This goal is defined as:

Racial inequities and injustices experienced by historically marginalized communities have been eliminated; and all people feel welcome, included, and empowered.

Transportation Objectives for an Equitable & Inclusive Region:

• Historically disadvantaged communities are better connected to jobs, education, and other opportunities.
• We repair and eliminate disparate and unjust impacts and harms to Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color.
• We better meet the transportation needs of people who have disabilities or limited mobility.

Many of the policies and actions to advance transportation equity and inclusion have a basis in federal law and executive orders, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Executive Order 12898 on Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, and Executive Order 14008 Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Executive Order 14008 includes the Justice40 directive to ensure 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Other policies and actions reflect ongoing studies and Met Council wide work in equity and anti-displacement.

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This goal is defined as:

All our region’s residents live healthy and rewarding lives with a sense of dignity and wellbeing.

Transportation objectives for healthy & safe communities:

• People do not die or face life-changing injuries when using any form of transportation.
• People feel safer, more comfortable, and more welcome when using any form of transportation.
• We mitigate and avoid harm to people caused by nearby transportation infrastructure and use (for example, air quality, noise, light).
• People are better connected to community and cultural resources that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
• People can increase physical activity with more opportunities to walk, roll, or bike.

Transportation is a key social determinant of health. These social determinants of health are the factors in the environment where people live that impact their health and quality of life. Safe and affordable access to housing, food, education, job opportunities, and community and cultural resources can contribute to and support a region where our residents live healthy and rewarding lives with a sense of dignity and wellbeing. Safe transportation that provides travel options for residents is key to reaching these resources and improving the quality of life.

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This goal is defined as:

Our region meets the opportunities and challenges faced by our communities and economy including issues of choice, access, and affordability.

Transportation objectives for a dynamic & resilient region:

• People and businesses trust that transportation infrastructure and services will withstand and recover quickly from natural and human-caused disruptions.
• People have better travel options beyond driving alone to meet their daily needs, with a focus on improving travel times, reliability, directness, and affordability.
• People have more predictable travel times when traveling on highways, with a focus on reducing excessive delays.
• People and businesses can rely on predictable and cost-effective movement of freight and goods.

People, businesses, and institutions in our region depend on transportation to meet their daily needs. A transportation system that is resilient and reliable provides robust and affordable access to destinations by any mode of travel people may choose. This plan will support a reliable transportation system with predictable travel times; transportation choices that provide access to jobs, services, and community destinations; a resilient transportation system that withstands natural and human-caused disruptions.

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This goal is defined as:

We have mitigated greenhouse gas emissions and have adapted to ensure our communities and systems are resilient to climate impacts.

Transportation objectives for leading on addressing climate change:

• The region’s transportation system minimizes its greenhouse gas emissions.
• People have more reliable access to zero emissions vehicle infrastructure.
• By 2050, the region reduces vehicle miles traveled by 20% per capita below 2019 levels.

At 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector generates the largest share of emissions in Minnesota. Most emissions in the transportation sector come from gas- and diesel-powered vehicles. The region’s goal to lead on addressing climate change envisions a region where we have mitigated greenhouse gas emissions and support the state’s goal of a net-zero economy by 2050. Meeting this goal requires a comprehensive approach that includes supporting the transition to electric vehicles, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and other greenhouse gas mitigation efforts, such as increased transit use, travel demand management and active transportation (walking, biking, and rolling).

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This goal is defined as:

We protect, integrate, and restore natural systems to protect habitat and ensure a high quality of life for the people of our region.

Transportation objectives for protecting and restoring natural systems

• The region’s transportation system protects, restores, and enhances natural systems (for example, air, water, soil, vegetation, and habitat quality).

Natural systems include land, air, and water and their ecosystems. Transportation uses interact with these natural systems in a variety of ways: fragmenting natural habitats; noise, water, and air pollution; impacts from paved surfaces; and more. Typically, environmental analysis processes that are required by the state and federal governments address the impacts to natural systems caused by transportation projects. The policies that support the region’s goal to protect and restore natural systems will promote and encourage protection, mitigation, and restoration efforts.

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