MN SF549

Establishes greenhouse gas reduction goals requiring improved land use planning and development practices to reduce vehicle trips and achieve Minnesota's emission reduction targets.

Creates "Sensible Communities Grant Program" to provide grants to local governments for municipal ordinance changes supporting safe transportation alternatives, ecosystem preservation, physical activity through walkable design, efficient public investments, and mixed-income housing.

Sets statewide goal to reduce vehicle miles traveled by at least 15 percent from 2005 levels by 2025 through transportation commissioner implementation of non-mandatory policies.

Requires Metropolitan Council to adopt policy statement by July 1, 2010 establishing 17 percent regional vehicle miles traveled reduction goal by 2025, and to revise development guides and comprehensive plan guidelines by January 1, 2013.

Transfers $2.25 million total from metropolitan livable communities fund to University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies for resource development, training, and technical assistance to support land use and transportation planning strategies.