$3.1 billion in development takes shape along corridor; another $700 million in new investment planned
The first light rail trains are now rolling on the METRO Green Line Extension, marking a pivotal milestone for the project that has already catalyzed $3.1 billion in new development across five Twin Cities communities.
Civil construction on the 14.5-mile extension connecting Target Field in downtown Minneapolis to Eden Prairie is 95% complete and has entered the critical track, signal, and systems testing phase. Testing will continue through 2026, with passenger service expected to begin in 2027.
.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=400&height=280 "The first train is pulled along the Green Line Extension near the Southwest Station to test the tracks the entire length of the line.")
The corridor is experiencing unprecedented growth, with $3.1 billion in housing, retail, and entertainment projects already built, under construction, or permitted, and another $700 million in new investment being planned by developers.
"Projects like the METRO Green Line Extension are smart investments in our region's future," said Met Council Interim Chair Deb Barber. "They connect homes to businesses, schools to hospitals, and communities to opportunities—and those connections attract even more investment. The numbers tell the story: land near METRO transit projects represents just 2% of taxable property in the region yet generates 20% of our property tax revenue."
“Light rail projects like the Green Line Extension are essential to our region and state’s economic growth and environmental resiliency,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene. “They will connect generations of people and businesses to opportunities to build wealth and stability.
“The burden of car ownership is becoming more costly for residents and our environment,” Greene said. “Light rail is a reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound transportation option that provides an undeniable return on investment. Generational investments like the Green Line Extension will pay dividends for decades to come, fueling our regional economy, reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, and bolstering our state for the future.”
Economic development transforms communities
Each city along the corridor is experiencing significant development spurred by the transit investment:
Eden Prairie – $560 million in new development
- 1,000 new multi-family units, including 140 affordable units
- $316 million in commercial development
- $36 million in industrial projects
Minnetonka – Over $373 million in new development
- 1,700 new multi-family housing units, including 530 affordable units
- $92 million in commercial development
- $14 million in industrial investment
Hopkins – Over $329 million in new development
- 1,300 new multi-family housing units, including 260 affordable units
- $27 million in commercial development
- $9 million in industrial investment
St. Louis Park – Over $497 million in new development
- 1,500 new multi-family housing units, including 290 affordable units
- $48 million in commercial development
- $24 million in industrial investment
- $170 million in public and institutional projects
Minneapolis – $1.37 billion in new development
- Over 3,800 new multi-family housing units, including 660 affordable units
- $477 million in commercial development
- $28 million in industrial development
“The Hopkins community is excited about the return of passenger trains to Hopkins as well as the economic growth it is bringing,” said Hopkins Mayor Patrick Hanlon. “Our city’s name actually came from a train station. Our community was born a bustling city on a train line as a market and art center built for the pedestrian experience. In 2027, we are returning home to our rightful place as that bustling city on a train line.”
.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=350&height=261 "Development has boomed near the Hopkins Station on the Green Line Extension. The multi-modal station is just two blocks from Mainstreet in the city’s downtown.")
The Green Line Extension caps a transformative year for the region's METRO system. In 2025, the METRO Gold Line launched in the east metro, connecting St. Paul to Woodbury, and the METRO B Line began serving the corridor between South Minneapolis and Downtown St. Paul. Before year's end, the METRO E Line will launch, linking the University of Minnesota to Edina.
"Transit is about freedom and opportunity for people," said Barber. "It gives everyone access to jobs, education, healthcare, and community—whether they own a car or not. When we build transit, we're investing in people and their potential."
About the METRO Green Line Extension
The METRO Green Line Extension will serve 16 stations across Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie, connecting the southwest metro to the region's existing light rail network. The project represents a major expansion of transportation options for residents and businesses in one of the region's fastest-growing corridors.
Read the 2024 report Development Trends Along Transit here.