Tell us a little about yourself and your role at MnDOT.
I truly believe we all have the ability to make the world a better place, and throughout my career, I have tried to ensure my work has a positive impact. From working for a non-profit organization where I designed and constructed bridges in developing countries, to preparing Minnesota for future technologies like connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), I see great opportunities to make people’s lives better through increased accessibility and mobility. At MnDOT, I serve as the Director of the CAV Office, where I lead Minnesota’s efforts to help executive agencies and local partners plan for changes in transportation, employment, public health, insurance, and law, and advise the state on policy, strategy, operational risk, outreach, design, and planning on transportation technology and innovation. I lead a team of ten that conducts research and testing on new technologies, makes recommendations for future investments, engages with the public and other stakeholders, and develops policy recommendations to ensure Minnesota maximizes the benefits of new technology for all people.
Where does Minnesota stand today when it comes to autonomous vehicles? What kinds of testing and deployments are underway, and how is MnDOT helping prepare the state for this technology?
In 2017, Minnesota started conducting AV testing to examine how the then-current technology could operate in winter conditions. From that work, we recognized a need for the technology to evolve and better address weather challenges, ensuring it could meet our state’s year-round needs.
We started testing low-speed automated shuttles in 2021 with the Med City Mover in downtown Rochester, MN, and with Bear Tracks in suburban White Bear Lake, MN. We learned about AV capabilities and limitations, the differences between technology developers, and the challenges and opportunities in traffic operations.
GoMARTI, a pilot project that started in 2022 and is still underway, uses roadway-speed vehicles to provide mobility-on-demand service in Grand Rapids, MN. As of last year, the project is now federally funded by the ATTAIN program through 2028. All of our pilot projects have focused on expanding the capabilities of winter weather operations, creating opportunities for the public to understand the technology, and expanding transportation options for the future. As we look toward a future with AVs, we see private industry investing in Minnesota operations, like Southwest Transit’s SW Prime AV pilot project and Waymo’s presence in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
As the Chair of PAVE’s Public Sector Advisory Council, why is collaboration between the public and private sectors so important for advancing AV technology?
Collaboration between the public and private sectors builds trust. So much of what people know about AV technology is what they see or hear in the media. While much of it is true, there is often a lens or bias that undermines people’s ability to fully understand the complexity of the AV industry, including the differences in technology and capabilities, the growth and pace, and the goals our industry partners are striving for. The more the public sector understands what, how, and why the private sector is doing what it’s doing, the more we can build a true understanding of AVs with the general public. I believe the public sector’s role is to share accurate, timely information and increase understanding of AV technology so that, as a state, we can ensure our transportation system realizes the potential benefits of AVs. Additionally, the more the private sector understands the public sector’s goals for our transportation system, the more we can strategically achieve those goals together.
Minnesota has been exploring AV technology for several years. What makes now the right moment to highlight this work by holding an AV Day at the Capitol?
Several states lack clear legislation on the ability to operate driverless vehicles on our roadways. Minnesota is one of them. As several industry partners shy away from areas with unclear regulatory environments, our Governor’s Council on CAV identified this as a high-priority issue. The Council spent 2025 researching AV policy in other states and preparing recommendations for the upcoming 2026 legislative session. As our legislative session began in February, several AV-related bills were introduced with varying approaches to driverless and driver-in legislation. Additionally, Waymo started mapping in Minneapolis in late 2025 and has shared a plan to have commercial operations in the future.
We have discussed hosting an AV Day at the Capitol event for the last few years, and now that AV legislation is actively being discussed, we are excited to be able to convene vehicles and industry partners at the Capitol. We see AV Day at the Capitol as an opportunity for folks to see, touch, and understand AV technology and related issues. We also hope to equip policymakers and government partners with factual information so they can reach their own conclusions about the best policies for our state.
For policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders who plan to attend, what are you most excited for them to experience or take away from the event?
One of the things that impresses me the most about the AV industry is its variety, whether that be variety in uses, business goals, or technology. I look forward to attendees learning more about the technology, understanding the potential benefits, considering their concerns and questions, and knowing who to engage with as AV policy discussions continue. AVs are more than just a transportation issue; the industry impacts, both positive and negative, will go across sectors. It is critical to ensure voices are heard, goals are understood, and that we work together to improve lives and our transportation system for all people in our state.
