This bill establishes the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program under the oversight of the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. The program is intended to assist small communities (populations under 15,000) and tribal governments with infrastructure project analysis and development, particularly those lacking capacity to apply for state or federal infrastructure grants.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Assistance for Small Communities

   • Provides support for infrastructure project planning, scoping, analysis, predesign, and design.
     
   • Prioritizes communities with insufficient capacity to navigate development and funding processes.
     

2. Use of Funds

   • Funds may be used for partnerships with various University of Minnesota departments, such as:
     • Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
     • Center for Transportation Studies
     • Minnesota Design Center
     • Humphrey School of Public Affairs
     • Center for Urban and Regional Affairs
   • Support includes strategies for sustainability, resiliency, and climate adaptation as part of infrastructure planning.
     

3. Program Transparency & Information

   • The Board of Regents must maintain a public website that provides:
     • An overview of the program and its implementation.
       
     • A summary of funded projects.
       
     • Financial details on fund sources and spending.
       
     • Guidance on how communities can apply for partnership assistance.
       

4. Funding Appropriations

   • The bill allocates $2.5 million per year for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the state's General Fund to support the program.
     

Overall Purpose:

The bill aims to empower small communities in Minnesota by providing the technical and financial support needed to develop infrastructure projects and secure additional government funding, with an emphasis on sustainability and efficiency.