Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) program aims to create walkable, mixed-use, human-centered communities around high-quality transit service. TOD projects have specific design features to enhance the public realm, reduce parking, support pedestrian and bicycle connections, increase density, and preserve open space. 

On this page

• Transit Oriented Development
• Predevelopment assistance

2023 TOD application

• View frequently asked questions (PDF)
• The 2023 application period has closed
• Awards are anticipated in June, 2023

Who can apply 

Developers, nonprofits engaged in development/redevelopment, government agencies and related development authorities.

Funding available

$2.2 million is available for TOD and TOD Predevelopment in 2023.

Related links and materials

• 2023 TOD guidelines (PDF)
• View an information session on 2023 TOD guidelines (Video)
• TOD 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
• 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 more than $47 million to 165 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. Projects also created and improved pedestrian and bicycle access to public transit. 

2022 TOD impacts

In the 2022 funding round, $2 million was awarded to seven projects. Projects included five housing/mixed-use projects and two commercial projects. The overall impact was $480 million in total development value. Projects also created or retained more than 165,000 square feet of commercial space and 389 jobs. 

Major projects included: 

• The Coliseum, Minneapolis: The redevelopment of the historic Coliseum Building 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.
• 325 Blake Road, Hopkins: A two-phased mixed-use development that provides 800 housing units, including 200 affordable units, 18,000 square feet of commercial space, and expands the Minnehaha Creek Greenway.
• Wooddale Station, St. Louis Park: The development of housing and commercial space adjacent to the Greenline LRT Wooddale station brings 315 affordable housing units and 13,000 square feet of commercial space and a public plaza connecting to the station.
  

See all the 2022 project awards (PDF).

TOD predevelopment program

Hennepin County’s TOD predevelopment program supports emerging developers, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, overcome barriers to financial and knowledge capital often needed to enter the development industry. 

The program provides specialized assistance to eligible emerging developers through qualified third-party professionals selected and paid for by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA)

2023 TOD predevelopment application

• The 2023 application period has closed

Who can apply

Funding available

• Up to $30,000 in value for projects with site control
• Up to $7,500 in value for projects without site control

Related links and materials

• Predevelopment program guidelines
• TOD eligible areas and job and activity centers – interactive map

Project examples

Examples of predevelopment assistance available:

• Financial feasibility analysis/pro forma development
• Developing preliminary architectural concepts and fit plans
• Preliminary cost estimating
• Entitlement process mapping
• Acquisition due diligence

Please review the TOD Predevelopment program guidelines and contact program staff for more eligibility and project specifics.

Community Impact

2022 was the first year of funding for predevelopment assistance. Over $180,000 was awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, helping nine emerging developers bring their projects to fruition.