Item Description:
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Adopt the Hennepin County Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) Action Plan for county roadways
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WHEREAS:
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WHEREAS, crashes resulting in deaths on Hennepin County roads are unacceptable; and
WHEREAS, crashes that result in death or serious injury are largely preventable and the only acceptable goal is to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries; and
WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Toward Zero Deaths Action Plan presents a data-driven safety analysis to identify trends, locations and strategies countywide to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on county roads.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board adopts the Toward Zero Deaths Action Plan for the county transportation system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board establishes a long-term goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries on county roads by the year 2045, with an interim goal of a 50 percent reduction by the year 2035; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board understands that achieving this goal will require time to modernize infrastructure, significant resources and ongoing collaboration with partners and the community.
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Background:
Toward Zero Deaths is a national effort to make roads safer by preventing traffic deaths and serious injuries. It’s based on the idea that even one death is too many and that we all share responsibility for safety.
The county uses a Safe Systems Approach, designing roads to prevent crashes and reduce harm when they do happen. As part of the Safe System Approach, this plan draws on the five E’s of roadway safety: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Emergency Response and Engagement.
The Towards Zero Deaths Action Plan included robust engagement with the community and stakeholders through in person connections, interactive online engagement and social media. We gathered significant feedback through a multilingual online survey and interactive map to better understand safety issues across the county. This feedback helped guide the plan which is attached as Exhibit A.
This plan is funded in part by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program (Agreement PW 43-60-23, Resolution 23-0322). The terms of that agreement require us to complete the Toward Zero Deaths Action Plan by September 29, 2025.
Current Request: The request is for adoption of the Toward Zero Deaths Action Plan for county roadways.
Impacts/Outcomes: This action supports the county’s people-first approach, mobility 2040 goals, climate action, and disparity elimination efforts by improving safety for people traveling along county roadways.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval