Ramsey County Board Workshop on 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program – November 18, 2025

This workshop was convened by the Ramsey County Board to discuss the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The meeting was livestreamed and recorded. No votes were taken. County staff presented an overview of the county’s transportation system, funding sources, planned projects, and emerging issues. Commissioners engaged in detailed discussion on project prioritization, multimodal mobility, state funding threats, and community communication.

Discussion Items

• Transportation System Overview: Director Brian Isaacson reported that the county highway system comprises 293 centerline miles of roadway, accounting for 842 lane miles. Average daily vehicle volume is about 9,000 per road. The system includes traffic signals, rapid‑flashing beacons, one intercity passenger rail station, four existing rapid transit lines, and three planned lines.
• Recent Project Highlights: Completed projects include Phase One of Rice Street (celebrated as a community success), County Road J multimodal roundabouts, and a County Road D pilot using best‑value contracting. Dale Street reconstruction was noted as open.
• Funding Transformation: The TIP budget has grown from ~$30–35 million (2023) to nearly $100 million today, driven by 2023 legislation and board‑directed fund reallocations. A new transportation plan, transit and transportation investment plan, and corridor‑based approach now guide investments. No funding sources shown require a county match, though federal grants from regional solicitation would require matching.
• Legislative and State Funding Concerns: Commissioners discussed proposed state legislation to redirect half of the Transportation Advancement Account (TAA) funds to Metro Transit for greenhouse gas mitigation. They noted that Ramsey County does not expand state highways, so such a shift would disadvantage the county. The ongoing Anoka County lawsuit against the state (over mandated spending on a non‑priority project) was cited as a concerning precedent. Director Isaacson stated the county is advocating to be part of such discussions.
• West 7th Street Corridor: The West 7th ABRT project remains under discussion. Staff reported that the original $500 million plan for a train (with 45% federal funding) was different from the current ABRT bus proposal. The county is at the table but waiting for resolution on cost shares, risks, and city priorities (e.g., water/storm system issues). Commissioner Zhang clarified that ABRT only covers part of the cost, unlike BRT. The project is not in the upcoming TIP adoption but can be addressed through future RBAs.
• Equity and Community Engagement: Commissioner McMurtry suggested proactive meetings with transit and environmental groups to showcase Ramsey County’s multimodal work and build trust. Staff agreed and noted ongoing conversations with communications teams. Commissioner Miller emphasized that sidewalk and trail connectivity are city responsibilities even on county roads, leading to assessments for residents. Commissioner McGuire stressed that the county should not set a precedent of paying for state highway rights‑of‑way.
• Climate and Resilience: The county is focusing on reducing transportation costs and climate impacts by providing more mode options. Stormwater infrastructure resilience is a key priority due to more intense rainfall events. A tree‑planting program was mentioned to address urban heat effects.
• Rail and Transit Coordination: Deputy County Manager Kerry Collins noted ongoing work with railroads for at‑grade crossing improvements using rail authority funds. A potential Eau Claire passenger rail line could add Union Depot vitality. Staff are meeting with Metro Transit to use GPS data from buses to identify delay points and improve frequency.
• Trails and Pedestrian Safety: Highlighted projects include the Vento Trail extension and corridor studies (e.g., Edgerton Street, as a priority due to pavement condition, network position, and equity considerations). Pedestrian fatalities remain a concern, attributed to excessive speeds and distracted driving. The county is exploring speed camera pilot projects.
• Local Cost‑Share Policy: Ongoing discussions with cities aim to reduce their capital cost share (currently 5–15%) on county system projects. A revised policy may be ready in six months.

Key Outcomes

• The full TIP document will be presented for adoption as part of a Resolution, Budget, and Authorization (RBA) at the November 25, 2025 board meeting. No vote was taken at this workshop.
• Commissioners directed staff to produce more detailed project information sheets (including maps and definitions) for the upcoming RBA packet.
• Staff will develop a strategic communications plan to better convey the county’s multimodal transformation to stakeholders and legislators.
• The board expressed support for continued advocacy against state efforts to redirect TAA funds and for protecting local transportation funding autonomy.
• Future board workshops were previewed: a transit‑focused workshop next week and continued discussions on corridor studies and equity initiatives.