The bill establishes the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program, to be administered by the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota. The program aims to assist small communities (populations under 15,000) with infrastructure project analysis and development. Priority is given to political subdivisions and federally recognized Tribal governments that lack the capacity to undertake project development and apply for state or federal infrastructure grants.

The program will collaborate with entities such as the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, the Center for Transportation Studies, the Minnesota Design Center, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. It will provide support for sustainability, resiliency, climate adaptation, and coordinated investment in related infrastructure projects.

A dedicated website will provide information on the program, project summaries, financial data, and application procedures for small communities seeking assistance.

The bill appropriates $2.5 million in fiscal year 2026 and $2.5 million in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to administer this program.