Livable Communities Program

The Metropolitan Council’s Livable Communities Grant Program is a regional funding initiative designed to support equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development across the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The program is grounded in the Livable Communities Act and provides financial resources to cities, counties, and development authorities that are partnering with development teams to carry out high-impact, community-centered projects. Through a portfolio of nine specialized grant programs, the initiative seeks to increase housing options, strengthen local economies, remediate contaminated lands, and foster vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods. Administered by the Metropolitan Council, the grants are available to local government units that are enrolled in the Livable Communities program. Eligible applicants can sponsor development efforts and submit applications in coordination with their chosen partners, which may include nonprofit housing developers, environmental remediation experts, or community-based commercial developers. In 2025, over $28 million was distributed through this program to fund local policy planning, small-area planning, and development projects that support affordable housing, job training facilities, small business centers, and land cleanup initiatives aligned with the region’s long-term growth strategy. The grant program offers two application windows per year: the first with a deadline of April 15 and the second due October 15. To apply, cities must first confirm their eligibility and coordinate with the Council’s program staff to ensure project alignment with funding priorities. Applicants then assemble their internal and external development teams, compile the necessary documentation, and submit an online application. Each proposal should tell a clear, compelling story about how the project addresses city and regional goals for equity, sustainability, and quality of life. Livable Communities grants are particularly valuable in closing funding gaps that often hinder the implementation of affordable housing, environmental cleanup, or community-serving commercial projects. The program also helps cities advance local plans and test innovative strategies by reducing financial risk and attracting private capital to mission-aligned initiatives. Beyond funding, the Council offers technical assistance and assigns a program coordinator to each applicant to guide them through the process. Projects funded through this program must adhere to the values outlined in Imagine 2050, the Council’s regional development guide. Key evaluation criteria include a project's contribution to affordable housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, and alignment with comprehensive planning goals. The updated structure and scoring rubric, introduced in 2026, reflect a deepened commitment to equity and regional impact. Applicants who receive grant awards will be notified following each submission deadline and are expected to manage funds in accordance with established guidelines. As the fiscal sponsor, the city or township is responsible for project oversight and compliance. Interested applicants can learn more and begin the process at metrocouncil.org/lcagrants, where additional materials, coordinator contacts, and webinar recordings are available.

Identify partners and projects early; focus on equity and regional alignment to maximize competitiveness.