As host of the Between Two Shovels podcast, Derek brings transparent, educational conversations about infrastructure delivery to the public. The show features interviews with project stakeholders, industry experts, and transportation leaders, demonstrating innovative approaches to public engagement and stakeholder communications.
Subscribe to Between Two Shovels to get the latest conversations with infrastructure leaders delivered automatically.
As Executive Director of the Capital SouthEast Connector Joint Powers Authority, Derek Minnema has secured over $100 million in competitive federal, state, and local funding for regional transportation infrastructure. Under his leadership, the project cleared more than 20 miles of environmental approvals, obtained 50-year regulatory permits, and delivered significant improvements that enhance mobility, safety, and economic opportunity across the Sacramento region.
Derek’s expertise spans strategic coalition building, federal grant strategy, and government affairs. He successfully competed for a $25 million USDOT RAISE grant in 2024, navigated complex NEPA compliance processes, and built lasting partnerships among county governments, municipalities, state agencies, and federal partners. His work demonstrates the ability to deliver ambitious, multi-jurisdictional infrastructure projects from concept through construction.
He currently serves as President of the Transportation Officials Division of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and hosts the “Between Two Shovels” podcast, interviewing transportation leaders and industry experts on infrastructure delivery challenges.
A Northern California native, Derek graduated from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 2002. He resides in Fair Oaks with his wife and their three sons.
Securing a $25M Federal RAISE Grant
In July 2024, the Capital SouthEast Connector was awarded a highly competitive $25 million RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
This video captures the announcement and celebration of this major federal funding win, which will transform Grant Line Road from a dangerous two-lane corridor into a modern, safe expressway.
The RAISE grant demonstrated our team’s ability to compete successfully for competitive federal discretionary funding through strategic application development, strong coalition support, and compelling project justification.
Under his leadership, the Capital SouthEast Connector Expressway has achieved:
