National League of Cities conference highlights importance of public transportation

Key leaders and innovators in transportation hosted a media event March 5 at the National League of Cities (NLC) Mobility Matters Conference in Burnsville. This event put a spotlight on the essential role diverse mobility options play in enhancing the daily lives of millions of Americans, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability, and economic impact.

The event was hosted by the National League of Cities, Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), the City of Burnsville, and Enterprise Mobility.

Knowing that collaboration efforts on the federal, state, and local levels are integral to mitigating mobility gaps in communities, the primary goal of the gathering was to emphasize the fundamental role public transportation plays in ensuring access to employment, education, and essential services while contributing to local economies.

Public transportation is not only a vital service that carries millions of riders across the nation every day, but it is also a key driver of economic vitality. With more than 430,000 people employed in the industry, public transit supports millions of jobs while directly contributing to the U.S. economy. According to a 2025 study, 77 percent of federal funding for public transit initiatives flows into the private sector, supporting companies across the United States.

Dan Kealey, a 2024 National League of Cities Board member, Chair of the Transportation Federal Advocacy Committee, and Burnsville City Council Member and MVTA Board Chair served as master of ceremonies for the event, which featured:

Steve Patterson, President of the National League of Cities
Patterson discussed the essential partnerships between local, state, and federal leaders that are creating accessible transportation solutions. These partnerships are not only helping people get to work but also contribute to the growth of regional economies.

Elizabeth Kautz, City of Burnsville Mayor and Former Chair of the MVTA Board of Commissioners
Kautz focused on the growing movement of U.S. cities and transit agencies working to reduce carbon footprints, improve air quality, and ensure access to transportation. She also discussed Burnsville’s sustainability efforts and the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA)’s leadership in implementing cleaner transportation. The MVTA’s Zero Emission Bus Plan, including the addition of five new electric buses this year, is part of a larger effort to electrify the fleet and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Kautz will also discuss the city’s broader sustainability initiatives, including its 2009 sustainability guide and the reduction of community-wide greenhouse gas emissions.

U.S. Representative Angie Craig, Minnesota’s 2nd District
As a key advocate for infrastructure improvements, U.S. Rep. Angie Craig addressed the need to invest in transportation systems to bolster the state’s economy. She discussed her support for funding projects such as the transformation of the Burnsville Bus Garage, which received $4.96 million to create a hub for economic activity. Additionally, she touched on her efforts to secure $1 million for transit improvements in Rosemount, which helped advance the electrification of the Rosemount Transit Station.

Luther Wynder, MVTA Chief Executive Officer
Wynder discussed the significant growth of MVTA’s microtransit service, MVTA Connect, which began in 2019 and has expanded to cover all cities in the south metro region. This year, MVTA introduced five new e-Jest vehicles to enhance the service’s sustainability and meet increasing demand. Wynder also highlighted how MVTA Connect has become the agency’s fastest-growing service, with over 600 rides per day, and how the new electric vehicles are key to improving service for riders, particularly those using the service for work-related trips.