Applications are now being accepted for appointment to Gov. Tim Walz’s advisory council on connected and automated vehicles.

Walz issued an executive order earlier this month establishing the 15-member council. This committee will continue the work of a similar advisory council appointed last year that studied CAV technology issues and recommended policy changes regarding the adoption of automated and connected vehicles in Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Transportation Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher will co-chair the council, and Walz will name another co-chair at a later time.

Applicants should have relevant experience in the automotive industry, technology, mobility, freight, labor, public safety, bicycle and pedestrian advocacy, elder care, tort liability, workforce training, higher education, transit, business and finance, cybersecurity or data privacy.

Also serving on the council will be 20 ex-officio members, including commissioners of several state agencies, members of the state Legislature and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council.

MnDOT first tested the use of an automated shuttle bus in 2017, and since then the agency created an Office of Connected and Automated Vehicles and partnered with other companies and industries to continue researching and testing CAV technologies.

People interested in serving on the council should apply at https://commissionandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/Agency/Details/253. Deadline in May 6, although applications will be taken until the governor announces the council.