Policy & Affordable Housing Program Development Grants
Policy & Affordable Housing Program Development Grants support local governments in developing housing policies and programs to preserve affordability, prevent displacement, and advance equitable development.
Funder: Metropolitan Council
Due Dates: April 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. (Round 1) | October 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. (Round 2)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per application for two years; up to $1,339,000 available in 2026; no match required
Summary: Supports local housing policy and program development that preserves affordability, prevents displacement, and advances dense, connected, equitable development.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible local governments or development authorities enrolled in Livable Communities and in good standing.
Description
The Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities program funds policy and affordable housing program development aligned with Imagine 2050 goals. Grants help local governments establish conditions for dense, connected, and equitable development by reducing affordable housing development and preservation costs, preventing displacement, developing Local Affordable Housing Aid-funded programs, and improving housing development processes.
Supported work includes fee waivers, density bonuses, inclusionary zoning, tenant protections, revolving loan funds, downpayment assistance, homeowner rehabilitation, emergency rental assistance, and tools to retain naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). Projects may also address planning and permit review or NOAH early-warning monitoring. Priorities include affordable rental and ownership housing, environmentally sustainable development and green infrastructure, housing choice, housing stabilization, and racial equity in implementation.
