Ramsey County's Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program, funded through the Housing Redevelopment Authority levy, is a redevelopment funding initiative. It aims to foster inclusive development and public infrastructure within transit, economic, and cultural corridors throughout Ramsey County, Minnesota. This program aligns with the broader mission of promoting community well-being and economic vitality by strategically investing in areas that connect residents to essential services and opportunities. The program's design emphasizes the creation of walkable environments and efficient land use, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable urban landscape within the county.
The primary target beneficiaries of this program are developers (both for-profit and nonprofit), government agencies, and related development authorities. Indirectly, the program benefits residents and small businesses within the Critical Corridors by improving access to housing, jobs, retail, and services. The impact goals include enhancing community connectivity, stimulating economic growth in disinvested areas, and promoting sustainable urban development practices. By focusing on these areas, the program seeks to create vibrant, accessible, and inclusive communities where residents can thrive.
The program's selection priorities guide its investments, focusing on projects that intensify land use along key corridors, particularly those that reduce space for parking and improve transit access. It also prioritizes facilitating the development of multifamily housing, promoting development in disinvested areas, and improving pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure. A crucial focus is to propel nearby development without displacing current residents or small businesses, ensuring that growth benefits existing communities. These priorities collectively reflect a strategic approach to urban development that addresses critical community needs while fostering equitable growth.
Eligible activities encompass a wide range of redevelopment efforts, including extraordinary/hard construction costs for housing, commercial, or mixed-use projects, as well as site preparation, public realm improvements, stormwater management, and adaptive reuse of buildings. The program also supports the removal of existing structures and parking when associated with redevelopment that results in a net decrease of at least 10% of parking. For local units of government, strategic property acquisition for future higher-density development is also eligible. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in accessible and affordable housing, improved public infrastructure, enhanced walkability and bikeability, and the revitalization of economically challenged areas. The maximum anticipated award for projects ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, allowing for significant investment in qualifying initiatives.
