Item Description:
title
Staff review and recommend updates to Hennepin County’s Cost Participation and Maintenance Policies with partner agencies for cooperative county road and bridge projects - offered by commissioners Anderson and Goettel
end
WHEREAS:
body
WHEREAS, Hennepin County values our partnerships to provide a safe transportation network that offers strong connections through multiple modes, respects the environment and improves the health and quality of life for all who live, work or visit here; and
WHEREAS, the 45 cities that make up the county represent a diverse range of populations, land uses, and reliance on various transportation modes, though we share a common goal in serving residents to meet their current and future transportation needs; and
WHEREAS, it is our responsibility to work with our cities and partner agencies to engage our residents, develop solutions, and invest in improvements across our collective system to achieve common goals; and
WHEREAS, working together requires consistent and transparent policies and mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, several cities have requested consideration of increased county capital funding and county financial support or responsibility for complete and green streets elements within county right of way and improved collaboration and funding flexibility for unique partnerships; and
WHEREAS, transportation funding, resources, and priorities at the federal, state, county, and city levels continue to evolve.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board directs staff to review and recommend changes to cost participation with cooperative county road and bridge reconstruction projects to the county board by January 31, 2027; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that county staff reach out to all our cities and partner agencies for data and input to guide decision-making in updating our current policy, provide initial receipt of receival, and then provide a summary of questions and responses during the engagement process to cities and partner agencies regarding their feedback by August 31, 2026; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that county staff present data, trends, and themes from this outreach to the county board by August 31, 2026 and receive direction from the board on recommended changes to the county cost participation policy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Hennepin County staff develop internal and external workgroups to help build a framework, gather input, and foster effective dialogue to ensure these policies are financially responsible, efficient, and receptive to the diverse needs and goals of the county, our cities, and our partner agencies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that county staff consider cost share policies adopted by other agencies, such as other metro counties and MnDOT; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that county staff consider and evaluate communities' ability to fund improvements as part of the policies update; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that county staff share impacts to the county’s 5-year Road and Bridge Capital Improvement Program (CIP) with any recommended updates.
end
Background:
Hennepin County first adopted a cost participation policy for cost sharing on road and bridge reconstruction projects in 1978. The policy was revised in 1993, 1999, 2011, 2012 and 2020 to reflect changes in design, construction and maintenance needs along our transportation system.
Since the board last revised the policies on October 20, 2020 (Resolution 20-0387) transportation funding, resources, and priorities at the federal, state, county, and city levels have evolved. County staff sent a letter on December 4, 2025 to city Public Works Directors and Engineers. The letter solicited interest in a stakeholder workgroup that will help shape the updated policy. This collaborative approach is intended to ensure the revised policy reflects the diverse needs, capacities, and goals of the county and all partner agencies.
Current Request: This action directs staff to review and recommend updates to the county’s cost participation policies for cooperative road and bridge reconstruction projects by January 31, 2027.
Impacts/Outcomes: This action will ensure the county’s policies are evaluated collaboratively with our partner agencies to determine their effectiveness in supporting mutual goals and cross-agency partnerships in building and maintaining our transportation systems.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation