Community Driven CAV
Applications open April 27-May 22, 2026.
MnDOT will support up to five communities through this program.
What is Community Driven CAV?
Community Driven CAV is a planning and engagement process that helps community leaders and local agencies explore connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology in a way that reflects local needs.
Instead of technology being developed and tested on communities, this process puts communities in the driver’s seat—starting with their priorities, values, and assets, and exploring together how CAV technology might help address them.
CAV technology includes tools that help vehicles communicate and make safer, more informed decisions on the road. “Connected” means vehicles can share information with each other, other roadway users such as pedestrians and bicyclists, with traffic signals, and with road systems—like warning drivers about ice ahead or helping buses move smoothly through busy intersections. “Automated” refers to features that assist with driving tasks, such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, or advanced driver-assistance systems. These technologies are already on the road today, and more advanced versions are being tested and deployed to better understand how they work in real-world conditions.
CAV technology has the potential to make transportation in Minnesota safer, more reliable, and more accessible. By helping reduce crashes, improve traffic flow, and support more efficient transit and freight movement, these tools could benefit communities across the state—whether urban, suburban, Tribal, or rural. They may also expand mobility options for people who currently face barriers to driving, such as older adults, people with disabilities, or those without access to a car. As Minnesota continues exploring and testing this technology, the goal is to ensure it supports safety, equity, and quality of life for everyone who uses our roads.
What to Expect if Selected
If your community is selected, you’ll work with a MnDOT consultant to complete a seven-step community driven planning process. Each community is unique, so steps can be adjusted as needed. The process typically takes 2–4 months.
- Community analysis
- Advisory committee formation
- Community listening sessions
- Stakeholder and community member workshop
- Community engagement activities
- Summary of recommended next steps
- Community circle-back activity
How to Apply
Complete the form below by May 22, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of community commitment is required?
MnDOT will provide the funding and facilitation support, but it is our goal for this to be community-led, which will require a community lead advisory committee. The engagement process will include listening sessions, workshops, and other engagement activities over 2-4 months.
Is a community funding match required?
No.
Has this been done before?
Yes. This framework was first developed in 2023 with St. Paul’s Creative Enterprise Zone.
Is there funding available to implement community ideas?
It depends! Funding may be available if the project type and location fit MnDOT’s criteria. The project team can also suggest other potential funding opportunities.
Resources
Contact
Thomas Johnson-Kaiser
CAV Policy and Planning Manager
Micaela Kranz
CAV Project and Engagement Manager
