Transit Oriented Communities Predevelopment Assistance

Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Communities Predevelopment Assistance seeks to expand and diversify the pool of local real estate developers in Hennepin County by helping emerging developers overcome barriers to accessing critical financial and knowledge capital. The program provides no-cost predevelopment assistance to qualified, emerging developers actively pursuing one of their first real estate development projects.

Eligible projects include new construction, redevelopment, or substantial building renovation of mixed-use developments, commercial buildings with at least three tenant spaces, and multifamily residential projects with at least six units. Projects must be located within a Hennepin County TOC Eligible Area as shown on this map.

2025 application 

Applications for TOC Predevelopment Assistance are now open. 

A total of $200,000 has been made available in 2025 for eligible developers on a first-come, first-served basis by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA).

Important dates 

• Applications opened: July 25, 2025
• Application deadline: August 29, 2025
• Awards: Applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis 

Who can apply

New or emerging developers must: 

• Be a for-profit developer located in the seven-county metro
• Have completed no more than two real estate development projects, as an individual, as a partner, or as a development entity (see eligible projects above)
• Be actively pursuing an eligible real estate project
• Have some degree of site control (a pending or completed purchase agreement at a minimum)
• Lack sufficient capital to complete the range of necessary predevelopment activities and require technical assistance to navigate the development process
• Demonstrate financial commitment to the project totaling at least 20% of the amount requested

Please refer to the program guidelines for a detailed description of eligible requests and contact staff to discuss additional eligibility requirements. 

How it works 

The program provides architectural, financial, and real estate development consulting services at early stages of the development process. Consulting is provided by qualified design and real estate finance professionals under contract with Hennepin County and are provided at no cost to selected developers.

Eligible developers may receive up to $40,000 value in predevelopment services. Award amounts are determined by Hennepin County after a scoping meeting with assigned consultants and a preliminary feasibility assessment of the proposed development. Resources are limited, and partial awards are likely. Selected developers must demonstrate their ability to commit at least 20% of the amount requested to complete the desired predevelopment activities.

What can be funded 

Examples of predevelopment assistance available: 

• Refining the project concept
• Determining development capacity of site
• Conceptual site plans
• Conceptual architectural renderings, e.g., elevations and floor plans
• Identifying and assembling relevant capital finance sources
• Preliminary cost estimates
• Developing a real estate development capital budget, proforma, and financial analysis
• Assistance with assembling a development team and preparing for the entitlement process

Please review the predevelopment program guidelines and contact Zack Avre (zack.avre@hennepin.us) for more eligibility and project specifics. 

Related links and materials

• 2025 TOC Predevelopment Assistance Guidelines 
• TOC eligible areas and job and activity centers – interactive map
• TOC Predevelopment Assistance handout 
• Transit Oriented Communities program
• Brownfield Gap Financing Grant program

Community impact

Since 2022, Hennepin County has awarded $400,000 in value for predevelopment assistance to 15 emerging developers advancing transit-oriented projects. When complete, these projects are anticipated to provide 400 housing units, including 88 single-room occupancy units, and 90,000 square feet of commercial space supporting over 60 businesses.  

Featured Projects

The proposed EPIC+R project intends to redevelop a vacant site in north Minneapolis into a sustainable mixed-use development that incorporates Passive House Institute building standards. Jamez Staples (Northgate Development, LLC) received design and financial services.

 

The Unity Building celebrates the confluence of Latine and African cultures on Lake Street. The commercial project proposes affordable space for neighborhood-serving businesses owned by immigrants and people of color. Abe Demmaj (Grass Roots LLC) received financial services.

 

The Viva project aims to revitalize a vacant site that formerly housed the International Order of Odd Fellows building at the corner of 27th & Lake in Minneapolis into a mixed-use redevelopment with affordable housing and affordable commercial space. Wilmar Delgado (2709 East Lake LLC) received design services.