 Celebrating 20 years of Transit Oriented Development impacts and growth
Hennepin County's Transit Oriented Development program celebrated its 20-year anniversary in June.
To date, the program has supported more than 160 projects, generating more than $3.2 billion in total investment value, including:
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144 redeveloped brownfield, grayfield, or vacant buildings, putting properties back on the tax rolls and contributing to the health and vibrancy of communities.
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20 projects that improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure, enhancing quality of life and access for residents
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110 projects with housing, reducing the need for more than 16,000 households to drive or own a car.
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84 projects that created commercial space, generating more than 4,600 transit accessible jobs and opportunities for businesses to grow.
"Hennepin County's Transit Oriented Development program is a valuable and nimble tool to invest in communities along transit corridors," said Patricia Fitzgerald, Hennepin County Director of Community and Economic Development. "It has allowed us to invest in critical projects that help community-based plans and visions for the future become reality."
The program has continued to evolve over its two decades to more intentionally address Hennepin County's disparity reduction and climate action goals. In an effort to diversify the development industry, Hennepin County started offering predevelopment assistance in 2022 to support more women and BIPOC emerging developers in early project planning.
"Increasingly, we are looking for and incentivizing community-supported development projects led by local developers in low-income communities," said Ryan Kelley, Hennepin County TOD program manager. "Our focus is not only on helping great projects move forward but ensuring that the wealth generated by these developments stays in the communities they serve."
Learn more about Hennepin County's TOD program.
Hmong Community Explore Your Parks event July 15
 "Hmong Community Explore Your Parks” is an annual event welcoming the Hmong community to explore some of the many healthy, active, and fun activities people can do outdoors and in parks. Hosted by Hennepin County’s Active Living team, the event aims to reduce health disparities by encouraging the community to be active for lifelong health.
Join the fun:
- Saturday, July 15
- 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Centennial Park in Brooklyn Center
In the news
"New program aims to support local developers"
WATCH: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News
“The program has been a tremendous blessing. It’s opened my eyes up to a lot of the resources that are available to emerging developers,” Ahmad Eltawely told KSTP of Hennepin County's TOD Predevelopment Assistance program.
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"Value Foods celebrates new Brooklyn Center store"
WATCH: CCX Media
This project received a $35,000 grant from Hennepin County's Business District Initiative program.
"The area has been a food desert for the past few years and closing the food access gap wouldn’t be possible without [the BDI grant], said Vong Thao, Economic Development Coordinator for Brooklyn Center in an email to Hennepin County staff.
"Not only did this investment play a critical role within the local food ecosystem but, it helped spark numerous new investment dollars back into the area. Also, the intangible benefits are incredible. Customers feel safer, business owners are collaborating, and the vibes are definitely positive," Thao said.
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$2.2 million awarded to 6 Transit Oriented Development Projects
On Tuesday, June 13, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners awarded $2.2 million to six development projects through Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) program.
The six projects, with a total investment value of $189 million, will create 462 mixed-income housing units near high-frequency transit, 106,900 square feet of commercial space supporting 25 businesses, and 325 new or retained jobs.
View the projects.
Current and upcoming funding opportunities
Affordable Commercial Incentive Fund - Blue Line Extension Corridor
Up to $500,000 will be available for projects in cities along the Blue Line Extension light rail transit corridor in 2023. Successful projects will provide affordable commercial space for three or more businesses located within one-half mile of planned Blue Line Extension station areas. Program guidelines are available, and applications are due August 17, 2023.
Learn more.
Business District Initiative and Hennepin Planning Grants
Suburban Hennepin County cities and development authorities can apply for funding to support business districts and guide future land use planning. A total of $200,000 will be available across the two programs in 2023. Program guidelines will be available August 11, 2023, and applications will be due October 5, 2023.
Learn more: Business District Initiative | Hennepin Planning Grants
TOD predevelopment fall round
Hennepin County’s TOD predevelopment program offers specialized assistance to eligible emerging developers, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, to overcome barriers to financial and knowledge capital often needed to enter the development industry. A fall round will open on September 11, 2023 and applications will be due September 28, 2023.
Learn more.
MinnPACE
MinnPACE provides funding to building owners for energy efficient upgrades. Funding can be used for building projects like windows, HVAC systems, electric vehicle charging stations or renewable energy systems. Building owners get direct financing and pay it off over 20 years as an assessment on the property.
Learn more.
Natural Resources Opportunity Grants
Hennepin County Environment and Energy has grants available for projects to improve water quality or preserve, establish, or restore natural areas. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis but applications must be received by July 20 to be considered for the next round. All landowners are eligible to apply.
Learn more and apply.
- Funding is available for redevelopment projects through the Department of Employment and Economic Development's Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan programs. Applications are due August 1st. Apply now.
- Nine Mile Creek Watershed District offers a variety of grant programs to prevent stormwater pollution, restore native habitat, and prevent groundwater pollution. Applications for native habitat restoration are due August 14th, and groundwater conservation applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply now.
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