Livable Communities Small Area Planning
Metropolitan Council's Livable Communities Small Area Planning grant funds research-based local plans for equitable, sustainable, and connected development in the Twin Cities metro area.
Funder: Metropolitan Council
Due Dates: April 15, 2026 (Round 1) | October 15, 2026 (Round 2)
Funding Amounts: $400,000 total available in 2026; up to $100,000 per project; three-year grant term, with possible two-year extension.
Summary: Supports cities and eligible local governments in the Twin Cities metro to develop small area plans that advance equitable, connected, and sustainable development in alignment with Imagine 2050 goals.
Key Information: Only cities, townships, counties, or development authorities in the 7-county metro enrolled in the Livable Communities program may apply.
Description
This grant program, administered by the Metropolitan Council, funds small area planning projects that help local governments in the Twin Cities metropolitan area create conditions for dense, connected, and equitable development aligned with regional Imagine 2050 goals. Projects may focus on areas such as commercial corridors, transit station areas, or cultural districts and must address at least one outcome related to affordable housing, mixed-use development, transportation, ecological protection, or inclusive public spaces. Emphasis is placed on community engagement, equitable outcomes, and integration with comprehensive planning.
