Competitive Economy

An integrated, multimodal transportation system helps to retain and grow existing businesses and industries and draws in new ones. It also retains and attracts talent in a market where people are increasingly seeking a less car-dependent lifestyle.

Objectives

  1. Improve multimodal access to regional job concentrations identified in Thrive MSP 2040.
  2. Invest in a multimodal transportation system to attract and retain businesses and residents.
  3. Support the region’s economic competitiveness through the efficient movement of freight.
Strategies summarized
  • The plan directs investment so the transportation system will serve the generations of today and tomorrow and attract talent and businesses looking for a place to prosper.
  • This plan expands the regional transit and bicycle systems and provides reliable options on the highway system to keep the region competitive.
  • Our connections to places beyond the region that foster its growth and economic prosperity will be strengthened by corridors that connect us statewide and beyond, reducing the impacts of congestion on freight corridors and supporting a strong airport system with national and international connections.

A good transportation system is fundamental to a robust and thriving economy. To continue being competitive, the region must shift its focus to operating and maintaining what we have. At the same time, building a more multimodal system that provides all its residents and businesses choices in how they personally or their freight moves. Practical alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle benefits everyone, including those who only want to drive. Safe and convenient choices like walking, bicycling, and transit can remove cars from highways and streets and increase everyone’s quality of life.

An integrated, multimodal transportation system helps retain and grow existing businesses and industries, while attracting new ones. The same applies to talent, and the market shows people are increasingly seeking a less car-dependent lifestyle. To support and strengthen the region’s economy, investing in a multimodal system with better integrated transit, bicycling and walking builds on an already well-developed highway system.