Success stories
Hennepin County awards $2M for six transit-oriented community projects
The county has awarded $2 million in Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program funding to six development projects.
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Building tomorrow
A spotlight on the county’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable development
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From vision to reality
How Hennepin County planning efforts help communities build places for people
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Building on our legacy of innovation
Reflecting on 2024 impacts.
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A catalyst for community
Exploring Hennepin County’s support for affordable commercial space and community institutions.
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Hennepin County initiatives support revitalization of Historic Coliseum Building
Several Hennepin County initiatives support the top-to-bottom reimagining of the historic Coliseum Building.
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Hennepin County awards $3.49 million to seven transit-oriented developments
Hennepin County announces seven awards for Transit Oriented Communities funding.
Read moreabout Hennepin County awards $3.49 million to seven transit-oriented developments
Swank Eatery awarded $500,000 for development along the Blue Line Extension
Affordable retail space, plenty of food, and a place for the community to gather. That is the vision of Swank Eatery.
Read moreabout Swank Eatery awarded $500,000 for development along the Blue Line Extension
Harvesting community partnership at Four Sisters Farm
The story behind Four Sisters Farm is one of many partners coming together.
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Active Living: A creative approach to more active communities
Active Living: A creative approach to more active communities
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Mx. founder taps Elevate for ‘everything’ to start their business
When launching their business, LJ Bauermeister did a lot of learning on the fly, then found Elevate Hennepin and a team of trusted, professional advisors.
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Path to the Midtown Greenway
Revival of a community asset
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Bringing built and natural environments into harmony
Read moreabout Bringing built and natural environments into harmony
Equity Matters project takes root with predevelopment assistance
Emerging developer transforms vacant lot down the street
Read moreabout Equity Matters project takes root with predevelopment assistanceAdvancing thriving, resilient businesses and communities
Hennepin County’s economic development programming delivers resources to achieve two interconnected aims: (1) create vibrant, people-centered places and (2) develop, attract, retain, and grow businesses. These activities contribute to creating communities where people and businesses want to locate and invest, helping to build more equitable, livable, and resilient communities where all can prosper.
Driving development near transit
By incentivizing development around transit, we’re building a more prosperous and resilient future with less reliance on cars, reduced greenhouse emissions, and greater access between housing, jobs, and amenities. Compact, efficient development around transit and existing infrastructure increases the tax base and reduces infrastructure costs over time. Creating development in walkable, well-connected communities improves access to economic opportunity.
To date, we've invested $51 million in 176 projects contributing to:
2.1 million +
square feet of new or retained commercial and office space
More than $2 billion
in leveraged funding
18,000
new or retained housing units
3,500
new or retained jobs
Supporting small businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of our resilient economy. They create a significant number of jobs, foster innovation, and reflect our growing diversity. Hennepin County’s ambition is to be one of the best places to start and grow a business. Through Hennepin County’s unique brand of business support, Elevate Hennepin, small businesses of all types can access the resources and expertise they need to grow.
3,262
small businesses served
250
cohort graduates
$36 million
in facilitated financing
41,712
hours of advising support provided
Mapping growth and investment
Hennepin County’s Housing and Community Investment map is an interactive mapping application that shows Hennepin County Housing and Economic Development investments over the past 20+ years. The map includes a slider that overlays these projects on:
- Property value changes and property improvements since 2005
- The Center for Disease Control’s Social Vulnerability Index, which identifies areas more vulnerable to health and environmental stressors.
Learn about the tool methodology
Since 2005, Hennepin County has invested more than $200 million in hundreds of planning and development projects across our 45 communities – with the vast majority in low- and moderate-income communities.
Our aim is for residents in every community to have the highest quality of life attainable, with all people having access to the resources they need to thrive and withstand challenges. Increasing access to opportunity and investing in communities where we can have the greatest impact contributes to a growing economy and vibrant, connected communities for all residents.
