Metro area communities that participate in the region’s Livable Communities program can now apply for $27 million in funds that are available in 2018 through the Metropolitan Council.
The funds promote local economic development by supporting projects that:
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Clean up polluted land for redevelopment
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Ensure affordable housing
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Incorporate design that helps connect people to places and makes efficient use of land and infrastructure
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Stimulate development around transit stations.
To date, the Council has awarded $374 million in Livable Communities funds to help clean up nearly 2,300 acres of polluted land, create or retain 52,000 full- and part-time jobs, build or rehabilitate more than 41,500 market-rate and affordable homes; increase the net tax capacity by more than $116 million, and leverage billions in additional public and private investment.
“The Livable Communities program is a unique and valuable tool that has helped communities for more than 22 years to invest in economic development that enhances their vitality, prosperity and future,” said Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff. “The program provides a critical early infusion of funds that serves as a signal to other investors, and helps to leverage many, many millions of dollars in other public and private investment."
Ninety-five metro communities participate in the Council’s Livable Communities Program and are eligible to apply for the funds, which are competitive. Projects among the hundreds awarded funding, include:
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The Artery: redevelopment along 8th Avenue S. in Hopkins to create a vibrant, interactive and “pedestrian-seductive multimodal” artery into the city’s downtown.
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Artspace Hastings River Lofts: affordable live/work units for artists and their families with community green space and connections to downtown and the riverfront.
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Boatworks Commons: a redevelopment in White Bear Lake that transformed a former manufacturing site into a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and public space.
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Excelsior and Grand: a mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly town center in St. Louis Park with apartments, condominiums, retail space and a town green space that links to a city park.
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Heart of the City: a mixed use, pedestrian-friendly downtown area in Burnsville, featuring retail, business and office space, a community arts center, community park and housing.
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Mill City Quarter: a 250-unit, senior-friendly affordable and market-rate apartment complex in Minneapolis that provides access to a wide variety of services, including transit. The development includes rain gardens, small plazas, and connections to bike and pedestrian trails along the Mississippi River.
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Northern Stacks: an in-fill commercial redevelopment project on a historical 122-acre site in Fridley.
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Vandalia Tower: a redevelopment in Saint Paul that includes the restoration of vacant factory buildings into retail, office, artist studio and small manufacturing space with connections to the METRO Green Line.
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