Project Benefits

Business benefits

Businesses can attract more customers and employees. Businesses may be able to access tools such as forgivable loans, grants, training, and technical assistance for support before during and after construction.
 

Jobs

This line will provide access to nearly 56,000 jobs that are within a half mile of the stations from employers such as Kemps, North Memorial Hospital, Crystal Airport, and North Hennepin Community College, and many more businesses along the corridor.

That’s in addition to the 145,000 jobs in downtown Minneapolis allowing easier access to job opportunities in the northwest metro and other communities connected by our region’s transit system.

Transit oriented development

Transit in the Twin Cities has attracted development and significant investment along its corridors over the past 17 years. In that time, 35% of regional development has occurred near transit corridors, and 20,500 multi-family housing units were built or have been approved for construction near light rail stations.

Workforce

The planning and construction of light rail requires many workers, generating thousands of jobs. Through innovative workforce programs and policies, we’re committed to increasing opportunities for people who live in the corridor to work in planning and building it. The Metropolitan Council offers job training opportunities to help build a diverse workforce.
 

Community development

Light rail investment helps build stronger and more resilient communities. It offers opportunities to invest in critical infrastructure, green space, and the built environment. It also generates investment and growth of community serving organizations, nonprofits, and other civic institutions.

Cities along the line

Transit investments like the Blue Line Extension drive other public and private investment and generate community and economic development. This creates opportunities for cities to guide their own growth and advance their visions for the future.

Nearly 53,600 people live within a half mile — or approximately a 10-minute walk — of the station areas that will benefit from reliable, frequent transit service. Half a million more people will be living, working, and moving around the Twin Cities region by 2040. They’re going to need a transportation system that offers choices and light rail has the capacity and adaptability to move our growing population.

Statewide impact

We know from recent light rail projects that construction of the Blue Line Extension will generate thousands of jobs both in the communities it serves and throughout the state. Ensuring local workers and small diverse enterprises are put to work building this line, is a priority. On previous light rail construction projects as many as 75% of Minnesota counties had workers taking home a light rail paycheck.

This light rail line will support growth and investment in the region that will in turn help fund critical infrastructure and services across the state. Tax revenue generated in the metro helps build roads, support schools, and fund public services in every part of our state.