Item Description:
title
Adopt the Hennepin County Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan to improve accessibility for all people on the county’s transportation system
end
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan for Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and Hennepin County rights-of-way be adopted in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
end
Background:
Public agencies are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to have a transition plan identifying how they will meet accessibility requirements, including those for pedestrian infrastructure. Hennepin County’s last update to its ADA Transition Plan occurred in 2015. Since then, standards, guidelines, and practices have changed, including the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). This plan acknowledges existing policies and practices while meeting federal requirements.
The ADA Transition Plan includes a self-assessment with an inventory of nearly 14,000 pedestrian curb ramps on the county’s transportation system, with roughly 60 percent meeting current standards. The goal is to reach full compliance by the year 2040.
A draft plan was available for public comment between May 23 and June 30, 2025. An online survey was provided along with the draft plan on the county’s Be Heard Hennepin website. Staff requested feedback from stakeholders across the county, including local agencies, advocacy groups and residents with disabilities, to get feedback on the plan through a variety of communications channels, including GovDelivery emails and commissioner newsletters. Feedback that was received has been incorporated in the plan which is attached as Exhibit A.
Current Request: This request is for the adoption of the Hennepin County ADA Transition Plan for the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority rights-of-way. A corresponding action was brought to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners.
Impacts/Outcomes: This action supports the county’s mobility 2040 goals, climate action, and disparity elimination efforts by improving accessibility, mobility, and safety for all people traveling along county roadways.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval