Grants prioritize larger families, people experiencing homelessness In January, the Metropolitan Council awarded $2.5 million in grants that will create or preserve affordable housing for 424 households. The grant awards to cities support four multifamily housing developments that prioritize housing for larger families (three or more bedrooms) and for people experiencing homelessness and/or people with disabilities. Every unit is affordable to households that earn 70% of area median income ($92,680 for a family of four) or less. “Investments in homes with 3+ bedrooms are an investment in children and seniors,” said Emily Seddon, manager of the Met Council’s Livable Communities program. “There is a significant shortage of affordable housing overall, and an even greater gap for homes that can accommodate families with multiple children and multi-generational families. This year's awards will help create stability for these families in properties that are designed with their needs in mind.” The four development projects are in Columbia Heights, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul. See profiles of the funded projects. In the 2025 funding cycle, across all Livable Communities grant programs, Met Council funding will help to build or preserve a total of more than 2,400 affordable homes. The Met Council Livable Communities program funds housing development across the continuum of types of housing and stages of development, from planning through construction. The Met Council both accepts applications directly and through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP). “It’s an efficient process because it allows developers to apply to multiple funders with one application,” Seddon said. “Coordinating among funders also helps ensure projects are fully funded, allowing them to move into construction rather than continue to piece together funding sources.” Learn more about the Livable Communities program and funding for 2026. Posted In: Housing