Evaluation process and background information about the Regional Solicitation

The Regional Solicitation process enables local communities to apply for federal transportation funds to support their transportation projects. The solicitation is run on a biennial basis; the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) adjusts the criteria and process periodically to accommodate regional needs.

Details about the last few solicitations and how the process has evolved:

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TAB created a Policy Workgroup to review and recommend changes for the 2022 Regional Solicitation.

TAB created a Policy Workgroup to review and recommend changes for the 2020 Regional Solicitation.

In 2013-2014, the TAB and the Met Council evaluated the Regional Solicitation funding program and identified the broad principles of the Regional Solicitation and the types of projects eligible for federal transportation funding.

Previously, projects were submitted for evaluation for specific funding programs (STP, CMAQ or TE). Most roadway projects were funded with STP funds (except system management projects which were funded with CMAQ funds) and independent bicycle and pedestrian projects were funded through the TE program or through the STP Bikeways/Walkways sub-category. The TAP program differs from the previous Transportation Enhancement (TE) program in that it combines several federal funding programs, most notably the previous TE and Safe Routes to School programs. Finally, all transit projects were funded with CMAQ funds.

The evaluation recommended that projects be submitted and evaluated based on mode rather than on funding program, recognizing the need to provide funding for both large and small projects within each category. Modal categories adopted include:

  • Roadways including Multimodal Elements
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
  • Transit and TDM Projects

Reports of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation can be found in the four Technical Memos:

Funding opportunities: 11 application categories

The Regional Solicitation funds will be awarded to projects selected from these application categories:

  • Roadway Strategic Capacity (Roadway Expansion)
  • Roadway Reconstruction/Modernization
  • Roadway Spot Mobility and Safety
  • Traffic Management Technologies (Roadway System Management)
  • Bridge Rehabilitation/Replacement
  • Multiuse Trails & Bicycle Facilities
  • Pedestrian Facilities
  • Safe Routes to Schools
  • Transit Expansion
  • Travel Demand Management (2020 and 2021 funds)
  • Transit Modernization


Process

Following each Regional Solicitation, an evaluation study is performed to review issues within application process. The TAB approves changes and releases the applications for public entities to complete and submit. The applications are reviewed for eligibility and the measures scored. Scoring Committees are formed for each application. Scoring Committee members include members of the TAC Funding & Programming Committee, the Technical Advisory Committee, and technical staff from cities, counties, and state agencies. Scores are released to the applicants for review and a process is established for applicants to appeal scores of specific measures. The scores are approved by the TAC Funding & Programming Committee. Projects are ranked by their scores and TAB selects projects in each category to receive funding.

Watch 2022 Regional Solicitation Scoring Process Workshop 

Regional Solicitation Evaluation

This study is evaluating and redesigning the entire Regional Solicitation program and process for selecting projects for federal transportation funding in the seven-county metro region. This project is designed to align the Regional Solicitation with Imagine 2050, the next regional development guide.

The 2050 Transportation Policy Plan is one of five system plans that are part of Imagine 2050, and its goals, objectives, policies, and actions will guide and inform transportation investment over the next 25 years.

The Met Council completed a similar evaluation about 10 years ago in step with the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan, which was adopted in 2014.

Purpose

The purpose of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation is to align federally funded project selection closely to the goals, objectives, and policies of the Imagine 2050 and the 2050 Transportation Policy Plan, which are both currently being updated and will be adopted in 2025.

A foundational value of the Regional Solicitation is that projects are selected in an objective, data-driven, transparent, and performance-based manner.

Timeline

December, 2025 – Draft of the 2026 Regional Solicitation application.

The application will then travel through the Transportation Advisory Board and its Technical Advisory Committees, be released for public comment, and then adopted by the Met Council and its Transportation Committee.

Spring 2026 – Release Regional Solicitation for accepting applications.

Resources and outcomes

As part of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation, multiple working groups will meet to discuss specific topics in 2024. To support a reevaluation of the Regional Solicitation, the Policymaker Working Group has been formed. This group is tasked with making recommendations to the TAB and Council, and providing direction to the Technical Steering Committee and Special Issue Working Groups (including which Special Working Groups to form). Meetings notes for the Policymaker Working Group can be found here:
 

Documents

Meetings

Meetings

As part of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation, multiple working groups will meet to discuss specific topics in 2024. In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature enacted legislation that provides additional funding for active transportation in the region. These new funds will be distributed by the TAB. A working group has been created to provide recommendations to TAB for how to distribute this funding in the region. Meeting materials and notes can be found here.

As part of the Regional Solicitation Evaluation, multiple working groups will meet to discuss specific topicw. To support the development of the 2026 Regional Solicitation application, several Special Issue Working Groups have been formed. These group are tasked with making recommendations on specific application category requirements, eligible projects, and scoring criteria to the Technical Steering Committee and Policymaker Working Groups. Meeting notes and materials for the Special Issue Working Groups can be found here:
 

Meetings