Minnesota Department of Transportation

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Project development

Functional groups

Regional Development Organizations (RDOs)

Function

Minnesota's twelve Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) are key partners in statewide transportation planning and programming. Each RDO works with MnDOT through an annual work program framework. This framework helps ensure statewide consistency while allowing for unique differences in regional transportation issues around Minnesota. Minnesota Statutes, sections 462.381 through 462.398 establish RDOs to facilitate intergovernmental cooperation and ensure the coordination of state, federal, and local planning efforts in their respective geographic areas.

There are twelve RDOs in Minnesota:

A map showing the 12 regional development areas in Minnesota, which follow county boundaries. Regions 1 and 2 are in northwest Minnesota. Region 3 is in northeast Minnesota. Region 4 is in west central Minnesota. Regions 5, 6E, and 7W are in central Minnesota. Region 7E is in east central Minnesota. Regions 6W and 8 are in southwest Minnesota. Region 9 is in south central Minnesota. Region 10 is in southeast Minnesota. The seven county Twin Cities metro area is not in a regional development area

A map showing the 12 regional development areas in Minnesota, which follow county boundaries. View full-size RDO map.

Primary roles of an RDO:

  • Area Transportation Partnership (ATP) coordination and technical assistance
  • Assistance with statewide planning efforts
  • Assistance with regional planning efforts
  • Safe Routes to School (SRTS) planning