Get ready for more than half a million new neighbors.

Why it matters: The Twin Cities' population will continue to grow over the next 25 years — especially in outer-ring suburbs — according to the latest Metropolitan Council forecast.

• All these new residents will need housing, transportation, parks and — this is not a joke — functioning toilets. It's the Met Council's job to coordinate plans for all of that.

What they're saying: Population projections are "a foundational element of our regional plan," LisaBeth Barajas, the Met Council's executive director of community planning, told Axios. "Now that we have this regional forecast, how are we going to accommodate that [growth]?"

Driving the growth: By 2050, the city of Carver will nearly triple in population, while Dayton (+131%), Corcoran (+123%), Victoria (+96%), Rogers (+90%) and Waconia (+73%) will continue to boom, the forecast says.

Plus: The already-large suburbs of Eden Prairie, Lakeville, Blaine and Maple Grove will each gain roughly 20,000 new residents over the forecast period.

• Rosemount (+51.3%), Hugo (+49.1%) and Lake Elmo (+66.7%) can also expect thousands more people.

Yes, but: It's not only the outer-ring suburbs that are projected to grow.

• Minneapolis' population of 433,000 will eclipse half a million people by 2050 — a far cry from the largely stagnant '90s and 2000s, Barajas noted.
• St. Paul's population will also grow, but more modestly.

How it works: After examining economic and demographic trends, forecasters used a real estate model to project where new residents will settle, Met Council principal researcher Todd Graham told Axios.

• The models assume people are attracted to neighborhoods based on their socioeconomic makeup and proximity to transportation and amenities.

Friction point: Next month, the Met Council will vote on long-range plans that would push for more housing density in "suburban edge" communities to accommodate the expected growth.

• The Star Tribune reports officials in some of these communities, including Forest Lake and Lino Lakes, have raised concerns about realistically meeting the council's housing targets.

What's next: The Met Council is scheduled to vote on the "Imagine 2050" regional plan on Feb. 12.

Go deeper: Explore an interactive map

First Canada and now Iowa — everyone wants a piece of Minnesota.

Catch up quick: Republican Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot announced plans to introduce a bill that would allow his state to negotiate to buy nine southern Minnesota counties, according to the Des Moines Register.

• "It's about 180,000 people that would become Iowans," he said.

Our thought bubble: Bousselot didn't outline his offer, so we decided to start negotiations.

• We will surrender the nine counties in exchange for the entire western Mississippi Riverfront from the Minnesota border down through Dubuque, plus a declaration that our state fair is superior.
• We keep the SPAM museum, too.

🍔 The McDonald's in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood was demolished Monday after more than 25 years of serving Big Macs at University and Snelling. (Pioneer Press)

• A spokesperson for Minnesota United FC owner Bill McGuire said building will begin "this construction season" on a multi-use development at the site.

Ex-Minneapolis cop J. Alexander Kueng, convicted of aiding and abetting in the death of George Floyd, is scheduled to be released from federal prison today. (KSTP)

🗳 Doron Clark won yesterday's DFL primary for an open Senate seat in Minneapolis. (Background via Axios)

• He'll face GOP primary winner Abigail Wolters in a Jan. 28 special election for the deep blue district.

Control of the Minnesota House appears headed for the Supreme Court.

The big picture: We're in uncharted waters, with Republicans and Democrats at odds over who's in charge and whether House is even legally in session.

State of play: Half the desks in the chamber remained empty as the Legislature gaveled in, with House Democrats boycotting day one over a power-sharing dispute.

What happened: Secretary of State Steve Simon, who presides over the start of session, ruled that the 67 GOP members present fell short of a quorum in the 134-seat chamber and announced that he was adjourning.

• Republicans objected, citing a current vacancy, and argued Simon didn't have authority to end the session. They then went on to declare a quorum and elect GOP Leader Lisa Demuth as speaker themselves.

What they're saying: Democrats called the GOP's actions an "unlawful sham with no legal authority" and said they anticipate a court challenge.

• Republicans argued they're on solid ground legally and said they'll move forward with session, with or without Democrats.

Between the lines: A fight over the fate of Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), who faced an election challenge over missing ballots, is also fueling the high-stakes showdown.

• Just hours before session began, a judge upheld his narrow victory and said no special election is needed.

Democrats demanded Republicans honor his win and promise that they won't block him from taking office.

• Demuth declined to commit to that Tuesday, saying her caucus still needs to review the ruling.

✏️ Pencil in an upcoming event.

Early Childhood Open House at City of Lakes Waldorf School Jan 18: This program offers a gentle and joyful transition from home to school, giving children the opportunity to learn and grow through self-initiated play, movement, and ample time in nature. Don't miss their Early Childhood Open House to explore the beautiful classrooms, meet dedicated teachers, and enjoy a cozy morning of bread making, beeswax crafting, and a puppet show. RSVP today.

The Minnesota Ice Festival at TCO Stadium now until Jan 16: Experience The Minnesota Ice Festival, home to the world's largest ice maze-over 18,000 sq. ft. of icy fun. Enjoy slides, skating, sculptures, food trucks, & more.

Mississippi Hot Club 10th Anniversary Party at The Hook and Ladder Theater on Jan 25: This hot club is an all string jazz ensemble with la pompe rhythm guitar, upright bass, and the lively improvisation of a solo guitar and violin. Staying true to the 1930s hot club sound, MHC also adds a healthy spread of modern twists. $19.51.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

After closing for construction nearly two months ago, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory reopened to the public Sunday with a new flower show and accessibility improvements.

• The popular spot shut down mid-November to construct ramps leading down to the gardens, replacing the small elevators that frequently broke down, the Pioneer Press reported.

Stop by: The Winter Flower Show is open from 10am-4pm daily through March 16. Free entry.