RPO Models: Minnesota

Before 1969, there was little input by local officials in the transportation process in Minnesota. With the Regional Development Act and an executive order by the governor to establish regional development commissions, intergovernmental cooperation and coordination of federal, state and local comprehensive planning and development programs were ensured.

The state further decentralized its planning and decision-making process after the enactment of the 1991 ISTEA legislation. The state launched the Area Transportation Partnership (ATP) program to help broaden input into the project selection process. The state’s 11 regional development commissions are key partners and technical assistance providers to the ATPs around the state. The regional commissions receive $50,000 each year from the state DOT, along with a 15 percent local match, to help state and local officials implement ATP work programs.

Each Area Transportation Partnership typically includes state DOT officials, county and municipal leaders, state natural resource and economic development officials, Tribal communities, transportation modal interests and private citizens. Each regional partnership has its own process and work program. Most solicit projects for federal funding, evaluate projects and seek to integrate the priorities and needs of the membership. The groups also conduct public outreach, forward a list of regional priorities to the state and review and comment on the state’s improvement and project program.

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, which also serves as the MPO coordinator for the Duluth urban area, has expanded its regional transportation program to include an In-kind Transportation Planning Grant Program. This program provides transportation planning to small communities in Minnesota that lack resources for planning.

Arrowhead RDC uses a state transportation planning grant to support the in-kind planning services that its regional transportation advisory committee awards to small communities based on a competitive process. The planning time can be used to develop transportation enhancements, parking studies, regional infrastructure plans and other related services.

For more information, see:

Southwest Regional Development Commission Fiscal Year 2006 Work Plan (PDF)

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission In-Kind Grant Application (PDF)

Arrowhead RDC Web site



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