Hennepin County uses the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help meet the goals and priorities in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan in suburban Hennepin County cities. The Cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and Plymouth receive their CDBG directly from HUD.
Resources and additional information on the eligible activities for CDBG can be found on the HUD Exchange on the HUD Exchange webpage.
Expanding the impact of CDBG
On behalf of the Urban County, Hennepin County allocates some CDBG program funds directly to certain cities (Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, and Maple Grove), and awards the remainder through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of each year with set-asides for specific kinds of projects -- one for social services, one for capital funds, and one for fair housing activities.
The 2026 RFPs will be structured to expand the impact of the CDBG program to meet the needs of residents across suburban Hennepin County. All CDBG activities must meet national objectives and meet a priority need of the drafted Five-Year Consolidated Plan for suburban Hennepin County. Those needs are:
- Increase and preserve affordable housing choice for renters at or below 50% AMI, with highest priority for households at or below 30% AMI, and for homeowners/homebuyers at or below 80% AMI, with highest priority for homeowners/homebuyers at or below 60% AMI
- Prevent homelessness and increase housing stability, prioritizing households at or below 30% AMI
- Create Housing Opportunities for Homeless Populations
- Economic Development
- Promote, target, and/or reduce access barriers for all activities to Black, Indigenous, and people of color and people with low and moderate incomes.
In addition, all activities must meet requirements from the CDBG program manual.
Public services activities
The public services set aside is intended to fund public service activities that provide quality housing, ensure a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income families and individuals in suburban Hennepin County. Eligible public services include (but are not limited to) emergency assistance, tenant advocacy, and family, youth, and senior services.
RFP application is open
Apply: Housing and Economic Development participant portal
RFP application portal help: Participant user guide (PDF, 1MB)
RFP opened on December 15, 2025 and will close on January 29, 2026.
RFP materials and program manuals
2026 Coordinated Block Grant - Public services RFP
Public Facilities/Infrastructure projects
The public facilities/infrastructure projects set aside will fund activities such as rehabilitation of public facilities and municipal infrastructure improvements projects, and other community development activities serving low and moderate income households.
Cities, for-profit or non-profit organizations, or the County may apply on their own or in partnership.
RFP application is open
Apply: Housing and Economic Development participant portal
RFP application portal help: Participant user guide (PDF, 1MB)
RFP opened on December 12, 2025 and will close on January 29, 2026.
RFP materials and program manuals
2026 Coordinated Block Grant - Public facility / Infrastructure RFP
Affordable housing projects
The affordable housing projects set aside will fund activities such as rehabilitation of rental housing, acquisition and rehabilitation of homes to create affordable homeownership opportunities, and homebuyer assistance serving low- and moderate-income households.
CDBG funding for affordable housing is available as part of an annual coordinated request for proposals (RFP).