Equity Evaluation of Regional Transportation Investments

This pilot study , which began in 2022 and concluded in mid-2024, was conducted to inform the development of an equity framework and evaluation tool to shape future equitable decision-making and investments in transportation projects within the Met Council region and serve as an example across Minnesota and for other peer regions. The equity framework and evaluation tool provides input as to what equity questions should be used within the Regional Solicitation process of evaluating projects.

To ensure this study had an equitable process, the team selected an equity policy group (EPG). The vision of the EPG was to represent the diversity of the communities we serve and foster a more equitable and inclusive process for capital investment and allocation in transportation. The mission was to provide recommendations and policy guidance that integrate best practices for equity and inclusion into agency policies and programs. This group considered how transportation projects are planned, funded, and implemented, and developed a prioritized set of strategies and actions to reduce inequities in the distribution of benefits and burdens. Bolton & Menk managed and guided the overall process, educating EPG members on common transportation project types and funding sources to allow for informed feedback and decision-making, and providing overall transportation industry expertise to the team.