Item 5A. Draft 2026 Legislative Platform
Superintendent's Recommendation:
NO ACTION REQUIRED; THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Prepared By: Mandy Whiteside, Associate Superintendent, Engagement and Visitor Experience, and Jason McGrew-King, Intergovernmental Relations and Communications Supervisor
Background:
At the beginning of each Legislative session, the Board of Commissioners adopts a Legislative Platform (attached), which identifies legislative issues that are supported and monitored during the upcoming Legislative session in an effort to maintain the operation of Three Rivers Park District. Adoption of the Platform is a starting point for Three Rivers’ governmental relations efforts for the Legislative session, which will begin on February 17, 2026.
The following topics concerning Three Rivers Park District are included in the draft Platform:
Capital improvements
The upcoming session is the second year of the legislative biennium, which traditionally is a “bonding year” when the Legislature considers a large omnibus bill to fund capital improvements throughout the State of Minnesota.
Three Rivers has prioritized a request for $24 million in state capital improvement funding for improvements to the regional trail network. The project will expand and improve Three Rivers’ regional trail network in recognition that it is a critical component of the non-motorized active transportation network. The $24 million in state bonds would leverage more than $25 million in federal funds that have been committed to the project, and the request is scalable depending on the level of funding the Legislature deems is available.
In addition to the regional trail system improvements, the draft Legislative Platform includes a provision describing the importance of capital improvement funding for repairs to the Coon Rapids Dam. Inspections conducted in 2021 and 2024 identified repairs that are necessary for the continued operation and functionality of the dam. Under terms of the joint powers agreement between Three Rivers Park District and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), MnDNR is responsible for maintenance of the dam. The draft Legislative Platform indicates Three Rivers Park District’s support for an appropriation to MnDNR to fund the necessary repairs to the dam.
The draft Platform also indicates support for a bonding appropriation for the Metropolitan Regional Parks System, which would be shared among the 10 implementing agencies and would provide funds for Three Rivers capital improvement projects.
Habitat restoration and protection
The draft Platform includes provisions highlighting recent natural resources partnerships, including the collaborative effort with Ducks Unlimited to enhance waterfowl habitat at Carver Park Reserve’s Lake 2 and the partnership with Hennepin County, the Minnesota Land Trust and the University of Minnesota to form the Natural Resources Partner Coalition with the goal of protecting, restoring and connecting high-quality natural resources in the region.
E-bikes and “e-motos”
The draft Platform also addresses the challenges trail providers throughout the state, including Three Rivers, are facing due to the increased use of non-legal “e-moto” bikes on the trails and supports statewide efforts to ensure the trails are safe and welcoming for all users.
Staff will seek direction from the Board on December 18 regarding the draft 2026 Legislative Platform. Staff will revise the draft Platform based on Board discussion and will seek Board approval of the final version of the plan at the January 15, 2026, Board meeting. Following Board adoption of the plan, copies will be printed and distributed to Legislators during the upcoming Legislative session.
Relationship to the System Plan:
The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:
Goal 1: You Belong Here
Goal 2: Parks Matter
Goal 3: Lead by Example
Attachments:
