Why are we doing this plan?
Southeast Minnesota (SE MN) Together seeks to strengthen regional connections to address the social and economic issues affecting Southeast Minnesota. In 2024, SE MN Together launched an initiative to determine an organizational structure that can access and coordinate resources to address the region’s transportation needs related to workforce transportation, access to healthcare and education, access to services, and quality of life. Specifically, the study will assess if a transportation management organization (TMO) is feasible in the 11-county region in Southeast Minnesota.
The study will evaluate the feasibility of a TMO based on previous and ongoing plans and initiatives, technical data, and stakeholder input. The study will also evaluate potential champions for long-term implementation and availability of reliable funding sources. Findings will be used to develop a proposed operating model for a sustainable and effective TMO.
What is a TMO?
A transportation management organization (TMO) is an organization created to manage the transportation needs of a particular region. Typical TMO services include promotion of region-wide transportation options and services, information about transportation services and programs, ridematching/rideshare tools, and transportation enhancements, such as shuttles and bike libraries. Most TMOs are non-profit organizations, and they are usually controlled by their member institutions. The most successful TMOs across the country use partnership models that combine public and private investments.
How will this be studied?
We are rigorously evaluating the potential for a TMO in Southeast Minnesota based on:
- Previous and Ongoing Plans and Initiatives: Building on existing efforts and frameworks.
- Technical Data: Leveraging data to inform our decisions and strategies.
- Stakeholder Input: Engaging with community members and stakeholders to gather valuable insights.
- Long-term Implementation Champions: Identifying key advocates to drive the project forward.
- Reliable Funding Sources: Ensuring sustainable financial support for the initiative.
The findings from our study will be instrumental in developing a proposed operating model for a sustainable and effective TMO, aimed at enhancing transportation and connectivity across the region.
What communities are included in the study?
The Southeast Minnesota Region includes eleven (11) counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.
Who will the potential TMO serve?
A TMO in this region could serve a variety of organizations and individuals. It could help businesses with workforce transportation needs, transit agencies with promoting transit services, educational institutions with student transportation, and medical institutions with patient transportation needs. It could provide transportation information, incentives, and services directly to workers, students, and residents. While beneficial to all, TMOs particularly benefit those who cannot or choose not to drive (or drive alone).
When will this study take place?
The feasibility study is underway now.
Who is behind this project?
SE MN Together is leading the way in determining if a TMO can help solve some of the complex transportation problems we face as a region.
SE MN Together advances regional economic and social vitality by engaging and amplifying cross-sector community voices to propel change and take collective action that addresses workforce issues.
SE MN Together is a regional collaborative network of organizations and individuals developing and pursuing strategies to address our workforce shortage. SE MN Together also seeks to strengthen regional connections and build local capacity in communities across the region, which can be leveraged to address other social and economic issues affecting Southeast Minnesota.
The plan is in partnership with the City of Chatfield and funded by the Legislature of Minnesota.
Alta Planning + Design was retained by SE MN Together to determine if a Transportation Management Organization (TMO) is feasible to address transportation challenges in the 11-county region in Southeast Minnesota. The consultant team also includes SEH Inc. and representatives from the University of Minnesota.
Who is leading the way?
The SE MN TMO Study Steering Committee plays a pivotal role as the primary strategic advisor in the planning process, a key prioritization and decision-oriented body, and a pivotal voice for guaranteeing future implementation of the plan. The Steering Committee collaborates closely with the SE MN team through regular meetings and workshops to directly support decision-making. The Committee includes a diverse group of stakeholders with a wide range of skills, interests, and backgrounds and representing the entire geography of the region.
