Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure Program

Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure Program is a targeted redevelopment initiative funded through the county’s Housing Redevelopment Authority levy. Designed to stimulate inclusive development and improve public infrastructure, the program supports projects situated within designated Critical Corridors. These areas include transit, economic, and cultural corridors defined in collaboration with community partners. Notably, the program area was expanded in 2025 to include downtown Saint Paul. The initiative emphasizes compact, efficient land use that connects residents to essential services, employment, housing, and transit, all while promoting walkable, accessible neighborhoods. The program prioritizes redevelopment efforts that increase density along major corridors, particularly projects that reduce space allocated to parking in favor of improved transit accessibility. Other priorities include facilitating multifamily housing development through measures such as zoning changes, supporting projects in disinvested areas, improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and catalyzing additional local development without displacing current residents or small businesses. Eligible activities under the program must be located within a designated Critical Corridor. Qualified activities include extraordinary or hard construction costs associated with housing, commercial, or mixed-use redevelopment; site preparation such as clearing, grading, and utility installation; stormwater management; geotechnical soil correction; adaptive reuse of buildings; demolition or deconstruction; removal of parking (with a minimum 10% reduction); and various public infrastructure improvements including water, sewer, and sidewalk installations. For local units of government only, strategic property acquisition for future high-density development is also eligible. However, the program excludes funding for administrative staff time, interior renovations, environmental remediation, landscaping, tenant relocation, and various soft costs. The maximum award per project is anticipated to be $500,000, with funds issued on a reimbursement basis. All awarded funds must be expended by December 31, 2027. Depending on project specifics, Ramsey County may recommend the funding take the form of a loan rather than a grant. The application window opens on September 2, 2025, and closes on October 14, 2025. While pre-application meetings with staff are not mandatory, they are highly encouraged and must be scheduled before the application window opens. An informational webinar will also be held on September 2, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the Neighborly platform and must include a site map, renderings or layout, financial proforma, project schedule, municipal resolution of support, and a waste management plan if demolition is involved. Pre-demolition inspection requirements should be confirmed via the contact details provided. Projects will be evaluated based on multiple criteria including redevelopment outcomes, placemaking and transit-oriented development elements, racial equity and community engagement efforts, project feasibility, and alignment with Ramsey County’s strategic frameworks. Key documents informing this alignment include the Ramsey County Strategic Plan, Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan, Equitable Development Framework, Climate Equity Action Plan, and others. Applications are reviewed by a panel comprising county staff and potentially external reviewers. Awardees will enter into a direct contract with Ramsey County and must submit a final report detailing the implementation and outcomes of the funded project.

Applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting and attend the webinar to improve understanding of program fit and eligibility.