Transit-oriented development projects and adjacent public realm infrastructure incorporate details that prioritize people, supporting or creating walkable, mixed-use, human-centered communities that leverage transit service. Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) program invests in creating these vibrant places.

The TOC program supports hard construction costs of transit-oriented development real estate projects and public infrastructure projects soon to get underway.

On this page

• Transit Oriented Communities
• Predevelopment assistance

2025 TOC application

The 2025 TOC Request for Applications (RFA) has closed for the year. 

Important dates

• TOC RFA opened: January 30, 2025
• Applications were due: 3 p.m. CST February 27, 2025
• Awards: Anticipated in June 2025

Who can apply 

Real estate developers, nonprofits engaged in development/redevelopment, government agencies and related development authorities.

Funding available

Approximately $2.2 million is available for TOC and TOC Predevelopment Assistance in 2025.

Related links and materials

• 2025 TOC guidelines (PDF)
• 2025 TOC FAQ
• TOC eligible areas and job and activity centers (interactive map)
• Hennepin County transit website
• Coordinated affordable housing development request for proposals website

Project examples

• Development/redevelopment, including substantial renovation and expansions of housing, mixed-use and/or commercial projects
• Comprehensive public infrastructure projects by local government agencies that are independent of individual development projects and improve walkability and transit-oriented development potential
• Strategic property acquisition by local government agencies to preserve land for future transit-oriented development

Community impact

Transit-oriented communities include a mix of places to live, work, and play within close proximity to one another, and see improved health outcomes and environmental benefits due to increased rates of walking, biking, and transit usage. Expanded housing options with connections to jobs, retail and services can reduce housing and transportation costs for residents and increase economic opportunity.

Since 2003, Hennepin County has awarded approximately $44.5 million to over 160 projects along key Hennepin County light rail transit corridors and other high frequency and express bus routes. These investments have created or retained more than 13,000 housing units, 3,300 jobs, and more than 2.5 million square feet of commercial space across the county.

2024 impacts

In the 2024 funding round, $3.49 million was awarded to seven projects. Projects included three housing/mixed-use projects, two commercial projects, and two community hub projects. Cumulatively, these projects are expected to generate over 800 new housing units, 65 spaces for local businesses, more than 500 new or retained jobs or job training opportunities accessible by transit, and over $98 million of total investment.  

See all the 2024 project awards (PDF). 

Highlighted TOC funded projects include: 

• The Coliseum, Minneapolis: The redevelopment of the historic Coliseum Building on East Lake Street provides 70,000 square feet of commercial space for 25 local Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) professionals and firms and will create 120 new jobs. Completed in 2024.
• 325 Blake Road, Hopkins: A two-phased mixed-use development that in total will provide 800 housing units, including 200 affordable units, 18,000 square feet of commercial space, and expand the Minnehaha Creek Greenway. Currently underway.
• Minneapolis American Indian Center, Minneapolis: The redevelopment of the half-century-old cultural center and community anchor on Franklin Avenue that included the substantial renovation of 43,500 square feet and new construction of 21,500 square feet and will provide educational and social services to more than 10,000 members of the Minneapolis American Indian community annually. Completed in 2024.

Predevelopment assistance

Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Communities Predevelopment Assistance supports emerging developers, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, overcome barriers to financial and knowledge capital often needed to enter the real estate development industry as they actively pursue one of their first development projects. 

This program provides no-cost, predevelopment assistance through qualified third-party professionals selected and paid for by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA). It is intended to supplement, not fully replace, developer funds, and selected developers must be able to commit at least 20% of the amount requested to complete the desired predevelopment activities.

Eligible projects include commercial, mixed-use, or multifamily real estate development projects that advance TOC principles and must be located in Hennepin County within a TOC Eligible Area as shown on this map.

2025 predevelopment application

Hennepin County anticipates offering a Request for Applications for 2025 TOC Predevelopment Assistance in summer 2025. 

Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible developers. Once selected developers are notified, they will complete an intake process with the HCHRA to verify eligibility, award amount, approved services, and assigned consultant(s). Selected developers will then meet with their assigned consultant(s) to establish a mutually agreed upon scope of work.

Who can apply

Related links and materials

• 2024 TOC Predevelopment Assistance guidelines (2025 guidelines forthcoming) 
• TOC eligible areas and job and activity centers – interactive map

Project examples

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, 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.

Community Impact

Since 2022, Hennepin County has awarded $400,000 in value for predevelopment assistance, helping 16 emerging developers bring their projects to fruition.