Regional Solicitation Facts

Investing in long-term regional transportation needs 

The Regional Solicitation is one way the Metropolitan Council prioritizes and invests in roads, bridges and transit, as well as biking and walking needs. Whether for existing infrastructure or new improvements, projects focus on outcomes like moving more people more effectively, managing congestion and improving air quality. 

Infographic: 481 Grants totaling about 1.5 billion. Which leverages 1 billion in local funds. Totaling 2.5 billion in transportation investments.
 

Awarding federal funds across the region 

The Regional Solicitation happens once every two years and awards about $180 million in federal funds. The Council’s Transportation Advisory Board, comprising local elected officials and resident members, is central to the solicitation process. 

While the board sets the expectations for the solicitation, scoring committees evaluate all project submissions. More than 60 technical experts volunteer their time over a two-month period. They provide their knowledge and experience on specific measures to score and recommend the most suitable regional projects to the board. 


Projects support congestion relief, safety, transit advantages 

In 2018, the board selected 57 projects through the Regional Solicitation process, allocating $200 million in 40 different cities and townships, in all seven counties. Some of this cycle’s funding highlights: 

  • A new bridge over I-94 in Washington County with METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit lanes. 
  • Four projects to improve customer boarding for three rapid transit lines in Bloomington, Richfield, Minneapolis and Saint Paul.  
  • Hennepin Avenue reconstruction in Minneapolis. 
  • Safety improvements for students crossing Galaxie Avenue to Apple Valley’s Greenleaf Elementary School. 


Regional Solicitation process 


Regional Solicitation Process Graphic
 


Application categories by mode

Roadways Including Multimodal Elements

  • Traffic Management Technologies
  • Spot Mobility and Safety
  • Strategic Capacity
  • Roadway Reconstruction/ Modernization
  • Bridges

Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

  • Multiuse Trails and Bicycle Facilities
  • Pedestrian Facilities
  • Safe Routes to School ( Infrastructure )

Transit and Travel Demand Management ( TDM ) Projects

  • Arterial Bus Rapid Transit Project
  • Transit Expansion
  • Transit Modernization
  • Travel Demand Management
    • Base Level
    • Innovative
Unique Projects (2.5% of federal Funds; $4M to $5M) Including the Regional Travel Behavior Inventory/Modeling Program


Successful projects align with regional policies 

Proposed projects must align with the goals of the region’s 2040 Transportation Policy Plan. The plan defines a policy framework of transportation system stewardship, safety and security, access to destinations, competitive economy, healthy and equitable communities, and transportation investments that guide land use. 

Evaluation criteria are specific to the application categories. Among the criteria, proposals must address the project’s role in the regional transportation system and regional economy, age and condition of the infrastructure, safety, connections, equity, and affordable housing. 
 

For more information

See details on the Regional Solicitation page.