Livable Communities Development Projects
Livable Communities Development Projects supports Twin Cities communities with affordable housing, community-driven commercial spaces, and environmental cleanup to advance housing choice and community-centered development.
Funder: Metropolitan Council
Due Dates: October 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. (Round 2)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 for early-stage projects or $2 million for construction-stage projects; three-year grants
Summary: Supports affordable housing, community-driven commercial spaces, and environmental investigation and cleanup in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Key Information: Only participating local governments and development authorities may apply; private developers and nonprofits need an eligible public sponsor.
Description
The Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Development Projects program supports construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing and community-driven commercial spaces. Funding spans pre-development, acquisition, environmental site investigation and cleanup, site preparation, and construction. Eligible activities include capacity building, community engagement, planning and design, environmental sustainability planning, financial modeling, demolition, and site improvements.
The program advances housing choice and community-centered development across the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. It prioritizes affordable homes, infill and redevelopment, small business spaces, living-wage jobs, and job training. Projects are evaluated for alignment with local and regional needs, benefits to communities of color, transit access, community participation, and preventing physical and cultural displacement.
