Livable Communities Development Projects
Forecasted
Livable Communities Development Projects supports Twin Cities local governments with affordable housing, community-driven commercial spaces, and environmental cleanup to expand housing choice and improve safety.
Funder: Metropolitan Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Round 1) | May 2027 (Consolidated RFP intent) | July 2027 (Consolidated RFP application) | October 2027 (Round 2)
Funding Amounts: Published 2026 limits: $500,000 early-stage or $2 million construction-stage per application; three-year reimbursement grants
Summary: Supports affordable housing, community-driven commercial spaces, and environmental investigation and cleanup in the seven-county Twin Cities area.
Key Information: Only participating local governments and development authorities may apply; individuals and private or nonprofit organizations may partner with an eligible sponsor.
Description
The Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities development grants support new construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing and community-driven commercial spaces. Funding supports projects from pre-development and acquisition through environmental site investigation, cleanup, site preparation, and construction. Eligible activities include capacity building, community engagement, planning, design, sustainability planning, financial modeling, demolition, and site improvements.
The program helps local governments increase housing choice, improve safety, and help residents meet their needs within their communities. Priorities include affordable homeownership, preservation of existing homes, reuse of vacant land, small-business spaces, living-wage jobs, and environmental cleanup. Project quality considers community perspectives, benefits to communities of color, transit connections, and residents’ and businesses’ ability to remain in their communities.
