2025 State Legislative Priorities
Working-class people should not have to take on debt and purchase a car to simply access their daily needs and efficiently move around their communities. We cannot continue to perpetuate infrastructure that sacrifices the health of many for the convenience of the privileged. Now is the time for Minnesota legislators to deliver on campaign promises and pass legislation that advances a people-first transportation system that prioritizes climate, racial, and economic justice.
Highway Justice Bill
Minnesota’s trunk highway system takes various forms, from small-town main streets to large urban freeways, and serves all transportation modes. These highways aren’t just for car—they’re vital corridors that connect our communities, whether we’re driving, walking, biking, or taking public transit. However, the way we currently interpret state law means that highway funding can only be used for car-related infrastructure, even though our Constitution never specifically required this limitation.
The proposed legislation would clarify that highway funds can be used for all types of transportation infrastructure along highway corridors. The policy also puts us on par with climate and transportation leaders like Colorado, who passed a similar policy in 2013. This change has strong public support—66% of Minnesotans favor using state and federal highway funding to improve various transportation options rather than just expanding highways.
Pass a Community-Preferred Alternative Act
The Community Preferred Alternative Act would make community consent mandatory before major transportation projects can move forward.
Define Highway Purpose to Include All Modes of Transportation
Legislators should clarify the definition of highway purpose to include the many ways that Minnesotans use the trunk highway system, including multimodal infrastructure for walking, biking, and public transit.
Create a Cumulative Impacts Law for Transportation
This law would add long-overdue protections for communities poisoned by transportation infrastructure.
Other Legislative Priorities
Regulate Heavy and Oversized Vehicles
Minnesota must address the pedestrian safety crisis by regulating heavy and oversized vehicles.
Close the Greenhouse Gas Planning Law Loophole
This law would add long-overdue protections for communities poisoned by transportation infrastructure.
Previous Legislative Priorities
Check out past legislative accomplishments and progress in putting people first in transportation.