Move Minnesota Action is committed to building the grassroots and political power necessary to transform transit.
Launched in 2021 by Move Minnesota, we are growing our movement through effective organizing, issue education, and electoral advocacy in Minnesota.
Transit is Essential
In Minnesota, we need transit to serve all of us really well. Because every family deserves access to jobs, food, housing, health care, clean air, and education. Every community deserves justice and wellbeing.
Whether you ride the bus yourself or you rely on someone who does, transit is an essential public service and critical tool in the fight against climate change. Our daily lives and our collective future depend on it.
- 40%of transit riders in Minnesota are essential workers
- 44%of riders are Black, Indigenous or people of color
- 47%of riders don’t have access to a vehicle
- 27%of climate pollution in Minnesota comes from transportation
- 94%of jobs in the metro are not accessible to transit riders in under 45 minutes
- 91%of communities of color in Minnesota face air pollution levels that risk people’s health
Transit is Political
We can’t let politics-as-usual stand in the way of transit progress. The transit champions we have need our support–and we need a lot more of them! Every elected official in Minnesota should be a champion for transit and transit riders.
- In 2021, 62 sitting Minnesota House members voted against sustainable funding for public transit. This includes more than a dozen representatives in the Twin Cities metro.
- It’s now been 14 years since the Minnesota State Legislature has invested in ongoing and dedicated funding for transit service. Meanwhile, roads and bridges receive hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
- Other critical choices like whether to expand a highway or approve a new bus lane often come down to the important decision-making power of city and county officials.
What’s Possible
Move Minnesota Action is working toward a just, joyful, and sustainable future where:
- Transit, biking, and walking are the best and easiest ways of getting around.
- Policies at every level of government support transit and riders.
- Transit systems in Minnesota have the resources needed to serve all of us really well.
- Expanding and improving transit is a top priority for every elected official in Minnesota.
- Transit’s links to racial justice, climate action, economic prosperity, gender justice, and accessibility are widely recognized and valued.
- Our transportation systems protect our air and climate and connect our communities. Our families are happy, healthy, and thriving—no exceptions.
We can achieve this together—by fighting for the transit we need, getting out the vote, cultivating champions, and bringing our pro-transit voices into the political process. Let’s go!
Get Involved!
Thank transit champions for big wins at the State Capitol!
After years of gridlock, lawmakers at the State Capitol have finally passed the long-term dedicated transit funding and policy changes that we’ve been pushing for! Join us in thanking our transit champions at the Minnesota Legislature.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Make a difference as a Move Minnesota Action volunteer! Our amazing volunteers and organizing staff are working together to mobilize bus riders, connect with local communities through fun events, get out the vote, and elect more transit champions to public office. We’d love your help!
Take Action!
Pledge to Vote
Our votes are powerful and essential this election season. Pledge to be a voter.
Donate
Your donations power the transit advocacy and organizing at Move Minnesota Action.
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FAQs
Get to know us a little better. Check out answers to some of the most common questions about Move Minnesota Action.
What is the difference between Move Minnesota Action and its parent organization Move Minnesota?
Move Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are leaders in the movement for equitable and sustainable transportation that puts people first. Through advocacy, organizing, policy change, and education, we connect people to transit where the system works well, and fight hard to ensure it works for everyone.
Move Minnesota Action is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization launched by Move Minnesota in 2021 to bring even more tools and momentum to this movement. We can do some things Move Minnesota cannot—including endorse candidates, unlimited lobbying to pass important transit legislation, and other political activities.
How is Move Minnesota Action funded?
Contributions from individual donors power our work at Move Minnesota Action. Please give generously!
Are contributions to Move Minnesota Action tax deductible?
Contributions to Move Minnesota Action will help grow our grassroots movement and create a better future, but they are not tax deductible. To make a tax-deductible donation, give to Move Minnesota. For any questions about making a donation, please contact Elissa Schufman at elissas@movemn.org or 651-789-1415.
Who are Move Minnesota Action’s staff and board leadership?
Staff Leadership:
- Sam Rockwell, Executive Director
- MJ Carpio, Campaign Manager
- Jennifer Harmening Thiede, Director of Communications and Organizing
- Elissa Schufman, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Board Leadership:
- Angela Peterson, Board Chair
- Patrick Martin, Treasurer/Secretary