Active Transportation Funding

Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature approved a new regional sales tax for the seven-county Twin Cities region to support various transportation improvements. A portion of this funding is dedicated to active transportation projects and will be distributed by the Transportation Advisory Board and administered by the Metropolitan Council.

This new funding source is expected to provide up to $24 million annually for active transportation initiatives. Learn more about the Regional Transportation Sales and Use Tax.

Initial fund distribution: 2024 Regional Solicitation

The Met Council directed the first allocation of these funds to applicants who applied for the 2024 Regional Solicitation in the following categories:

  • Multiuse Trail and Bicycle Facilities
  • Pedestrian Facilities
  • Safe Routes to School

Future funding distribution criteria and priorities are currently under development through the Regional Solicitation Evaluation.

Selection process for 2024 projects

The board’s Active Transportation Working Group reviewed multiple funding scenarios and recommended dedicating up to $19 million in regional sales tax revenue to the 2024 Regional Solicitation. This funding was allocated based on the following selection criteria:

  • Allocate up to $19 million to active transportation projects.
  • Select at least one project from each active transportation category.
  • Prioritize smaller projects requesting less than $2 million in funding.
  • Choose projects that can begin construction by the end of 2026.
  • Ensure compliance with additional legislative requirements.
  • Prioritize the highest-scoring applications.
  • Require selected projects to provide a 20% local funding match.
  • Maintain geographic balance across the region.

2024 selected projects and investment impact

The initial distribution of $19 million funded 17 projects across six of the seven metro counties. These projects span all urban service area community designations. The $19 million in regional funding will be leveraged with federal support, bringing total TAB investment in active transportation to $68.8 million. This results in a total regional investment of $102.5 million in active transportation projects for 2024.

2026 application and next steps

The Met Council is evaluating future project eligibility, funding allocation, award details and project applications as part of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation. These details will be finalized in 2025 for the 2026 Regional Solicitation.