2025-67.docx
1
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CARVER AND HENNEPIN COUNTIES, MINNESOTA
DATE: September 22, 2025 RESOLUTION NO: 2025-67
MOTION BY: Kimber SECONDED BY: McDonald
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SUBURBAN TRANSIT PROVIDERS
WHEREAS, the Cities of Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Chaska, Victoria, and Carver are
currently served by Southwest Transit, a high-performing, locally governed transit agency;
WHEREAS, Southwest Transit has been consistently recognized for its efficiency,
innovation, and customer satisfaction, and has successfully adapted service levels and
innovations to meet the unique needs of southwest suburban communities;
WHEREAS, the opt-out transit model has allowed cities like Chanhassen, Eden Prairie,
Chaska, Victoria, and Carver to maintain local oversight, ensuring accountability, flexibility, and
a direct connection to the residents who rely on and fund the service;
WHEREAS, a proposal under consideration of the Minnesota Legislature aims to
eliminate suburban transit agencies and consolidate transit operations under Metro Transit,
effectively removing local control and potentially diminishing service quality and responsiveness
for suburban communities;
WHEREAS, a one-size-fits-all regional model could limit the ability of Southwest
Transit to respond to changing demographics, employment patterns, and ridership preferences in
communities like Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Chaska, Victoria, and Carver;
WHEREAS, local control is essential for ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars,
timely innovation, and equitable service tailored to specific community needs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF CHANHASSEN
CITY COUNCIL:
We encourage the Minnesota Legislature, the Governor, and the Metropolitan Council to
continue working in partnership with suburban transit communities to preserve and strengthen a
transit system that respects local governance, builds on past success, and reflects the diverse
needs of the region. Therefore, the City of Chanhassen:
- Does not support any proposal to eliminate opt-out transit services, recognizing their
essential role in providing responsive, high-quality transportation for our residents
- Urges legislation that supports fair and equitable distribution of sales tax
Docusign Envelope ID: DE238D0F-E8F5-4CFC-A57C-112CE2B1C7F4
2
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Chanhassen City Council this 22nd day of September
2025.
ATTEST:
Jenny Potter, City Clerk Elise Ryan, Mayor
YES NO ABSENT
Ryan
von Oven
Kimber
Schubert
McDonald
Docusign Envelope ID: DE238D0F-E8F5-4CFC-A57C-112CE2B1C7F4