The Metropolitan Council made $27.5 million available for Livable Communities grants in 2026. The grants help cities set the conditions for smart development and fund environmental cleanup and development projects that expand housing choices, improve safety, and ensure everyone can meet their needs in their community.
Updated program design makes applying for grants easier
.jpg.aspx?lang=en-US&width=300&height=201 "The Boatworks Commons, apartment homes on White Bear Lake, received two Livable Communities grants that helped with site investigation and development.")
In 2025, as Met Council Livable Communities staff updated the program to align with the new Imagine 2050 regional development guide, they initiated changes in response to feedback from partners, applicants, and grantees. They engaged county staff, city staff, and developers across the region; conducted a public survey; and had several conversations with the Met Council’s Community Development Committee and Housing Work Group.
Starting this year, local governments, counties, and development authorities may apply for each activity type in a single application during two funding rounds: one in April and one in October. This change means applicants will have more frequent opportunities to apply and can submit fewer applications than in past years.
Other changes include:
- Clearer scoring process that allows small-scale projects to compete with larger ones
- Inclusion of small area planning as an eligible activity
- Priority for development projects led by emerging developers of color
“Every community helps make our region livable,” said Emily Seddon, Livable Communities manager. “The updated program design was created to intentionally consider the unique context and goals of the city applying.”
The Livable Communities program will continue to fund activities across the development continuum, from planning, to cleanup and site preparation, through construction and rehab. The Met Council will also continue to fund multifamily rental housing projects through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals process.
The alignment with Imagine 2050 and simplified process are both part of the Met Council-approved program design for 2026-27. “We are focusing on the outcomes Livable Communities grants have, rather than the acronyms that have defined the program for many years,” Seddon said. “That is how we can build a prosperous, equitable, and resilient region with opportunities for all to live, work, play, and thrive.”
Presentation about program design changes.
Program participation grows in 2026
2026 marks the 30th year the Met Council will make Livable Communities grants. The program is voluntary for cities and townships in the metro region. In 2026, 80 cities and 1 township are enrolled. To remain eligible to apply for grants, participating cities must meet program requirements, including:
- Comprehensive plan consistency with regional policy
- Spending on affordable housing activities
- Report on their housing plan
- Adoption of a fair housing policy
More information about Livable Communities grants.