0204News640News696510640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-700464" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-08-01T15:34:03ZThe Minnesota Departments of Administration and Transportation announce grant awardees for the State of Minnesota’s Buy Clean EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) Grant Program. The grants will assist in the development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for manufacturers of eligible materials utilized in Minnesota construction, such as concrete and asphalt.The Minnesota Departments of Administration and Transportation announce grant awardees for the State of Minnesota’s Buy Clean EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) Grant Program. 36<p class="gd_p" align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>Saint Paul</strong> — The Minnesota Departments of Administration and Transportation announce grant awardees for the State of Minnesota’s Buy Clean EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) Grant Program. The grants will assist in the development of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for manufacturers of eligible materials utilized in Minnesota construction, such as concrete and asphalt.</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The three grantees are the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (ARM of Minnesota) - a non-profit industry organization representing producers with over 166 concrete plants in Minnesota, the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA) which includes over 43 asphalt producer/contractor members, and McNamara Contracting which produces asphalt at their Rosemount plant. Over $260,000 in grant funding has been allocated to the grantees to support the development of robust, third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">“Minnesota’s producers of ready mixed concrete, crushed stone, sand, and gravel are committed to continuing efforts that lower carbon emissions from the manufacture of our products. For several years, we have been actively exploring and testing changes to the constituents in our mixes and the means of production that will bring us to carbon neutrality”, <strong>said John Cunningham, Executive Director at the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota (ARM of Minnesota).</strong> “The State of Minnesota’s EPD Grant Program provides essential funding for our industry to begin uniform, statewide measurement and reporting for each concrete mixture’s global warming potential (GWP). Thanks to this important grant, we will soon begin measuring and reporting GWP for mixtures across Minnesota. From there, we can move quickly to identifying those modifications that best reduce embodied carbon while maintaining the highest material performance standards.”</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">“By normalizing low-carbon benchmarking and driving innovation at the plant level, the program is helping shift the asphalt market toward cleaner construction”, <strong>said Abbey Bryduck, Executive Director at the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA).</strong> “The grant also addresses capacity limitations that often challenge smaller producers, ensuring the entire industry can continue progressing toward meaningful decarbonization.”</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">“The Buy Clean EPD Grant Program is a critical step forward in aligning Minnesota’s construction industry with broader climate and sustainability goals. By bringing transparency to material emissions through verified EPDs, the program empowers contractors to make more informed decisions that prioritize low-carbon materials”, <strong>said Joe Hannaman, Pit Manager at McNamara Contracting. </strong>“Producing EPD’s will be great not just for compliance, but as a competitive advantage in producing asphalt the most efficient way possible. This grant helps the suppliers to participate in the clean materials market, and it’s laying the groundwork for a future where emissions data is as fundamental as cost or schedule in project planning.”</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The emissions data collected as a part of the Minnesota Buy Clean Grant program will be instrumental in generating robust, third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which will soon become a mandatory requirement for certain construction materials utilized on eligible state-funded projects. The grant program is designed to not only facilitate compliance, but also to significantly increase material transparency across the supply chain, ultimately driving substantial carbon reductions within the state’s construction sector and setting a precedent for broader industry adoption.</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The grant program is a pivotal step forward in our state’s dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, further accelerating Minnesota’s progress toward decarbonization. By investing in collection of essential emissions data and mandating the use of verified EPDs, we are not only ensuring accountability in our state-funded projects, but we are also fostering a more transparent and carbon-conscious construction industry that will benefit all Minnesotans.</p> <p align="left" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 15px;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>For additional information, contact:</strong></p> <ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Natalie Georgieff, PE, Center for Sustainable Building Research at (206) 713-9404 or <a href="mailto:ngeorgie@umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(0, 55, 100);">ngeorgie@umn.edu</a></li> <li style="font-size: 12px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Richard Graves, FAIA, Director and Associate Professor, Center for Sustainable Building Research at (651) 605-5450 or <a href="mailto:rmgraves@umn.edu" target="_blank" rel="noopener" style="color: rgb(0, 55, 100);">rmgraves@umn.edu</a></li> </ul>7004642025-08-01T15:34:48ZNews640News696510640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-700179" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-07-30T14:30:01ZThe State of Minnesota will host its next “Clinics at the Capitol” event on Wednesday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon focusing on state grant-making. The “Clinics at the Capitol” series are a cost-free opportunity for Minnesotans to connect with state and local leaders and receive hands-on help from experts at the state capitol.The next Clinics at the Capitol will focus on state grant-making and building bridges for grantees and state agencies.36<p class="gdp" style="margin-bottom:11.25pt" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong><span style="font-size:9.0pt; font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">Saint Paul</span></strong> <span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">— The State of Minnesota will host its next “Clinics at the Capitol” event on Wednesday, August 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon focusing on state grant-making. The “Clinics at the Capitol” series are a cost-free opportunity for Minnesotans to connect with state and local leaders and receive hands-on help from experts at the state capitol.</span></p> <p class="gdp" style="margin-bottom:11.25pt" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-size:9.0pt; font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif;color:black">"Minnesota invests millions of state dollars every year in grants to improve the lives of Minnesotans and help our communities thrive,” said Department of Administration Commissioner Tamar Gronvall. She added, “If you are on the board of a local organization, own a business, or know of a need in your community — this is an opportunity to connect face-to-face with state agency representatives and statewide partners to hear about grants and to share your perspective so we can make the state’s grant investments even more impactful.”</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif; color:black">The August 20 event will include resource tables, speakers, and workshops on grant writing tips, how to find government grant opportunities, and what to expect when you receive a state grant. A panel discussion on equity in state grant-making and interactive “community conversations” will be hosted by the Minnesota Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility (OEOA), which is the sponsor for the Clinics at the Capitol series of events this summer. The event will also include a workshop on “Strengthening the Nonprofit-State Partnership on Grantmaking” presented by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif; color:black">Clinics at the Capitol are cost-free and all are invited to participate. Space is limited, and registration is strongly encouraged. For more information and to register visit <a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.eventbrite.com%2Fe%2Fclinics-at-the-capitol-grantmaking-tickets-1500850517299%3Faff=oddtdtcreator/1/010101985802972c-a1e79fe3-d20b-40a0-abc6-b31d09d9a695-000000/94zFB8fo7apLX-SCZZxXMoMgeCK_Px1ye1avz4S7BwQ=416"><span style="color:#003764">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clinics-at-the-capitol-grantmaking-tickets-1500850517299?aff=oddtdtcreator</span></a>.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.25pt" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif; color:black">The Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility advances inclusive policies and community-driven initiatives across Minnesota to ensure every resident can thrive. The office collaborates with state agencies, local partners, and communities to break down barriers and build stronger futures in Minnesota.</span></p> <ul type="disc" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in"><span style="font-size: 9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Tahoma&quot;,sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><a href="https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fmn.gov%2Fadmin-stat%2Fdocuments%2FClinic%2520at%2520the%2520Capitol%2520State%2520Grants.pdf/1/010101985802972c-a1e79fe3-d20b-40a0-abc6-b31d09d9a695-000000/ZC9oE4rXiEgVqvD8BTknctD8z-gEI3sHrKCbaA0Vbpo=416" target="_blank"><span style="color:#003764">Clinics at the Capitol event flyer</span></a> (PDF)</span></li> </ul> <span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>For additional information, contact:</strong> <br /> Ashley Oolman at <a href="mailto:ashley.oolman01@state.mn.us" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 55, 100); text-decoration-line: none;">ashley.oolman01@state.mn.us</span></a></span>7001792025-07-30T20:49:31ZNews640News696510640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-694463" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-06-24T14:30:01ZThe State of Minnesota along with regional and local partners seek to ensure fairness in public contracting opportunities for minority- and woman-owned businesses and other historically disadvantaged businesses. On June 24, the State and 15 cities, counties and other public agencies released results of their joint draft study of business utilization in state and local government contracts and in the local marketplace.Comment Period Now Open for Draft Study Reports36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>Saint Paul – </strong>The State of Minnesota along with regional and local partners seek to ensure fairness in public contracting opportunities for minority- and woman-owned businesses and other historically disadvantaged businesses. On June 24, the State and 15 cities, counties and other public agencies released results of their joint draft study of business utilization in state and local government contracts and in the local marketplace.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The State and other participating entities are seeking public review and input on the information in the draft study reports before they are finalized in July. Each draft report is available at the website below. There are many opportunities to learn more about study results and provide insights.</p> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Visit study website (<a href="https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/">https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/</a>)</li> <li>Participate in a public forum (<a href="https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/share-getinvolved/">see schedule on the website</a>)</li> <li>Give input via 602-704-0125 or send to <a href="mailto:JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com">JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com</a></li> </ul> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For other information, please reach out to <a href="mailto:procurement.equity@state.mn.us">procurement.equity@state.mn.us</a>.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The State contracted with Keen Independent Research to conduct the 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. The 18-month research effort compiled data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in contracting, as well as insights from business owners and other groups. In total, more than 2,200 business owners and other individuals provided input.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The joint study reviewed statewide procurement for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as well as for state agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Other study participants were Metropolitan Airports Commission; Metropolitan Council; Metropolitan Mosquito Control District; the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Rochester; Hennepin and Ramsey counties; Hennepin Healthcare and Saint Paul Public Schools.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Research showed a pattern of disparities or barriers for Black Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, South Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians and women and the businesses they own. Access to capital was a particular barrier for these businesses. There were also disadvantages for firms owned by members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, veterans and service-disabled veterans.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The joint draft study reviewed statewide procurement for 16 state and local government entities, examining more than 150,000 contracts and subcontracts totaling $31 billion from July 2016 through June 2023. The review found that small businesses received $14 billion, or 43% of these contract dollars. About 9% of contract dollars went to minority- and woman-owned (MBE/WBE) firms, less than the 22% that might be expected from the availability analysis performed. This disparity occurred even though many entities operate small business enterprise and MBE/WBE-type programs. Results for entities without any programs showed only 0.2% of contract dollars going to MBEs and 1% of dollars going to WBEs.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Some Minnesota entities with small business and MBE/WBE programs narrowed or eliminated disparities in program participation. Over the seven-year study period, MBE/WBE participation in State contracts was 10.5%, but recent strengthening of the State’s Targeted Group Business Program improved MBE/WBE utilization to 14% for FY2023.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm that has performed similar disparity studies for state and local governments across the country, including the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. An External Stakeholder Group provided input throughout. Information from the disparity study will be used by the 16 state and local entities to determine whether new targeted business programs are needed and whether existing small business enterprise and MBE/WBE programs should be continued or improved.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">---</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>For additional information, please contact:</strong></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Julie Nelsen, Communications Director <br /> (651) 201-2519 or <a href="mailto:julie.j.nelsen@state.mn.us">julie.j.nelsen@state.mn.us</a></p>6944632025-07-09T15:26:21ZNews640News696510640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:36-627373" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2024-06-12T14:49:55ZThe State of Minnesota and 15 cities, counties and other public agencies announced a study to analyze whether there are disparities in the utilization of minority- and woman-owned businesses and other diverse firms in state and local government contracts and in the local marketplace.36<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><strong>Saint Paul – </strong>The State of Minnesota and 15 cities, counties, and other public agencies announced a study to analyze whether there are disparities in the utilization of minority- and woman-owned businesses and other diverse firms in state and local government contracts and the local marketplace.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The State engaged Keen Independent Research to conduct the 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. The study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in contracting, as well as insights from business owners and other groups. It will be completed in summer 2025.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm that has performed similar disparity studies for state and local governments across the country, including the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. State and local entities will use information in the disparity study to determine whether new targeted business programs are needed and whether existing programs should be continued. For example, the State currently operates a Targeted Group Small Business Procurement Program.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The study will review statewide procurement for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as well as for state agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Other study participants are the Metropolitan Airports Commission; Metropolitan Council; Mosquito Control District; the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Rochester; Hennepin and Ramsey counties, Hennepin Healthcare System, and Saint Paul Public Schools.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The research team will collect and analyze public input throughout the study. There are many opportunities to get involved.</p> <ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <li>Participate in the business phone survey conducted by Customer Research International (fall 2024).</li> <li>Visit the study website <a href="https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/">https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/</a>.</li> <li>Participate in a public forum (see schedule on the website).</li> <li>Give input via 602-704-0125 or send to <a href="mailto:JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com">JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com</a>.</li> <li>Provide comments on the draft report when distributed to the public (summer 2025).</li> </ul> <strong xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For additional information, contact:</strong><strong xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><br /></strong> <br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" /> <a href="mailto:procurement.equity@state.mn.us" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">procurement.equity@state.mn.us</a> or <a href="mailto:disparity.study@state.mn.us" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">disparity.study@state.mn.us</a>6273732025-07-09T15:19:04Z