Grants support polluted-site cleanup, job creation, housing The Metropolitan Council has awarded $3.5 million in Livable Communities grants to six cities for redevelopment projects that clean up polluted land, create jobs, and add affordable housing. Once complete, the projects are expected to: Clean up 26 acres of polluted land and buildings Add 230 affordable for-sale and rental homes Create and retain 650 jobs Grow the regional tax base by $1.7 million “These grants make projects that revitalize communities possible by turning aging or vacant properties into places where people can safely work and live,” said Emily Seddon, manager of the Met Council Livable Communities program. “They also encourage redevelopment in areas with existing transportation and water infrastructure, which leads to more efficient, cost-effective regional growth.” Grants support redevelopment at several stages Tax Base Revitalization grants fall into three categories that support site investigation, site cleanup, and projects that are in the early stages and less well-defined (Seeding Equitable Environmental Development – SEED – grants). The Met Council received 12 applications for funding from six cities, and all the applications received funding. Cities awarded grants in this funding round include Hastings, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Roseville, Saint Paul, and St. Louis Park. Contaminated sites include a former machine shop, trucking terminal, maintenance operations, auto repair, dry cleaner, gas station, and landfill. The Livable Communities grants will help make these sites safe for future homes, businesses, and a community clinic. See project descriptions for all 12 awarded projects. About the Livable Communities program The 1995 Livable Communities Act (LCA) funds local projects that revitalize local economies, create housing choice, and support closer links between land use and transportation. Just in the past decade, Livable Communities grants have helped: Create more than 20,000 affordable homes Support more than 18,000 living wage jobs Increase the region’s annual net tax capacity by more than $53 million Under State statute, cities and townships choosing to participate in the program are eligible to compete for Livable Communities funds. Participation is voluntary. In 2026, 80 cities and 1 township in the seven-county region have chosen to participate. Learn more about the Livable Communities program and funding for 2026. Posted In: Council News