the Metropolitan Council, the Twin Cities metro area will see substantial growth in overall population, population diversity, economic output and jobs  over the coming three decades.

The Council projects that by 2040, the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area will grow by 893,000 people, to a total of 3,743,000, and that 43% of the metro population will be people of color (up from 24% in 2010). This is a slower growth rate per decade – at roughly 9 or 10 percent – than the 15 percent the metro area witnessed in the 1980s and 90s.

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This past Tuesday, July 3, the National Education Association (NEA) honored Governor Mark Dayton with the 2012 America’s Greatest Education Governor Award. The annual award recognizes and honors governors who have made major, state-level education strides that improve public schools. The award was presented by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel before approximately 9,000 educators. Governor Dayton is the fifth recipient of the award.

In regard to the award, Governor Dayton said, “I am very honored to receive this award from educators across America,” said Gov. Dayton. “As a former public school teacher, I know how challenging their jobs are.  I promised that my administration would make education and jobs my highest priorities.  This award shows we’re making progress.”

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