Region Five Development Commission is part of MnDOT District 3 Area Transportation Partnerships (ATP). The ATP is a committee of elected officials, city and county engineers, MnDOT staff, tribal leaders, public transit leaders representing areas contiguous with MnDOT District boundaries. Their role is to develop policy and program projects utilizing federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The Region Five Development Commission and Region Five Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) each appoint one member to the ATP. R5DC staff serve as technical advisors to the ATP.

Occasionally, R5DC is involved with special projects at the local or statewide level. Some projects are developed and coordinated by the R5DC due to a local request or contract. Other projects may include Region Five Development Commission in various capacities.