MN SF2203

Establishes the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program through the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to help local governments with populations under 15,000 with infrastructure project analysis and development

Appropriates $5 million total from the general fund ($2.5 million in FY2026 and $2.5 million in FY2027) to fund the program

Prioritizes assistance for political subdivisions and federally recognized Tribal governments that lack capacity to undertake project development or apply for state/federal infrastructure grants

Program assistance includes planning, scoping, predesign, and design services through University entities such as the Center for Transportation Studies, Minnesota Design Center, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Center for Urban and Regional Affairs

Requires support to incorporate sustainability, climate resiliency considerations, and cross-sector analysis to identify coordinated investment efficiencies across infrastructure projects