Strategy 7 Regulate new delivery technologies that use the public right of way.
The actions within this strategy are divided into two categories:
Action we will DOActions we will SUPPORTAction we will do are followed by “DO” and are colored in dark gray, and actions we will support are followed by “SUPPORT” and are colored in light gray.
Learn more about how we get thereIn cities around the country we’ve seen delivery robots, drone delivery, and other creative, more efficient ways of redefining the delivery of goods to doorsteps, lockers or businesses. With more automation, delivery trucks full of packages could be out for delivery at any hour of the day or night. Planning for these new technologies and developing agreements with providers to ensure the operators are aligned with our transportation goals is critical. Managing the curb is another important part of how changing delivery options will operate on our streets.
Actions to regulate new delivery technologies that use the public right of way.
Freight 7.1
Manage autonomous delivery in the right of way (vehicles, drones, sidewalk robots, and other emerging technologies) by establishing agreements with service providers to ensure that their operations align with the City of Minneapolis transportation goals.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Technology 1.2, Technology 1.4
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2028-2030 (Years 8-10)
Status:
Not Started
Notes:
While the delivery robot pilot at the University of Minnesota includes agreements with service providers, the process is not yet standardized. The City is partnering with other agencies to identify appropriate policy recommendations for state legislation which will inform the local approach.
Freight 7.2
Expand standard data sharing requirements to all automated modes; write into regulation the creation of APIs for transmission of fleet data for delivery services.
Supported goals:
Prosperity Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Technology 4.1, Technology 4.2, Technology 4.3, Technology 4.4, Technology 4.5
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2028-2030 (Years 8-10)
Status:
Not Started
Notes:
Standard data sharing requirements remain a priority for upcoming years.
Freight 7.3
Develop City policy and standards to ensure that technology-related guidance impacting freight movement, including autonomous vehicle, drones and delivery bots, integrate into city streets and align with City goals; work with agency partners to ensure compatibility across jurisdictions.
Supported goals:
Safety Prosperity Mobility Active Partnerships
Related actions:
Technology 4.1, Technology 4.2, Technology 4.3, Technology 4.4, Technology 4.5
Difficulty:
Medium
Timeframe:
2024-2027 (Years 4-7)
Status:
In Progress
Significant milestone(s):
Public Works collaborated with partners such as Hennepin County to support the University of Minnesota with their delivery robot pilot. As of 2025, the City is collaborating with MnDOT and other partners to identify appropriate policy at the state level.
See also actions:
- Technology 1.7
Research unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) permitting and local impacts - Technology 1.8
Proactively prepare for freight drone activity