Consider the TAB—Application Deadline April 18

TLC is urging supporters to consider applying for the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB). This powerful body oversees the allocation of nearly $150 million dollars in federal funding for roads, transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and other projects. 

The TAB has 33 members who represent a variety of interests across the 7-county metro area. If you live in one of the open Districts (see list below), please consider applying. The deadline is April 18, 2011.

TLC believes it’s important to fill these positions with people who:

• Have a genuine personal interest in transportation policy.
• Support a balanced transportation vision that includes: 1) road repair (as opposed to expansion), 2) more transit, bicycling, and walking, and 3) less development at the region’s edge.
• Are able to actively participate in the monthly TAB meeting (held the third Wednesday at 1:30 – 3:30 pm) and an additional subcommittee meeting.

These positions require a significant time commitment (6-8 hours per month) because the TAB's processes are complicated and take a while to master. Serving on TAB is a very interesting and informative experience and a great stepping stone for work in the transportation field. See TLC’s action alert for information or visit the Met Council’s web site page about the TAB.

If you live in one of the following Districts, please consider applying. 

• North Metro (aka District E, Council districts 9 and 10) represents the Anoka County cities of Andover, Anoka, Bethel, Blaine, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lexington, Oak Grove, Ramsey, St. Francis, and Linwood; and the Ramsey County cities of Arden Hills, Blaine, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Mounds View, New Brighton, North Oaks, Roseville, Shoreview, and Spring Lake Park. Term expires Jan. 2013.
• Saint Paul & Southeast Metro (aka District G, Council districts 13 and 14) represents all of St. Paul and the Dakota County cities of Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. Term expires Jan. 2013.
• Dakota County (aka District H, Council districts 15 and 16) represents most of Dakota County except the northernmost cities. Term expires Jan. 2013.
• Minneapolis (aka District D, Council districts 7 and 8) represents most of Minneapolis, except the southwest portion of the city. Term expires Jan. 2012.
• Transit - One “modal” representative to represent urban, suburban and specialized public transit interests. Term expires Jan 2012.

If you want to know more about serving on TAB, feel free to contact TLC’s Executive Director Barb Thoman, who served on TAB for five years.