On the agenda: Arden Hills meeting — Flock Camera (Sep 28)

Address:

1245 W Highway 96
Arden Hills MN 55112
Phone:

Mayor:

651-792-7800

David Grant

Website :
www.cityofardenhills.org

Councilmembers:

Brenda Holden
Emily Rousseau
Tena Monson
Kurt Weber

City Council
Work Session Agenda
September 28, 2026
5:00 p.m.
City Hall
City Vision

Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential
neighborhoods, vital business community, well - maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our
long - standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play.

Members of the public may attend a meeting in-person at City Hall or they may
view the meeting remotely on the City’s website using the below link. Meetings are
also broadcast on Cable Channel 16 for those that live in Arden Hills.
https://cityofardenhills.org/320/Watch-City-Meetings
Some Councilmembers may be participating in this meeting by interactive
technology/remotely.
This meeting will be streamed live on local Cable Channel 16 and available for playback on our
website.

CALL TO ORDER
1. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
This is an opportunity for citizens to respectfully bring to the Council’s attention any
items which are relevant to the City. In addressing the Council, you must first state
your name and address for the record. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes
or less. Written documents or other materials should be handed to the City Clerk for
distribution to the Council prior to or during the meeting. Council will generally not
respond at the same meeting where an issue is initially raised by a member of the
public but the Council may refer the issue to staff for further research and possible
report or action at a future Council meeting.

2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
3. AGENDA ITEMS
3.A. Economic Development Commission And Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee
Work Plans
Community Development Director Jake Reilly
Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen

Work Plans
Community Development Director Jake Reilly
Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
3.B. Met Council Planning Assistance Grant
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
3.C. Strategic Plan - Community Development Update
Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
3.D. Deer Management Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Julie Hanson, Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
3.E. Immigration Enforcement Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.F. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

3.F. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.G. Agenda Planning
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
ADJOURN

AGENDA ITEM – 3A

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

FROM:

Jake Reilly, Community Development Director
David Swearingen, P.E. Public Works Director / City Engineer

SUBJECT:

Economic Development Commission and Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee
Work Plans

Council Should Consider
Council should consider information related to the status of the Economic Development
Commission (EDC) and Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) work plans.
Background
At the April 13 City Council Work Session, staff and members of the EDC presented a draft work
plan, now in its final form, and attached. The presentation highlighted how the EDC work plan
supports the Council’s adopted Strategic Plan and how the EDC intends to use the work plan to
improve its effectiveness as an asset to both the City and the business community. The City
Council supported the proposed work plan direction for the EDC and requested an update in the
third quarter of 2026. The EDC approved work plan is one of the 2026 Priorities in the Strategic
Plan under “Enhancing Our Identity & Strengthening Our Partnerships”.
Attachment A offers a snapshot of activity associated with the work plan items addressed in 2026.
The EDC has made progress on work plan items associated with the Twin Cities North Chamber
of Commerce Business Connects and Gateway Signage and was an active participant in the Arden
Hills 75th Anniversary Celebration events. As the Council and its boards and commission members
start to think about 2027, the attached work plan includes a placeholder for an Arden Hills business
event in 2027. The EDC membership has expressed interest in hosting an Arden Hills business
gathering similar to the one held in the fall of 2025.
Other updates to the work plan include anticipated timing and tasks related to items identified for
City Engagement such as City Business Resources Webpage, City Newsletter, and City social
media. Some items identified in the work plan are on hold, pending the conclusion of a City
Communications assessment and improvement plan, now underway.
Page 1 of 3

The dashboard on the next page (and in the workplan) shows progress to date.

For PTRC, over the 2026 calendar year, they worked to formalize a process to follow in creation
of their annual work plan and determined the goals/priorities for 2027. Attachment B is the
document PTRC will be following in 2027, the two goals and priorities listed are “Love Your
Parks” Clean Up Day and Civic Group Connections.

Page 2 of 3

Discussion
-

Are there action items the Council would like the EDC to take on to support the State of
the City Address in March?

-

Looking ahead to 2027, what Council priorities or projects should the EDC and PTRC
focus on?

Attachments
Attachment A – 2026-2027 EDC Work Plan and Status Updates
Attachment B – 2027 PTRC Work Plan timeline

Page 3 of 3

Attachment A

EDC Work Plan – September 2026
EDC Objective - Be the bridge between Arden Hills businesses and the City of Arden Hills
In order to achieve this objective, the following goals should be met:
1. The EDC is connected with businesses in Arden Hills and communicates with them to
understand their needs
2. The EDC leverages the City’s operations to support Arden Hills business needs
EDC goals tie back to the City Strategic Plan Summary:
1. Enhancing the city’s presence for clarity and identification
2. Increased business participation
3. Improved communication reach

1. Connection and Communication: Engage with AH businesses
A. Arden Hills/Shoreview Business Connect – Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce
(TCNCC) hosts quarterly in-person events in Arden Hills and Shoreview. Desired outcome is to
connect current businesses operating in both communities with each other, the chamber, and the
municipalities.
EDC role: promote events with businesses and attend as able; suggest speakers and
locations for Arden Hills events
Desired outcomes:
-

The EDC is familiar enough with the Business Connect events to effectively share the
information and opportunity with local businesses
Additional business owners/staff participate

Anticipated timing: Ongoing

Action items

Timing

Create a process document for TCNCC event
participation
Share feedback related to satisfaction with
Business Connect events with TCNCC staff
Promote event with business community
Attend events as members of EDC
Debrief event quarterly to ensure process is
appropriate and useful

Jan - May 2026

Updates/Outcomes
Complete, May 2026

October 21, 2026 Pending
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly

Ongoing
6 members attend (June)
EDC discussed feedback
and updated process
(July)

B. 75th Anniversary Celebration – A community-wide celebration event on Friday, Jul. 17th. at
Cummings Park.
EDC role: promote events with businesses and attend; connect with businesses about
sponsorship opportunities
Desired outcomes:
-

75th Anniversary Celebration is well-attended, including by the business community,
EDC members participate

Anticipated timing: Work: Q1 and Q2 2026; Event July 2026.

Action items

Timing

Promote sponsorship with business community
Attending event as members of EDC
Debrief event
Compile feedback and provide to staff

Q2 2026
July 2026
July 2026
August 2026

Page 2 of 7

Updates/Outcomes
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete

C. State of the City Address – annual event, produced by City staff and City Council, updates
relevant to residents and businesses, slated for March 2027
EDC role: promote the event with businesses and attend
Desired outcomes:
-

EDC members and business owners attend.

Anticipated timing: January - March 2027

Action items

Timing

Promote to businesses

Updates/Outcomes

Q1 2027

D. Arden Hills Business Event – event hosted by the EDC and supported by City staff.
EDC role: plan, promote, and host Arden Hills business event
Desired outcomes:
-

EDC engages directly with Arden Hills businesses
Local businesses feel connected to the city and know how to access resources and
information that is timely and relevant.

Anticipated timing: May/June 2027

Action items

Timing

Identify topics/speakers
Execute scheduling for date, time, location,
and speaker for event
Identify and confirm event sponsors and
determine event budget
Work with Communication Coordinator to
develop promotional materials
Promote event with business community
Attend event
Debrief event

Updates/Outcomes

October 2026
November 2026
January 2027
February 2027
February to
May/June 2027
Summer 2027
Summer/ Fall 2027

E. Sponsorships – opportunities for businesses to support the City’s mission and benefit the
community
EDC role: Share sponsorship opportunities throughout the calendar year. Emphasis on
lead up to City events: Spring Egg Hunt (April), Touch-a-Truck, Barks and Rec,
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt, Penny Carnival
Desired outcomes:
Page 3 of 7

-

EDC connects businesses to sponsorship and participation opportunities for Arden
Hills’ City-supported community events

Planned for: Annual opportunities tied to city-sponsored events

Action items

Timing

Review City’s sponsorship policy and key
information
Review staff recommendations for marketing
sponsorship opportunities
Recommend improvements to sponsorship
policy
Promote sponsorship opportunities

Updates/Outcomes

November/
December 2026
January/February
2027
Annually, Q4
Ongoing, one
month before each
event

2. City Engagement: Support City business operations
A. Gateway Signs – support the EDA and City Council to establish locations for gateway signs
EDC role: Review past discussions about gateway signs and their proposed locations;
consider locations that are considered gateways to the city and if new locations should be
considered; make recommendations to the EDA; provide comment on signage designs and
site locations once established
Desired outcomes:
-

EDC uses expertise as residents and business representatives to recommend
opportunities for identification signage across the community
The physical identity of the city is clear at each “gateway”

Planned for: Q2 2026 through 2027

Action items

Timing

Updates/Outcomes

Review working document gateway signage
locations (current, proposed, and potential)

May 2026

Complete (May EDC
meeting)

Using business insight, provide
recommendations for signage locations

July 2026

Complete (July EDC
meeting)

Council/EDA consideration of gateway sign
recommendation

Q4 2026

B. City Business Resources Webpage – source of information, maintained by City Senior
Communications Coordinator, available to all, includes links to other resources
Page 4 of 7

EDC role: review business-related webpages, make suggestions for handouts/guides to
make processes easier to understand and follow
Desired outcomes:
-

EDC adds business perspective to the City’s main source of communication
Businesses get the information they want/need from the city

Anticipated timing: Pending Council communication assessment and improvement plan
(Q4 2026)

Action items

Timing

Updates/Outcomes

Develop a recommended strategy for
city/business communication
Review Business Resource Webpage and
discuss updates
In coordination with staff, address website
content needs
C. City Newsletter – timely source of information, produced by City Senior Communications
Coordinator with contributions from other staff, reach is to current residents and businesses, also
online
EDC role: Brainstorm possible features, promotional opportunities, and promoting and
attending grand opening events if/when appropriate
Desired outcomes:
-

Businesses have sufficient regular information to understand the city’s economic
development and business community goals.

Planned for: Pending Council communication assessment and improvement plan (Q4
2026)

Action items

Timing

Updates/Outcomes

Develop a recommended strategy for future
city communications with businesses,
including but not limited to:
• Provide story or content ideas for the
newsletter
• In coordination with staff, address
newsletter content needs
D. City social media – maintained by City Senior Communications Coordinator to share
information and interact with businesses online through social media channels such as X, Threads,
Nextdoor, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Page 5 of 7

EDC role: recommend content for city social media accounts. Identify gaps in
communication opportunities
Desired outcomes:
-

Communications materials reflect the expertise and influence of the EDC when
appropriate
The business community is represented in City social media posts

Planned for: Pending Council communication assessment and improvement plan (Q4
2026)

Action items

Timing

Updates/Outcomes

Receive staff report about communications
strategy
Develop a strategy for future city
communications with businesses
Provide insight into social media platforms
In collaboration with staff, support social
media content
E. Business License/Registrations – annual process led by city clerk’s office; renewal process
begins each fall
EDC role: Review and recommend updates to form; draft informational handouts and
website information; connect with businesses before and/or after renewal process; put
together a business inventory list to cross reference with the list of licensed and registered
businesses
Desired outcomes:
-

-

Businesses are aware of and understand the City’s license and registration process
All business types in Arden Hills are included in outreach and communication
channels, including but not limited to businesses of the “new economy” such as
independent contractors/consultants, sole proprietorships, home-based businesses,
professional service providers, and other business models that may not rely on a brickand-mortar location
Rate of response to business license/registration renewal communication remains at or
above 80%

Planned for: 2027 renewal cycle (2028 licenses)

Action items

Timing

Work with Communications team to develop
informational content on license and
registration process

Q1-2 2027

Page 6 of 7

Updates/Outcomes

Launch updated license and registration
information
Market license/registration information to
businesses
Share updates from businesses that result
from license/registration process
Use feedback to inform updates to the
subsequent work plan

Q3 2027
Q4 2027
Q1 2028
Q3 (annually)

Page 7 of 7

Attachment B

Parks, Trails,
and Recreation
Committee
2027
Work Plan

Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee
The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) represents residents by helping guide the
development and improvement of parks, trails, and natural spaces. The PTRC advises the City Council,
monitors the use and improvement of parks, trails, and recreation areas, and works with other city
committees and commissions to enhance them. As an advisory committee, the PTRC does not have
decision-making authority, but rather serves as a voice that makes recommendations to the City Council.

Meetings
Meetings are held monthly at Arden Hills City Hall:
• Third Tuesday of the month
• 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

PTRC Members
• SJ Julius, Chair - term expires 2027
• Dan Dietz, Vice Chair - term expires 2027
• Elizabeth Johnson - term expires 2026
• Nikhath Khan - term expires 2027
• Derek Hilding - term expires 2027
• Lacy Loosbrock - term expires 2028
• Clara Blitzer - term expires 2028
• OPEN - Youth Committee Member, 2026-2027

City Council Liaison
• Emily Rousseau

Staff Liaison
•

Josh Thygesen, Parks and Recreation Manager

PTRC Work Plan
The Annual Work Plan serves as the primary roadmap for the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee
(PTRC), outlining the committee’s focus areas, meeting agendas, and key goals throughout the year. It
helps ensure that the Committee’s efforts are organized, purposeful, and aligned with the community’s
needs and the City’s broader parks and recreation objectives. By establishing clear priorities and action
steps, the Work Plan guides how the Committee advises City Council and engages with the public.

2027 PTRC Subcommittees
Trails Group (Chair: Liz Johnson)
The Trails Group partners with the City and local municipal partners on Arden Hills trail planning. The Trails
Group focuses on long-term trail visioning and future trail improvements, providing input well before projects
enter planning or design. This work is intended to inform projects expected to begin planning three or more
years in the future and does not apply to active or approved projects.

Volunteer Coordination (Chair: Lacy Loosbrock)
The Volunteer Subcommittee supports strengthening volunteer involvement in City programs and events.
Members help identify volunteer needs, suggest recruitment strategies, and recommend ways to recognize
and retain volunteers. The group works to build a positive volunteer experience that supports successful
programs and meaningful community engagement.

Special Event Enrichment (Chair: OPEN)
The Special Event Enrichment Subcommittee develops ideas that enhance community events. Members review
event plans, suggest new activities, identify partnerships, and recommend improvements that increase
participation and community connection. The group helps ensure City events remain creative, welcoming, and
responsive to residents across all ages.

2027 PTRC Goals & Priorities
“Love Your Parks” Clean Up Day
Love Your Parks Day would be a community volunteer event focused on caring for City parks. Residents
would be invited to help with litter pickup, light landscaping, and beautification projects, building community
pride while helping keep parks clean, welcoming, and well cared for.

Civic Group Connections
Strengthen relationships with local service organizations such as Lions and Rotary by creating opportunities
for collaboration. The committee will seek ways to connect these groups with City events, volunteer
opportunities, and community initiatives that support residents and strengthen community engagement.

2027 Annual Calendar
January
Annual Work Plan Draft
Discuss the 2027 work plan and make any adjustments during the January meeting to
guide the group throughout the year.

Adopt-a-Park
Review the updated informational documents about the City’s Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-aTrail, Adopt-a-Garden, and Adopt-a-Spot program. Give feedback in preparation for
roll out in spring.

February
Public Works Maintenance Plan
Evaluate the annual maintenance schedule and priorities set by Public Works for parks and
trails. Offer input on maintenance priorities, planting plans, and recommend park
improvements to include in the plan.

March
Park System Plan Updates
Review the Park System Plan with discussions on upcoming projects.

Spring Egg Hunt
Serve as volunteers for the Annual Spring Egg Hunt in Cummings Park.

April
Current Year Parks CIP
Review the current Capital Improvement Plan to assess active projects, budgets, and
timelines for this year and the next 5 years.

May
2028 Annual Work Plan – Create 1st Draft
Develop a draft of the Annual Work Plan outlining priorities, projects, and goals for
the 2028 Calendar Year.

June
Parks Tour
Conduct a tour of local parks to observe conditions firsthand. Use this opportunity to
identify maintenance needs, potential improvements, and gather ideas for future projects.

July
2028 Work Plan – Create 2nd Draft
Continue to craft, edit, and develop the draft of the Annual Work Plan, outlining
priorities, projects, and goals for the 2028 Calendar Year.

Attend Annual Committees and Commissions Appreciation Picnic
Participate in the yearly appreciation event to connect with other City advisory members,
celebrate accomplishments, and strengthen community relationships.

August
2028 Work Plan – Create Final Draft
Create the final draft of the 2028 Annual Work Plan, outlining priorities, projects,
and goals for the 2028 Calendar Year.

September
2028 Work Plan Presentation to Council
Present the 2028 PTRC Work Plan to City Council.

October
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt
Recruit volunteers for the annual Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt and serve as volunteers at the
event, too.

November
Future Year Parks CIP
Review proposed capital projects and budgets planned for upcoming years. Provide
recommendations to help prioritize projects that best serve the community.

December
PTRC Membership & Leadership
Select the Chair and Co-Chair for the upcoming year. Members with expiring terms may
choose to recommit for another three-year term or conclude their PTRC service.

AGENDA ITEM – 3B

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

FROM:

Jake Reilly, Community Development Director

SUBJECT:

Met Council Planning Assistance Grant

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should discuss the Metropolitan Council’s Planning Assistance Grants Program to
support the development of the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, due by December 31, 2028.
Background
The Met Council recognizes that updating local comprehensive plans requires significant time,
knowledge, and resources from municipal partners. The Met Council is offering direct funding
assistance to support the region’s smallest and most resource-limited communities with
2050 Comprehensive Plan updates.
The Planning Assistance Grants Program supports a subset of communities in the region with
their 2050 Comprehensive Plan updates. Planning assistance grants are non-competitive grants to
eligible communities. All complete applications received from eligible applicants by the
submission deadline will be awarded a grant. The City of Arden Hills is one of the 64 individual
communities eligible for the grants. Based on the information provided by the Metropolitan
Council in the 2026 Planning Assistance Grant Guide (Attachment A), the City of Arden Hills is
eligible for a base grant award of $40,000.
In addition to the base-level funding, eligible grantee communities like Arden Hills are also
eligible for two optional incentive grants. Grantees can receive one or both in addition to the
base grant. The decision to apply for the optional incentive grants can come later, however, staff
is interested in understanding the Council’s interest in these additional dollars.
Page 1 of 2

There is a $4,000 Early Plan Completion Incentive grant. To qualify for this incentive grant, a
grantee’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan (approved by local authorizing resolution) must be deemed
complete for review by the Met Council by October 31, 2028. To allow the required 15 business
days for review, this requires submission no later than October 10, 2028. Please note that
completeness is the standard, not merely plan submission. Staff anticipate that a first submission
must be made to the Metropolitan Council Local Planning Assistance team for review no later
than August 31, 2028 in order to receive this additional funding.
There is also a $10,000 Advancing Regional Goals Incentive grant. The Imagine 2050 plan
articulates a shared vision for the Twin Cities region’s future. The regional goals call for:
• a more equitable and inclusive region, where historical disparities are eliminated and
all people feel welcomed and empowered;
• healthy and safe communities, where residents enjoy lives of dignity, well-being, and
access to essentials such as housing, transportation, and health supports; and
• a dynamic and resilient region, capable of meeting economic and social opportunities
and challenges, including ensuring choice, access, and affordability for all.
To qualify for an Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant, communities must identify one (or
more) of the regional goals they intend to advance through their comprehensive plan and
include a description of the strategies they plan to implement. It is important to remember that
these goals are aspirational. The regional development guide and its complementary individual
municipal, township, and county plans are seeking to achieve significant steps toward those
outcomes by the 2050 horizon. Plans are updated every 10 years for a 20 year horizon per state
statute. Comprehensive planning is an exercise that allows a municipality to reach for the stars in
hopes that - in incremental steps - the moon will be achieved.
Discussion
Staff is seeking direction on the Planning Assistance Grants and based on the direction provided,
a draft resolution, work plan, budget, and application will be prepared for consideration at a
meeting in October in order to meet the grant deadline of Friday, November 6, 2026.
Budget Impact
To be determined.
Attachment
Attachment A – 2026 Planning Assistance Grant Guide

Page 2 of 2

Attachment A
2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE
July 2026

The Met Council’s mission is to foster
efficient and economic growth for
a prosperous metropolitan region.

Metropolitan Council Members
Robin Hutcheson
Judy Johnson
Reva Chamblis
Tyronne Carter
Deb Barber
John Pacheco Jr.
Robert Lilligren
Yassin Osman
Anjuli Cameron

Chair
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8

Diego Morales
Peter Lindstrom
Gail Cederberg
Mark Jenkins
Chai Lee
Toni Carter
Victor Obisakin
Wendy Wulff

District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization
for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council
operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats
wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and
helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that
provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income
individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is
appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
On request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with
disabilities. Call Metropolitan Council information at 651-602-1140 or TTY 651-291-0904.

Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to assist you in receiving and managing a planning assistance
grant from the Met Council in support of developing your 2050 Comprehensive Plan. In the
pages that follow, this guide will provide information about the funding available, how to
receive it, and an overview of your responsibilities as a grantee.

Table of Contents
2026 Program Overview
Background and Purpose ................................................................................ 3
Eligible Applicants ........................................................................................... 3
Award Amounts and Payments ....................................................................... 3
Program Requirements ................................................................................... 4
Program Contact ............................................................................................. 4

Grant and Application Details
Base Award ..................................................................................................... 5
Early Plan Completion Incentive ..................................................................... 5
Normal versus Early Plan Completion Requirements
Advancing Regional Goals Incentive ............................................................... 6
Equitable and Inclusive Region Examples
Healthy and Safe Communities Examples
Dynamic and Resilient Region Examples
Instructions for Applying Online (Fluxx) ........................................................... 9
Application Tips
Technical Assistance
Work Plan and Budget
Authorizing Resolution
Grant Application Review and Approval Process .......................................... 11

How to Manage Your Grant
Roles and Responsibilities.............................................................................. 12
Eligible Activities ............................................................................................. 13
Grant Payments.............................................................................................. 14
Reporting ........................................................................................................ 15
Amendments .................................................................................................. 16
Closing a Grant............................................................................................... 17

PAGE - 2 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

2026 Program Overview
Background and Purpose
The Met Council recognizes that updating local comprehensive plans requires significant time,
knowledge, and resources from municipal partners. The Met Council is offering direct funding
assistance to support the region’s smallest and most resource-limited communities with their
2050 Comprehensive Plan updates. The Planning Assistance Grants Program supports a
subset of communities in the region with their 2050 Comprehensive Plan updates.
Planning assistance grants are non-competitive grants to eligible communities. All complete
applications received from eligible applicants by the submission deadline at 3:00 p.m. on
November 6, 2026 will be awarded a grant at the base award levels listed below.

Eligible Applicants
Eligible communities for the non-competitive grants were identified based on selection criteria
adopted by the Met Council. The criteria targets communities in the region with a greater need
for assistance to fund and manage a Comprehensive Plan Update. The two criteria used in
estimating need were current population and adjusted net tax capacity per capita of the
community compared to the metro median.
Historically, eligibility includes counties with land use authority for the townships in their
jurisdiction and one group of rural communities that pool their resources to coordinate
completion of their comprehensive plans together. The Met Council has continued to consider
these groups as grant eligible entities.
Communities eligible for a Planning Assistance Grant meet one of the following three criteria:
1. Current population (2024) is between 2,500 to 14,999 AND adjusted net tax capacity
per capita (2024) is less than or equal to 125% of metro median net tax capacity per
capita; or
2. Current population (2024) is between 15,000 to 35,000 AND adjusted net tax capacity
per capita (2024) is less than or equal to 100% of metro median net tax capacity per
capita; or
3. County with land use planning authority for townships within their jurisdiction OR a
consortium of five or more Dakota County communities in the rural service area working
collaboratively on their comprehensive plan updates.
Under these criteria, 64 individual communities, two counties (Scott and Carver), and one
consortium group (of five or more rural service area communities in Dakota County) are
eligible. Communities eligible for these grants are identified on this list and map.

Award Amounts and Payments
Base Award
Eligible communities who complete an application may receive a non-competitive planning
assistance grant at the following base award funding levels:
•
•
•

60 sewered communities may receive $40,000 each
4 unsewered communities may receive $25,000 each
Scott County, Carver County, and Consortium may receive $110,000 each

PAGE - 3 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL

2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Optional Incentive Grants
In addition to the base-level funding, eligible grantee communities are also eligible for two
optional incentive grants. Grantees can receive one or both in addition to their base grant.
•
•

Early Plan Completion Incentive - $4,000
Advancing Regional Goals Incentive - $10,000

Early Plan Completion Incentive Grant
To qualify for this incentive grant, a grantee’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan (approved by local
authorizing resolution) must be deemed complete for review by the Met Council by October 31,
2028. To allow the required 15 business days for review, this requires submission no later than
October 10, 2028. Please note that completeness is the standard, not merely plan submission.
Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant
The Imagine 2050 plan articulates a shared vision for the Twin Cities region’s future. The
regional goals call for:
•
•
•

a more equitable and inclusive region, where historical disparities are eliminated and
all people feel welcomed and empowered;
healthy and safe communities, where residents enjoy lives of dignity, well-being, and
access to essentials such as housing, transportation, and health supports; and
a dynamic and resilient region, capable of meeting economic and social opportunities
and challenges, including ensuring choice, access, and affordability for all.

To qualify for an Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant, communities must identify one (or
more) of the regional goals they intend to advance through their comprehensive plan and
include a description of the strategies they plan to implement.
For details about incentive requirements, see Grant and Application Details section below.

Payment Schedule
The Planning Assistance Grant will be disbursed in two installments, one upon execution of the
agreement and approval of a work plan, and a second after the grantee has adopted the Met
Council-authorized Comprehensive Plan. See the Grant Payments section for more details.

Program Requirements
Use of Funds
Grant funds can only be used for costs directly associated with developing your local 2050
Comprehensive Plan Update, incurred during the grant activity period, December 17, 2025,
through December 31, 2029. For more details, see the Eligible Activities section.

Grantee Responsibilities
Upon execution of a grant agreement, in order to maintain eligibility for this funding, grantees
must remain in compliance by adhering to all statutory and council requirements of their local
Comprehensive Plan Update and submitting semi-annual progress reports and a final report.
For a full list of these responsibilities, see the Grantee Responsibilities section below.

Program Contact
For more information about this program or application process, please feel free to contact
Angela R. Torres at [email protected].
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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Grant and Application Details
Submission Deadline for eligible applicants: Friday, November 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Base Award
As this is a non-competitive grant, all eligible communities who submit a complete application
by the deadline will be awarded a grant at the base amount for which they qualify (see Eligible
Applicants above).
A complete application can be submitted through the Met Council’s grant management system
(Fluxx) and consists of:
•
•
•
•

A simple online application form
An authorizing resolution from your governing body
A detailed work plan for the development of your 2050 Comprehensive Plan update
A project budget for the planning process

Early Plan Completion Incentive
The Met Council is pleased to offer grantees an incentive grant to those whose
Comprehensive Plan Update is deemed complete by Met Council staff by October 31, 2028.
All eligible applicants are automatically eligible for this award when they apply for their
Planning Assistance Grant. There is no further action required at the time of application to be
considered for this incentive funding.
To receive the incentive funding, grantees must submit a 2050 Comprehensive Plan (approved
by local authorizing resolution) to the Met Council no later than October 10, 2028, and it must
be deemed complete by October 31, 2028. Once deemed complete, the formal plan review will
begin.
NOTE: October 10, 2028, permits exactly the 15 business days required for
Met Council review for completeness, however, if there are items missing, this
does not allow any turnaround time for addressing these needs. Given that the
great majority of Comprehensive Plan submissions have historically required
some follow-up, it is recommended that grantees hoping to receive the Early
Plan Completion Incentive submit well in advance of this final date.
The Early Plan Completion Incentive Grant is paid with the second (and final) installment.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Normal versus Early Plan Completion Requirements
Comp Plan Review
Process Steps:

Adjacent &
affected review

Early
Timeline

Begins
April 2028
at the
latest

Normal
Timeline

By June
2028

Submit plan to
Council
Q3 2028,
no later
than
October
10, 2028

Due by

December

31, 2028

Council review for
completeness

Deemed complete,
ready for review

15 days or
more with
missing
items

By
October
31, 2028

15 days or
more with
missing
items

Advancing Regional Goals Incentive
The Met Council is offering an additional financial incentive to communities that are going
above and beyond in their planning efforts to achieve regional goals. Imagine 2050, the
regional development guide, establishes a shared vision for the future of the Twin Cities
region. It advances three people-centered regional goals:
•
•
•

Equitable and Inclusive Region – Eliminate historical disparities so all people feel
welcomed, valued, and empowered.
Healthy and Safe Communities – Ensure residents live with dignity and well-being,
with access to housing, transportation, health supports, and other essentials.
Dynamic and Resilient Region – Strengthen the region’s ability to meet economic and
social opportunities and challenges, ensuring choice, access, and affordability for all.

All eligible applicants are automatically eligible for this award when they apply for their
Planning Assistance Grant. There is no further action required at the time of application to be
considered for this incentive funding.
To receive this incentive funding, grantees must meet the following requirements:
1. Have an approved work plan that includes local strategies towards advancing one or
more regional goals. An ideal time for updating this work plan will be before or at the
midpoint check-in. The work plan must reflect a plan and process consistent with
achieving the outcomes described in this section, or similar.
2. Include policies or plans in the Comprehensive Plan Update that materially advance one
or more of the three people-centered regional goals.
3. A final report must describe how planning activities influenced the goals, policies and
plans included in the comprehensive plan update, and point to measures that would be
impacted by these plans.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Refer to the pages that follow for further examples and details around the three peoplecentered goals outlined in Imagine 2050, and what kinds of work these goals could
encompass.
The Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant is paid with the final installment, pending Met
Council’s staff determination that the above criteria have been met.
Communities may advance regional goals through a wide range of strategies in their
comprehensive plans. The following options illustrate approaches that align with the Equitable
and Inclusive Communities, Healthy and Safe Communities, and Dynamic and Resilient
Communities goals. Communities may choose to implement any of these strategies, adapt
them to local conditions, or propose alternative approaches that reflect their unique priorities,
strengths, and community needs, provided they clearly demonstrate how their strategies
advance the regional goal.

Equitable and Inclusive Region Examples
Equity as a Guiding Principle
•

•

Advance equity by planning to reduce disparities in access to housing, transit,
employment, and essential services for Black communities, Indigenous communities,
and people of color. Establish performance measures tied to equity goals, such as
reductions in racial gaps in homeownership and increased access to transit within onequarter mile for underserved communities.
Adopt a local equity framework to address the lasting impacts of inequitable
governmental actions on Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Use it to evaluate local
policies and practices, and set clear, well-resourced actionable commitments to
implement needed changes.

Advancing Environmental Justice Through Reparative Policies and Investments
•
•
•

Identify policies and investments intentionally designed to repair past harms, including
targeted housing investments in disinvested neighborhoods, anti-displacement
strategies, and remediation of environmental hazards.
Identify strategies to achieve measurable reductions in exposure to environmental
hazards—such as air pollution, heat islands, and contamination—in overburdened
communities, as tracked through environmental, health, and quality-of-life indicators.
Strengthen engagement and partnerships with overburdened communities through
sustained, compensated participation in environmental planning and evaluation
activities, and formalized collaboration on policy and project outcomes.

Historical Context, Anti-Displacement and Equity Analysis
•

•

Include historical analyses in planning documents that describe how past exclusionary
policies, such as redlining and zoning barriers, shaped current inequities. Use this
context to inform land use, housing, transportation, and economic development
strategies.
Identify policies to reduce involuntary displacement by minimizing residential and
commercial displacement in areas experiencing growth or public investment, as
measured by residential turnover, eviction rates, and business closures. Ensure public
investments in transportation, utilities, parks, and redevelopment deliver benefits to
existing residents without increasing displacement risk.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Community-Centered Engagement, Planning and Capacity Building
•
•
•
•
•

Establish formal processes for co-creation with historically excluded communities in
planning and policy decisions, such as advisory councils, community design sessions,
and shared decision-making structures.
Identify strategies to provide capacity-building support, including training and
compensation, to enable residents to participate fully in community planning and plan
implementation.
Identify environmental policies and projects that provide measurable community
benefits beyond harm mitigation, such as new environmental infrastructure, health
improvements, or economic opportunities co-identified with overburdened communities.
Ensure community planning and investment decisions incorporate both quantitative
disparities data and the stated priorities of overburdened residents, with documented
use of community-generated input in major plans and projects.
Conduct a process that meaningfully engages community members—especially those
historically underrepresented—to inform the development of strategies, policies, and
actions that advance the identified regional goals.

Healthy and Safe Communities Examples
Health as a Guiding Principle
•

•

•

Elevate community health and health equity as a central theme shaping the
comprehensive plan’s vision, goals, community engagement strategies, and policy
framework, including participation in initiatives such as the AARP Network of AgeFriendly Communities.
Articulate a comprehensive vision for a healthy and equitable food system that supports
local production, distribution, and consumption. This may include protecting agricultural
land, supporting urban agriculture and community gardens, and improving access to
healthy foods.
Identify strategies to align economic development policy with community health
outcomes by supporting healthy food businesses, creating employment pathways for
people facing barriers to work, and incentivizing affordable and workforce housing.

Connected Communities
•
•
•

Prioritize safe walking, biking, and transit pathways while creating a transportation
system that serves all people and supports traffic calming, placemaking, and
connectivity.
Align land use, zoning, transportation, and open space planning with community health
needs by supporting compact, mixed-use development or adopting a complete streets
policy.
Identify parks, trails, and open space investments that expand access and increase
participation among underserved populations

Dynamic and Resilient Region Examples
Regional Economic Framework Alignment
•

Advance regional economic goals by identifying strategic priorities from the Regional
Economic Framework and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS) that are most relevant to the community. Identify and address priority areas
informed by local conditions and SWOT analysis, which may include:

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

•

o Job growth
o Workforce development and skills alignment
o Racial inclusion in employment and business ownership
o Talent migration and retention
o Regional brand and economic identity
o Startups and innovation
o Affordability
o Transportation and mobility
o Participation in the new climate economy
o Data-Informed Economic Planning
Use Community Profiles, Census Data or other economic data sources to conduct a
SWOT analysis that identifies strengths, challenges, opportunities, and risks, to the
local economy, and to define policies and actions that advance desired economic
outcomes.

Economic Development Partnerships
•

Demonstrate Comprehensive Plan engagement, or a plan for ongoing engagement
strategies with key economic partners, such as chambers of commerce, including ethnic
chambers of commerce (e.g. India Chamber of Commerce MN, Latino Economic
Development Center), employers, workforce organizations, labor unions, community
colleges, high schools, and regional institutions, to support coordinated implementation
of economic priorities

Instructions for Applying Online (Fluxx)
Step 1

Identify who will be responsible for entering and submitting an application online,
and make sure this person has an account in Met Council’s online grants
management system, Fluxx. You can log in here.
•
•
•
•
•

Step 2

Create a new Planning Assistance application
•
•

Step 3

This should be an employee of your city/town/county. This should not be a
consultant. A consultant may be added to an application and contribute,
but may not submit on behalf of an applicant.
Your username is your email. Grantee staff who previously had an
account in WebGrants can use the “Forgot Password” link to set up a new
password with the same email address.
If you are new to managing Met Council grants online, please ask
someone within your organization who has Fluxx access to add you as a
user for your organization.
If your organization is new to grants at the Met Council, please reach out
to staff below for assistance in setting up an organizational account.
Please refer to the Met Council’s Fluxx Information webpage for a Fluxx
User Guide, as well as general tips and resources.
Within Fluxx, navigate to the “Apply For Funding” page, and find the Local
Planning Assistance section. Click “Start your application.”
Be sure to add yourself as a contact on the grant application before
closing it, to ensure you are able to access it after saving.

Complete the brief online application form (see Application Tips, below)

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Step 4

Upload your authorizing resolution(s)

Step 5

Upload your Work Plan and Budget

Step 6

Click “SAVE.” When your application is complete, click “SAVE AND CLOSE.”
You will then see a “SUBMIT” button. Submit before 3:00 p.m. on November 6,
2026. Applications will be reviewed and processed on a monthly basis
throughout the application period. See the Grant Application Review and
Approval Process section below.

Application Tips
•
•

•

Have your notification of eligibility from the Met Council on hand. This will confirm your
grantee type and base award amount.
Grant contacts: You can include up to three grant contacts. Two of these may be staff at
your organization, and the third could be a consultant who is assisting in your
comprehensive planning process.
o Ensure a city/town/county employee or elected official initiates the application. A
consultant may be added to and contribute to an application, but may not initiate or
submit the application.
o If you are working internally with staff at your organization who will need access to
the grant to collaborate on the application, or manage the grant and submit reports,
or receive communications about the grant, please provide their name, title, and
email address.
o If you have identified a lead consultant on the project, you may add them to the
grant. Please provide their contact information, including an email address. Once
added, this person can contribute to the application and future reports, but cannot
submit.
If you are applying on behalf of the Dakota County Consortium:
o Ensure that the lead applicant/fiscal agent initiates and submits the application.
o Include an authorizing resolution on behalf of each community that is part of the
consortium.

Technical Assistance
For questions about the program requirements or the incentive awards, contact Emma Dvorak.
Emma Dvorak, Senior Planner
[email protected], 651-602-1399
For common questions related to the online application and grant management system, Fluxx,
see Met Council’s Fluxx Information webpage, including resources and videos.
For further assistance with submitting your Fluxx application, contact Erin Brueggemann.
Erin Brueggemann, Grant Administrator
[email protected], 651-602-1112

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Required Application Attachments
You can find templates/samples for these required attachments on the grant webpage.

Work Plan and Budget
You may choose to create your own or use the Met Council’s work plan and budget template.
Your work plan will be incorporated in your grant agreement by reference and will assist your
sector representative in supporting you and your project. It is a required attachment with your
application.
Use the work plan and budget template to outline your community’s approach to completing
the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update, tailoring timelines, tasks, and responsibilities to your
local context. Fill in basic project details, placeholder timelines, and identify how work will be
managed. Summarize key activities for project administration, community engagement, data
analysis, and all required plan elements, along with how the plan will be implemented. Keep
entries concise and use realistic estimates. Updates to the work plan as the project evolves
must be shared with the Met Council through the semi-annual reports.
For grantees who are working toward one of the two incentives, their work plan should be
consistent with the timeline and/or inclusion of these goals. Understanding that planning is a
process that evolves over time, the mid-point check-in is an opportunity to revisit and revise
this plan, to match your goals for your Comprehensive Plan. Prior to both your initial and your
final payment, you must have a work plan that has been accepted by your sector
representative and is aligned with your work.
Your work plan should, at a minimum, include the general outline of tasks required to complete
the local comprehensive plan update along with the expected timeline to meet statutory or
early completion deadlines.
The project budget should convey the overall comprehensive plan project costs. This is a
project budget for your whole planning process, not a grant budget.

Authorizing Resolution
Applicants are required to submit a signed authorizing resolution from your governing body.
For consortium applicants only: We require an authorizing resolution passed by each included
municipality’s governing body.

Grant Application Review and Approval Process
After the last day of the each month while the application is open, Met Council staff will initiate
a review of newly submitted applications.
Elements of the review will include:
•

Confirming the applicant is an eligible entity

•

Confirming the application is complete and accurate

•

Approving the work plan, or working with the applicant to make any needed changes

Once approved, grantees will be notified of their award, and will be invited into the post-award
process, including confirming their signatories and payment information, and executing the
grant agreement. More on post-award processes can be found in the next section of this
document, How to Manage Your Grant.
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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

How to Manage Your Grant
Roles and Responsibilities
Grantee Responsibilities
Upon execution of a grant agreement, in order to maintain eligibility for this funding, grantees
must remain in compliance in the following ways:
1. Submit semi-annual progress reports in January and July, summarizing progress and
communicating any significant changes in work plan and expected outcomes.
2. Participate in a mid-point and close-out check in with your sector representative.
3. Meet the statutory 6-month requirements for Adjacent and Affected Jurisdiction Review
before submitting your plan to the Met Council.
4. Submit an update to your comprehensive plan that has been adopted by your local
governing body via resolution, to the Met Council no later than December. 31, 2028.
5. Ensure the local Plan Update:
a. Is complete as described in the Met Council’s Local Planning Handbook,
b. Conforms to metropolitan system plans of the Met Council,
c. Is consistent with the adopted policies of the Met Council, and
d. Is compatible with the plans of adjacent and affected jurisdictions.
6. Submit a final report within 90 days after grant expiration.
7. Maintain accurate and complete accounts, financial records, and supporting documents
relating to the receipt and expenditure of the grant funds in the event of an audit.
8. Grantee’s governing body adopts the authorized comprehensive plan and submits the
final plan and majority resolution to the Met Council.
Additional responsibilities to receive the Early Plan Completion Incentive Grant:
•
•

Have an approved work plan that reflects a plan and timeline consistent requirements
for this $4,000 incentive grant.
Submit an update to your comprehensive plan that has been adopted by your local
governing body via resolution, to the Met Council no later than October 10, 2028.
o Comprehensive plan update must be deemed complete by Met Council staff by
October. 31, 2028.
o Meet the statutory 6-month requirements for Adjacent and Affected Jurisdiction
Review before submitting your plan to the Met Council.

Additional responsibilities to receive the Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant:
•
•

Have an approved work plan that reflects a plan and process consistent with this Grant
Guide to ensure eligibility for this $10,000 incentive grant.
Provide mid-point and final reporting to demonstrate how your strategies and the
resulting comprehensive plan are advancing regional goals in alignment with standards.

What is the Met Council’s role?
•
•
•
•

Provide technical assistance to grantees, including answering questions about grant
requirements and Comprehensive Plan Update requirements.
Monitor project through semi-annual reports and sector representative check-ins.
Process amendment requests and remind grantees of coming deadlines.
Work with grantees to process payments and close the grant.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Sector Representative
You may direct questions about the comprehensive plan process and requirements to your
sector representative.
Met Council Authorized Representative
Grantees can direct grant-related questions to the Met Council’s Authorized Representative:
Erin Brueggemann, Grant Administrator
[email protected], 651-602-1112

Eligible Activities
Grantees may use grant funds for costs directly associated with the development of their local
2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. Eligible activities could include, but will not be limited to:
•
•
•
•

Staff time
Consultant and professional services
Printing and publishing
Other activities required to update your Comprehensive Plan, provided that they are
entirely consistent with a Met Council-approved work plan and budget and executed
two-party grant agreement, the Met Council’s Comprehensive Development Guide, the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act, and other applicable state laws

Ineligible Activities
Grant funds may not be used for:
•
•
•

Per diem payments to appointed or elected board or commission members
Purchasing or acquiring equipment or other tangible, nonexpendable personal property
Activities inconsistent with the Met Council’s Comprehensive Development Guide, the
Metropolitan Land Planning Act, Minnesota’s Critical Areas Act, or other applicable state
laws

The grantee must forfeit to the Met Council any unspent grant funds and any grant funds that
are not used for the authorized activities specified above.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Grant Payments
Your grant will be paid via ACH transfer. To set up the ACH transfers, we may require a W-9
and ACH Vendor form to be completed prior to your grant agreement.
The Planning Assistance Grant will be disbursed in two installments.
•

The first payment will be 50% of the base grant amount disbursed within 35 days after the
acceptance of your work plan and the execution of a grant agreement.

•

The second and final payment will include the remaining 50% of the base grant amount
plus any incentive payments included in the grant agreement for which requirements have
been met (see below). This payment will be disbursed after you have submitted your
Comprehensive Plan Update and final report, and after the Met Council has reviewed and
acted upon the Plan Update, with that action finding that the it meets all statutory
requirements for timeliness, completeness, conformance, consistency, and compatibility. If
Met Council staff deem that you have also met the criteria requirements of the incentive
grants, the second payment will include these incentives. (See the Grantee
Responsibilities section above for the complete criteria.)

First payment

Timing/Criteria

Payment
Amount

Paid within 35 days of a fully executed grant
agreement

50% of Base
Award

Second payment Paid within 35 days of the Met Council’s
authorization and action, finding the plan meets all
statutory requirements.

50% of Base
Award

…if Advancing Regional Goals requirements are
met

+ $10,000

…if Early Plan Completion Incentive requirements
are met

+ $4,000

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Reporting
Semi-Annual Progress Reports
Twice a year, you will be prompted to submit a semi-annual progress report through Fluxx, the
Met Council’s online grant management system.

Reporting Period

Due Date

January 1 – June 30

July 31

July 1 – December 31

January 31

The report consists of two sections:
1. Comprehensive Plan Update Progress Report
During this reporting period:
• Summarize any work done toward your Comprehensive Plan Update.
• Summarize any internal or external changes that might impact your planning
process or goals.
2. Incentive Updates
• Are you on track to meet the Early Plan Completion Incentive deadline?
• Referencing any Regional Goals you’ve identified and the work plan you’ve
submitted, are there any significant changes to your planned activities?

Mid-Point Check-in with a Sector Representative
At or near the mid-point of your grant activity period (between August-November 2027)
connect with your sector representative to schedule this meeting. This meeting is required to
receive the second half of grant funds. This meeting will be an opportunity for you to provide
more of an update on how your planning process is progressing, make any updates needed to
your work plan, and for the sector representative to offer resources or support.
In addition to reviewing your most-recent semi-annual progress report, your sector
representative will use your work plan as a guide to ask about your project, including how work
toward meeting the Early Plan Completion deadline or toward any identified Advancing
Regional Goals outcomes is progressing. You may submit an updated work plan in advance,
or after the mid-point check in.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Amendments
Project activities must remain consistent in scope with your Met Council-approved work plan.
The terms of your grant may be adjusted under certain circumstances, as outlined below and
in Paragraph 2.10 of your grant agreement.

Timeline and How to Request
If you need to request an extension of this timeline, you must submit an amendment request
via Fluxx, the Met Council’s grant management system at least 90 calendar days prior to the
grant expiration date.

Work Plan Changes
Your work plan is incorporated in your grant agreement by reference and will assist your sector
representative in supporting you and your comprehensive planning process.
Understanding that comprehensive planning is a process that evolves over time, the Met
Council expects your work plan may evolve as well. At the time of initial and final payments,
you must have a current work plan in place, approved by Met Council staff. Changes to your
work plan do not require a formal contract amendment but may be approved as an
administrative adjustment.
The mid-point check-in is an opportunity to revisit and revise this work plan, to match your
goals for your Comprehensive Plan. Grantees may initiate an update to their work plan at any
time through Fluxx, the Met Council’s grant management system.

Term and Extensions
Key Grant Dates:
December 31, 2028

Submission Deadline: You must submit your Comprehensive Plan
Update to the Met Council by this date to receive your second
payment.

December 31, 2029

Grant Expiration Date: You have until this date to have your
governing body adopt the Met Council-authorized Comprehensive
Plan and to submit your majority resolution to the Met Council

Sunday, March 31, 2030 Closeout Period Ends: Following your expiration date, you have
90 days to submit all final reports and deliverable materials to the
Met Council.
The term of your grant may be extended, but only in conjunction with an extension authorized
under Minnesota Statutes section 473.864, subdivision 2.
No extension is possible for the Early Plan Completion Incentive Grant.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

Closing a Grant
Grants are closed when the grantee completes the grant obligations or if the grantee cancels
any balance on a grant (in which case, the remaining funds will revert to the Met Council). Prior
to closing the grant, the following must be completed before the final payment is remitted.

Deliverables
Submitting Your 2050 Comprehensive Plan
For this grant, your primary deliverable is your local 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. You
can find instructions about the planning requirements, submission methods and review
process here within the Local Planning Handbook online.
After the Met Council has authorized your Comprehensive Plan Update, your governing body
must adopt the authorized comprehensive plan and submit the final plan and majority
resolution to the Met Council.
Final Report
You are required to submit a final report within 90 days of your expiration date to close out
your grant and receive your second payment. You will submit this through the Fluxx, the Met
Council’s online grant management system. This will include:
•
•
•
•

A final work plan and budget with actual expenses.
An overview of your process and outcomes achieved.
Questions about the grant program.
If you opted to pursue the Advancing Regional Goals Incentive Grant, you will name
additional outcomes that you are working toward in your 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Update. You will report on the strategic priorities you worked toward, and how your
activities connected to outcomes in your Comprehensive Plan.

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2026 PLANNING ASSISTANCE GRANT GUIDE

390 Robert Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1805
651-602-1000
TTY 651-291-0904
[email protected]
metrocouncil.org
Follow us on:
Bluesky: @metcouncilmn.bsky.social
Facebook: Metropolitan Council
Instagram: @metcouncilnews
LinkedIn: Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities

AGENDA ITEM – 3C

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

FROM:

Jake Reilly, Community Development Director

SUBJECT:

Community Development Strategic Plan Update

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should discuss next steps in achieving the Strategic Plan projects associated with the
Community Development Department, specifically associated with upcoming grant
opportunities.
Background
Based on the upcoming proposed work session agenda planning, Community Development Staff
anticipate bringing forward information about the 2050 Comprehensive Plan process to the
October 12, 2026, work session. Several items in the 2026-2027 Strategic Plan may be
appropriate to consider necessary precursors to completing the 2050 Comprehensive Plan
process in a timely fashion, potentially resulting in an additional $10,000 in grant dollars
available to Arden Hills for submitting a plan in August 2028 rather than later in the year.
Before examining the remaining items in the 2026-2027 work plan, here are milestones that are
anticipated to be achieved by the end of 2026:
 EDC workplan in process with annual Q3 update provided
 Implementing new permitting software during the slower winter months
o Council likely to consider a contract with a preferred vendor before December
o New system to be up and running no later than May 2027
 Complete the zoning ordinance updates
o Planning Commission expected to make a recommendation on Chapter 13 at the
October 7, 2026, meeting.
o Council to consider all three amended chapters in October
 Complete the development of an ADU policy
Page 1 of 3

o Planning Commission recommended the draft ADU ordinance to the City Council
in Quarter 3 of this year
o Council to consider ADU ordinance as recommended by the Commission in
October
•

Rental Review – a remaining priority in the 2026 Strategic Plan year
o Staff has been researching and considering approaches to residential rentals in the
city. The following concepts fall under the “Rental Review” umbrella:
 Regulating short-term rentals (also known as “vacation rentals by owner”
and “Air Bed and Breakfasts”). Today’s Code of Ordinances is silent on
this practice. The existing rental registration program is designed to
capture any home that is rented whether for long-term (six-month or
longer leases) or short-term tenure (fewer than 30 days per rental).
 Licensing rentals of all sizes (from single-family to multi-family). The
city’s existing rental registration program offers some opportunities to
ensure life/safety issues and nuisance concerns are addressed. There is
also evidence to suggest that a rental licensing program would be more
effective in achieving the goals stated by City Council members in
discussions about housing in Arden Hills, generally.
 Implementing an Administrative Citation process for property
maintenance code concerns. This has come up several times in
conversation with council members. In addition, there have been requests
from the public for implementation of such a program.
 Other concepts identified in past conversations by Council during agenda
planning conversations include regulating the number of rental properties
in single-family neighborhoods and amending the city’s Code of
Ordinances related to rental property maintenance, and researching the
existence and implications of corporate ownership of homes.

In consultation with the Building team, including the Permit Technician, we are confident in our
ability to address these items, given sufficient time. While evaluating software options, we kept
in mind that these items were potentially on the horizon and focused on software options that
could increase staff capacity for these types of initiatives without significant added cost and with
the intent of reducing staff time spent on “paperwork” in favor of freeing up staff time for
community-focused work and ensuring we are able to provide excellent customer service for all
who live in Arden Hills and wish to do business in Arden Hills, whether as a contractor in a
residential district or as a new business owner or property manager. However, staff is interested
in Council preferences and priorities for timing of these initiatives and work program items as
we start to look toward tasks in 2027, including those described below. Based upon Council
feedback, staff will complete our research of these topic areas pertaining to rental properties and
bring back recommendations to a future work session for further Council review and direction.
As you recall, as part of an approach to achieve the three remaining strategic directions in the
adopted Strategic Plan, the City of Arden Hills applied for and was awarded just over $88,000 to
conduct a study and propose a plan or program to address vacant and underutilized properties
and cost-burdened households in Arden Hills. While we applied for the full $100,000, based on
the available funds, our award was reduced to $88,000. In order to tackle the remaining elements
of the original proposal and achieve the stated goals in the Strategic Plan, staff is seeking
information from the Council about applying for additional funds to achieve two strategic plan
goals:
• Conduct an evaluation of and discuss available city-owned land and its future potential
Page 2 of 3

•
•

Create redevelopment plan(s) for vacant properties, including but not limited to cityowned land.
Consider revising the small area plan for the B2 district and/or creating a small area plan
for the B2 and B3 zoning districts. This idea has been raised by the Council as well as at
the last EDA meeting and by members of the Planning Commission.

Each of the above ideas addresses a strategic plan goal and is eligible for the fall round of
Livable Community Act grants offered by the Metropolitan Council. Most importantly, there are
more funds available this fall than there were in the spring and we have been encouraged to, if
desired, apply for multiple projects. It is not known at this time if there will be the amount of
money available in 2027 or 2028 for these types of projects that there is in 2026 for use in 20272030.
Discussion
Staff is seeking direction on whether to bring draft proposals for grant applications for the
Council to consider in October.
The original scope of the Housing Program and Policy grant application for which we received
$88,221.00 was to conduct both a vacant and underutilized land study and a housing needs
assessment focused on cost-burdened households.
The approved scope, based on the reduced funding amount is:
Complete a housing needs assessment to evaluate cost-burdened populations, understand
local housing gaps, and support the creation of a policy for developing housing on
vacant and underutilized land.
The missing element in the above is an evaluation of city-owned and privately held vacant and
underutilized parcels for other uses. While the housing needs assessment will support the policy
approach to developing housing on vacant and underutilized parcels, the evaluation of those
properties and their potential for redevelopment is not included in the scope. Further, the end
result is a policy for housing development. Some sites may not be appropriate for housing
development. The opportunity for redevelopment of land for job creation purposes or expansion
of existing establishments or their suppliers is left out of the conversation. In order to take a
broad-based approach that also focuses on increasing the overall net tax capacity of the city by
ensuring the very best use of these properties, seeking additional planning dollars may be wise.
It is also possible that some of the “Rental Review” work can be supported by grant funds from
the Metropolitan Council, specifically those related to a policy or program rather than a plan.
Establishing a rental licensing program and adopting a short-term rental policy or ordinance can
meet the goals of those grant programs associated with preserving and maintaining affordability
throughout Arden Hills residential districts.
Budget Impact
To be determined.
Attachment
Attachment A – Notice of Funding for Development Projects
Attachment B – Notice of Funding for Small Area Planning Projects
Attachment C – Arden Hills Strategic Plan
Page 3 of 3

Attachment A
LIVABLE COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
2026 Notice of Funding Availability for Development Projects
February 2026

The Met Council’s mission is to foster
efficient and economic growth for
a prosperous metropolitan region.

Metropolitan Council Members
Robin Hutcheson
Judy Johnson
Reva Chamblis
Tyronne Carter
Deb Barber
John Pacheco Jr.
Robert Lilligren
Yassin Osman
Anjuli Cameron

Chair
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8

Diego Morales
Peter Lindstrom
Gail Cederberg
Mark Jenkins
Chai Lee
Toni Carter
Victor Obisakin
Wendy Wulff

District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization
for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council
operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats
wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and
helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that
provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income
individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is
appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
On request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with
disabilities. Call Metropolitan Council information at 651-602-1140 or TTY 651-291-0904.

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2026 Notice of Funding Availability
This 2026 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) describes the Metropolitan Council’s
intentions to fund development projects at various stages through the Livable Communities
grant program in 2026. Specifically, this notice:
•
•
•
•

Establishes the amount and type of funding available for the 2026 award year and the
limits that apply to individual awards.
Defines who is eligible to apply.
Sets the schedule for application submittal, review, and award.
Describes the criteria the Metropolitan Council will use in project selection.

See also the NOFA for Policy and Affordable Housing Program Development and Small Area
Planning.

Background and Purpose
In the 1995 session, the Minnesota Legislature enabled the Metropolitan Council Livable
Communities Fund (Minn. Stat. §473.251). As a result, the Livable Communities grant program
advances the regional development guide by increasing housing choice, improving safety, and
helping ensure that residents can meet their needs in their community. The Livable
Communities program helps local governments:
•
•

Set the conditions for development through policy development and small area
planning.
Support development projects that add affordable housing, create community-centered
commercial spaces, or clean up contaminated land.

Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be a city, township, county, or development authority (Minn. Stat. § 473.252,
subd. 1) within the 7-county metropolitan area (Minn. Stat. § 473.121, subd. 2) that has
enrolled in the Livable Communities program and is in good standing (Minn. Stat. § 473.254,
subd. 1-4). Individuals or private and nonprofit organizations are not eligible applicants but are
welcome to partner with an eligible applicant on projects.

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Project Eligibility
To be eligible for a Livable Communities grant, the development project must:
•
•
•
•

Be located in a Livable Communities participating city, and the city must be consistent
with all comprehensive plan requirements. 1
Meet at least one of the defined Outcomes in the Outcomes Score (see Evaluation
Criteria below).
Have a funding gap.
Have a Livable Communities participating city, township, county, or development
authority partner to sponsor the project, submit the application, and accept funds on
behalf of the project.

Additionally,
•
•
•

If the project or proposed use requires a comprehensive plan amendment, the
amendment must be completed before the application.
Unless the project is only requesting pre-development or acquisition funding, the project
must own the property or have an executed purchase agreement.
If the project includes housing:
o The homes must remain affordable for a minimum of 15 years (view current
affordability limits).
o Rental housing projects must either:
 Accept housing choice vouchers and offer some rents that do not exceed
local voucher payment standards, OR
 Serve households living on less than 50% of the area median income, and
the entire property is incompatible with the Housing Choice Voucher
program.
A property may be considered incompatible with the Housing Choice
Voucher program if, for example:
• The program model is congregate housing, assisted living, a group
home, cooperative housing, or shared housing
• All units are single-room occupancy (SRO)

1 Projects located in cities that have a current comprehensive plan amendment under review

that would make the city ineligible to apply or draw down funds under Livable Communities
program rules may not apply until the review is complete.

All units are leased through Coordinated Entry
All units have another form of project-based assistance associated
with them
• Property consists of manufactured homes where the household
owns the home and leases the space.
o First-time homebuyers must complete homebuyer education before purchase.
If requesting environmental site investigation or cleanup funding, the project must be on
an eligible site that:
o Has suspected or known contamination that is perceived or known to exceed
safe standards set by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA),
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), or Minnesota Department of Health
(MDH) for the intended use of the property.
o Does not have a responsible party or likely responsible party capable of carrying
out the investigation or cleanup in the foreseeable future.
o Has a future planned property use that is taxable.
•
•

•

Available Funds
The Metropolitan Council has authorized $26.9M to be awarded for development projects
through the Livable Communities program in 2026. The funding will be designated for the
outcomes listed in Table 1.
Table 1. FY2026 Livable Communities Development Funding Available by Outcome

Livable Communities Outcome

FY2026 Funding

Early Stage Development: Environmental Site
Investigation

$500,000

Early Stage Development: Pre-Development

$1,500,000

Construction Stage Development: Environmental
Cleanup

$5,500,000

Construction Stage Development: Homeownership

$3,500,000

Construction Stage Development: Rental, MixedUse, Commercial

$12,400,000

Construction Stage Development: Multi-Family
Rental Housing funded through the Minnesota
Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals

$3,500,000

TOTAL

$26,900,000

Application Due Dates
One-half of the available funding for each outcome, except for “Construction Stage
Development: Multi-Family Rental Housing funded through the Minnesota Housing

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Consolidated Request for Proposals,” will be made available for the first-round funding
opportunity, with applications due by April 15, 2026.
The second half of the funding, plus any unawarded funds from the previous round, will be
available for awards through the second-round funding opportunity, with applications due by
October 15, 2026.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul-Based Applicants: The Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul
have a pre-application process, with separate due dates, to select projects for which they will
apply for Livable Communities funding.
•

Minneapolis has separate pre-application processes depending on the activity. Learn
more about the pre-application process for environmental site investigation and cleanup
projects and multi-family construction projects.

•

Saint Paul pre-applications.

Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
The funding available to the “Construction Stage Development: Multi-Family Rental Housing
funded through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals” outcome will
accept applications through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
(RFP), with an intent to apply by May 7, 2026 at noon, and the final application due July 9,
2026 at noon.

Award Limits and Eligible Activities
Applications are limited to:
•

•

$500,000 per application for early-stage development projects, including activities such
as:
o Capacity building
o Community engagement
o Site planning
o Environmental site investigation
o Project design
o Environmental sustainability planning
o Financial modeling
o Appraisals and assessments for acquisition
$2 million per application for construction stage development projects, including
activities such as:
o Capacity building
o Acquisition
o Demolition
o Site preparation
o Environmental cleanup
o General construction and site improvements

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Review and Recommendation Process
Met Council staff will conduct a preliminary review of all proposals to ensure completeness and
eligibility before applications are scored.
All applicants will receive an Outcome Score and a Quality Score, as defined below. The
Outcome Score is automatically calculated based on applicant responses and verified by staff.
The Quality Score is determined by members of the Livable Communities Advisory Committee
and Met Council staff who review applications. The sum of the two scores is the total project
score.
Projects are recommended for funding in order of highest score until all funds are awarded.
For projects seeking environmental site investigation and cleanup funding or that apply through
the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals, the Met Council considers other
available public funding when determining the award amount. The Met Council may make
partial awards.

Application Requirements
A complete application includes:
•

•

Documentation of local support for the project. Options include:
o Letter from the Mayor
o Letter from the City Administrator
o Resolution of support (download sample text as a Word Doc)
Sources and Uses Budget. The Livable Communities program will accept this in
whatever format your project currently uses, provided it clearly shows:
o Sources, noting which have been secured and are pending or planned.
• The pending Livable Communities grant request should be one of these
sources
o Uses, including clearly defining acquisition costs, soft costs, and hard costs.
• Which sources are planned to fund which uses.
o A financial gap (pending Livable Communities funding).

Acquisition Requests

If requesting funds for acquisition, projects must submit:
•

An appraisal or broker’s opinion is required for any identified sites. If the site has not yet
been identified, please explain how the acquisition costs were estimated. An appraisal
will be required before any funds are reimbursed.

Construction Requests
Construction stage projects must also submit:
•

Site plan showing all ground-floor uses, vehicle, bike, and pedestrian entrances, public
and semi-public spaces, and transit stations/stops

•

A proforma. The Livable Communities program will accept the proforma in whatever
format the project is currently using, provided it contains the required information by
project type.

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o Multi-Family Rental: If your project needs a template, the Consolidated Request
for Proposals Multi-Family Workbook contains all of the required information.
•

Number of units with demographic restrictions (i.e. Senior, People with
Disabilities, High Priority Homeless, Housing Support/Permanent
Supportive Housing)

•

Number of units by size (i.e. SRO no kitchen, SRO with kitchen,
0BR/Efficiency, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR, etc.)

•

Square footage

•

Rent limits by unit type

•

Income limit by unit type

•

Monthly contract rent by unit type (lease amount)

•

Monthly gross rent by unit type (lease amount plus fees)

•

Funding program supporting each unit type, if applicable (i.e. housing tax
credits, CDBG, HOME, project-based voucher, etc.)

•

Cash flow (income and expenses) for the required 15-year period of
affordability

•

Description and square footage of non-housing spaces, such as
administration, community space, kitchen and food service, and
commercial space

o Affordable Homeownership Opportunities: If your project needs a template,
the Minnesota Housing Impact Fund Workbooks contain the required information,
and you can add the affordability mechanism in the notes.
•

Number of homes new or rehabbed to create a new affordable
homeownership opportunity

•

Home type (single-family detached, twinhome, townhome, condo, etc.)

•

Number of bedrooms per home

•

Affordability mechanism to meet the 15-year minimum affordability
requirement (i.e. land trust, subordinate mortgage, buyer-program
requirements, restrictive covenant, etc.)

•

Anticipated market value upon completion

•

Anticipated affordable purchase price to the homebuyer living on less than
80% area median income

o Commercial and Mixed-Use Spaces: If your project is a mixed-use project,
please include both the required housing information and the information for
commercial spaces. If your project needs an example of a commercial proforma
this example from the City of Saint Paul may be helpful.
•

Operating income and expenses, including estimated vacancy rate if
applicable

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Environmental Cleanup
If requesting funds for environmental cleanup, projects must submit:
•

A cleanup budget (please use the template provided in the application).

•

An approved Response Action Plan (RAP), any applicable addendum, and approval
from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for soil and/or groundwater or vapor
intrusion contamination. This may be submitted after the application, but is required
before awards are finalized.

•

An assessment or Hazardous Materials Report that meets the Minnesota Department of
Health standards for asbestos or lead paint, identifying the contaminant, percentage
content of the building, quantities of materials to be abated, condition of materials
assessed, and includes maps of sampling locations and laboratory analysis results.

•

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

•

If the project includes contaminants below ground level, Phase II Environmental Site
Assessment

•

If the project includes excavation, an aerial of the project site showing the areas
proposed for excavation, including the total volume of soil to be excavated and depts of
excavation for each contiguous area identified

•

If applicable, the Met Council also requests:
o Other environmental reports, such as soil vapor sampling or limited site
assessments

Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
To request consideration for Livable Communities grant funding through the Minnesota
Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP), the applicant must submit all application
materials required by Minnesota Housing and the:
•
•

Acknowledgement of Receptivity Form
Livable Communities Supplemental Questionnaire

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Evaluation Criteria
Outcome Score
Step 1: How many of the following set of outcomes does your project meet?
□

Build housing that is 100% affordable 2 OR the income of residents in all units in the
project averages to an affordability band needed in the city (view affordable housing
need tracker)

□

Create new affordable homeownership opportunities for households earning 80% of the
area median income (AMI) or less

□

Rehab or preserve existing homes affordable to households living on 60% AMI or below
for rental projects or 80% AMI or below for ownership projects

□

Reduce vacant or underutilized land through infill 3 or redevelopment OR project is
located in an eligible transit area 4

□

Create or rehab business incubators and/or small business5 development spaces

□

Future site use will add at least 10 living wage jobs and/or provide job training for at
least 10 residents annually

□

Environmental cleanup in Environmental Justice areas (view Environmental Justice
Areas)

If your project meets one to three of these outcomes, it will receive 16 points. If it meets four or
more of these outcomes, it will receive 24 points.

2 All units are rented to households living on 60% AMI or less.

3 The Livable Communities program defines infill as, “Development occurring in a vacant area that has not been

utilized in a manner consistent with its zoning after the conclusion of development on surrounding parcels.”
4 Eligible transit areas are defined as:
• A ½-mile radius of an existing or planned station on LRT or BRT corridors.
• A ½-mile radius of a bus stop or station with significant infrastructure on high-frequency express routes.
High-frequency express service is defined as bus service providing either five or more trips during at least
one of the peak morning hours between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM, or every 10 minutes during the peak
morning hour.
• A ¼-mile radius of a bus stop along high-frequency local bus lines, defined as those routes providing
service at least every 15 minutes between 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and between 9:00 AM and
6:00 PM on Saturdays.
5 The Livable Communities program defines small business as, “A business entity organized for profit that is not
an affiliate or subsidiary of a business dominant in its field of operation and has 20 or fewer full-time employees
or has not had more than $1,000,000 in annual gross revenues in the preceding fiscal year, or $2,500,000 if it is a
technical or professional service” (Minn. Stat. § 645.445).

Step 2: How many of the following second set of outcomes does your project meet?
□

Build new rental housing with at least 10% of units in the project affordable to
households living on 30% AMI or less OR the project meets 10% of the city’s need for
units affordable to households living on 30% AMI

□

Project includes at least three 3+ bedroom units for families and are affordable to
households living at 60% AMI or below for rental units OR all units are 3+ bedrooms
and affordable to households living at or below 80% AMI for ownership projects

□

Project includes permanent community space that is accessible, open to the public, and
intended to provide gathering space through amenities, community rooms, or other
infrastructure that supports community gathering

□

Energy-saving activities, beyond in-unit fixtures and furnishings, that result in
decarbonization, water efficiency, or reduced energy costs for cost-burdened residents

□

Create senior (55+) or youth-serving (aged 16-24) housing affordable to households
living at 60% AMI or below

□

Build or rehab housing that serves people who have experienced homelessness

□

Design beyond minimum Americans with Disabilities Act requirements through universal
design or similar strategies

□

Project serves American Indian people and is led by an American Indian organization

If your project meets one to three of these outcomes, it will receive 8 points. If your project
meets four or more of these outcomes, it will receive 12 points.
The sum of the scores from steps one and two is the project’s total Outcome Score.
Quality Score
Applications will be assessed on how well they meet the Livable Communities program goals
using the following questions and corresponding maximum possible scores.
•

How is the project helping the city to meet its identified development needs that are
aligned with regional goals? (9 pts max)
o 0-3 points (Limited or unclear description of alignment with city and regional
goals): The application does not meaningfully describe how the proposed project
addresses an identified city development need. Any references to city or regional
goals are vague, indirect, or not clearly connected to the proposed project.
o 4-5 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of alignment with city
goals): The application describes how the proposed project would address one or
more identified city development goals, but the response provides limited or
unclear explanation of how the project aligns with regional or Council goals. The
connection between city priorities and broader regional objectives is only partially
explained.
o 6-9 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of alignment with
city and regional goals): The application clearly explains how the proposed
project would help the city meet its priority development needs and demonstrates
strong alignment with regional or Council goals. The response describes a

strategic and coordinated approach that shows how the project advances both
local priorities and broader regional objectives.
•

How is the project benefiting people who are Black, American Indian, or part of another
community of color? (9 pts max)
o 0-3 points (Limited or unclear benefit): The application identifies little to no benefit
for people who are Black, American Indian, or part of another community of color.
Any stated benefits are vague or not clearly connected to the proposed project.
Strategies for achieving equitable outcomes are minimal, poorly defined, or
absent.
o 4-7 points (Moderate and partially articulated benefit): The application describes
some intended benefits for people who are Black, American Indian, or part of
another community of color. The project includes some strategies or activities
aimed at achieving these benefits, but they may lack specificity, depth, or a clear
connection between community needs and anticipated project outcomes.
o 8-9 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported benefit): The application clearly
describes how the project will benefit people who are Black, American Indian, or
part of another community of color. The project includes well-defined, intentional
strategies that are directly linked to achieving these benefits, with strong
alignment between community needs and anticipated project outcomes.

•

How does the project improve access and safety in the neighborhood and provide
direct, convenient connections to existing or planned transit or multi-use trails? (5 pts
max)
o 0-1 points (Limited or unclear description of access and safety improvements):
The application does not clearly describe how the proposed project would
improve neighborhood access or safety related to transit or multi-use trails. Any
references to connections are vague or unsupported by details in the proposed
outcomes.
o 2-3 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of access and safety
improvements): The application describes how the proposed project would
provide a connection to transit or multi-use trails, but the description lacks clarity
regarding directness, convenience, or safety. Safety considerations or access
features are mentioned but not well developed or clearly tied to the proposed
outcomes.
o 4–5 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of access and
safety improvements): The application clearly explains how the proposed project
is intended to improve neighborhood access and safety and provide direct,
convenient connections to existing or planned transit or multi-use trails. The
response includes specific, feasible design or programmatic elements that
demonstrate thoughtful integration into the project.

•

Whose perspective is represented in the project through community engagement and/or
as part of the development team? And how are their perspectives represented? (9 pts
max)

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o 0-3 points (Limited or unclear description of represented perspectives): The
application does not meaningfully describe which perspectives would be
represented throughout the proposed development process. Key community
partners, participants, or lived-experience perspectives are not identified, and the
response lacks an explanation of how perspectives would inform the
development project.
o 4-7 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of represented
perspectives): The application outlines a community engagement approach and
identifies some community partners or participants, such as residents or
community members, but provides limited detail on whose perspectives would be
represented and how those perspectives would meaningfully inform the proposed
development process and project outcomes.
o 8-9 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of represented
perspectives): The application provides a clear and detailed description of whose
perspectives would be represented in the proposed development process,
including residents, community partners, and other participants with
demonstrated connections to the project area or populations served. The
response outlines multiple, intentional engagement approaches and explains
how and why these approaches were selected to ensure identified perspectives
meaningfully inform the development process and project outcomes.
•

How does the project maintain residents’ and/or businesses’ ability to stay in the
community and maintain cultural and social community connections? (9 pts max)
o 0-3 points (Displacement not addressed or insufficiently considered): The
application does not meaningfully address the potential for physical or cultural
displacement of residents or businesses. Risks of displacement are not
identified, or the discussion is minimal and disconnected from the proposed
project.
o 4-7 points (Displacement acknowledged, mitigation limited or partial): The
application acknowledges potential physical and/or cultural displacement
associated with the project, but mitigation strategies are limited, incomplete, or
narrowly focused. The project may address physical displacement at the project
site but does not fully consider broader neighborhood, cultural, or economic
impacts.
o 8-9 points (Clear, intentional, and community-rooted displacement mitigation):
The application clearly identifies potential physical and/or cultural displacement
and presents a strong, intentional mitigation plan. The proposal demonstrates a
community-rooted approach and includes specific strategies designed to help
residents and/or businesses remain in place while sustaining cultural, social, and
economic connections.

•

Is the project team identified? (2 pts if yes)

•

Are the funding sources identified? (2 pts if yes)

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•

Is the project led by an emerging developer 6 of color? (2 pts if yes)

The sum of the points awarded for the Quality questions is the project’s Quality Score.
Additional Scoring Criteria for Environmental Cleanup
If the project is requesting environmental site investigation or cleanup funding, the following
questions are also required.
•

•

What is the severity of and risk of exposure to environmental contamination? (20 pts
max)
•

0-6 points (Low severity and risk): The project has a low severity and risk relative
to other applications.

•

7-17 points (Mid-range severity and risk): The project has a mid-range relative
severity and risk relative to other projects.

•

8-20 points (High severity and risk): The project has a high relative severity and
risk relative to other projects evaluated.

What is the impact on the property tax base? (20 pts max)
•

Points are awarded to the project by calculating the percentage rank of the
projected net tax capacity increase multiplied by the points possible.

Additional Scoring Criteria for Applications Applying Through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated
Request for Proposals
If the project is applying through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
(RFP), the following criterion is evaluated.
•

Does the city in which the project is located have contribution net tax capacities that
exceed its distribution net tax capacities by more than $200 per household (see Fiscal
Disparities)? (2 pts if yes)

Grant Terms and Grantee Expectations
All Livable Communities grants are for a period of three years. If needed, the grantee may
request a two-year extension.
All grants are reimbursement-based. If a grantee does not have eligible expenses to utilize the
full grant award or is unable to spend the full award before the end of the grant term, any

6 The Livable Communities program defines an emerging developer as, “An individual or entity that has completed

no more than two development projects and owns no more than 25 housing units or 15,000 square feet of
commercial space in the State of Minnesota.”

PAGE - 13 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

unspent funds will be relinquished and made available for future Livable Communities
programming through the Metropolitan Council.
If awarded a grant, grantees must continue to meet the following requirements through the
grant term.
•
•

Submit semi-annual reports on project progress and a final report at grant closeout.
Notify the Met Council of any significant changes to the project.

If awarded a grant, the city in which the project is located (this may or may not be the same as
the grantee) must continue to meet the Livable Communities program requirements, including:
•
•
•
•
•

Have an adopted Fair Housing policy.
Have a Comprehensive Plan that is consistent with Metropolitan Council Policy.
Guide land at sufficient densities to enable the city to meet the city’s forecasted
affordable housing need. This is also known as the Metropolitan Council’s Land Guided
for Affordable Housing (LGAH) policy.
Submit a Housing Action Plan annually through the Housing Policy and Production
Survey.
Spend its statutorily required Affordable and Lifecycle Housing Opportunity Amount
(ALHOA).

Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
In addition to the requirements above, grants awarded through the Minnesota Housing
Consolidated Request for Proposals must also demonstrate a dollar-for-dollar match for grant
funding at the time they request reimbursement.

Funding Schedule
Date

Milestone

February 11, 2026

Council authorization of FY2026 Livable Communities funding

Early March

Round 1 application window opens

March 16, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

April 1, 2026 (approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

April 15, 2026

Round 1 Livable Communities applications due

Late Spring-Early
Summer

Staff and the Livable Communities Advisory Committee evaluate
applications

May 7, 2026

Intent to apply for the Minnesota Housing Consolidated RFP due

July 9, 2026

Applications through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated RFP
due

July (anticipated)

Council considers action to award Round 1 grants

Early September

Round 2 application window opens

PAGE - 14 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Date

Milestone

September 16, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

October 1, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

October 15, 2026

Round 2 Livable Communities applications due

Late Fall-Early Winter

Staff and the Livable Communities Advisory Committee evaluate
applications

December 2026January 2027
(anticipated)

Council considers action to award Round 2 grants and grants to
projects that applied through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated
RFP

Program Evaluation
The Metropolitan Council will review the overall impact of funded projects and the efficacy of
the Council’s program and application process with a focus on continual improvements.

Contact
We encourage project teams to reach out to a Livable Communities Program Coordinator
early. You can schedule time with a Program Coordinator online or reach out directly:
− Andrew Tran, Program Coordinator, [email protected]
− Marcus Martin, Program Coordinator for projects that include environmental site
investigation or cleanup, [email protected]

Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals
If your project is considering applying to the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for
Proposals, you can schedule time with a Program Coordinator online or reach out directly:
− Hannah Gary, Program Coordinator for projects applying through the Consolidated
RFP, [email protected]

PAGE - 15 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

390 Robert Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1805
651-602-1000
TTY 651-291-0904
[email protected]
metrocouncil.org
Follow us on:

Bluesky: @metcouncilmn.bsky.social
Facebook: Metropolitan Council
Instagram: @metcouncilnews
LinkedIn: Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities

Attachment B
LIVABLE COMMUNITIES GRANT PROGRAM
2026 Notice of Funding Availability for Small Area Planning Projects
February 2026

The Met Council’s mission is to foster
efficient and economic growth for
a prosperous metropolitan region.

Metropolitan Council Members
Robin Hutcheson
Judy Johnson
Reva Chamblis
Tyronne Carter
Deb Barber
John Pacheco Jr.
Robert Lilligren
Yassin Osman
Anjuli Cameron

Chair
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8

Diego Morales
Peter Lindstrom
Gail Cederberg
Mark Jenkins
Chai Lee
Toni Carter
Victor Obisakin
Wendy Wulff

District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
District 14
District 15
District 16

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization
for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council
operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats
wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and
helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that
provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income
individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is
appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.
On request, this publication will be made available in alternative formats to people with
disabilities. Call Metropolitan Council information at 651-602-1140 or TTY 651-291-0904.

PAGE - 2 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

2026 Notice of Funding Availability
This 2026 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) describes the Metropolitan Council’s
intentions to fund small area planning projects through the Livable Communities grant program
in 2026. Specifically, this notice:
•
•
•
•

Establishes the amount and type of funding available for the 2026 award year and the
limits that apply to individual awards.
Defines who is eligible to apply.
Sets the schedule for application submittal, review, and award.
Describes the criteria the Metropolitan Council will use in project selection.

See also the NOFA for Policy and Affordable Housing Program Development and
Development Projects.

Background and Purpose
In the 1995 session, the Minnesota Legislature enabled the Metropolitan Council Livable
Communities Fund (Minn. Stat. §473.251). As a result, the Livable Communities grant program
advances the regional development guide by increasing housing choice, improving safety, and
helping ensure that residents can meet their needs in their community. The Livable
Communities program helps local governments:
•
•

Set the conditions for development through policy development and small area
planning.
Support development projects that add affordable housing, create community-centered
commercial spaces, or clean up contaminated land.

Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be a city, township, county, or development authority (Minn. Stat. § 473.252,
subd. 1) within the 7-county metropolitan area (Minn. Stat. § 473.121, subd. 2) that has
enrolled in the Livable Communities program and is in good standing (Minn. Stat. § 473.254,
subd. 1-4). Individuals or private and nonprofit organizations are not eligible applicants but are
welcome to partner with an eligible applicant on projects.

PAGE - 2 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Project Eligibility
To be eligible for a Livable Communities grant, the small area planning project must:
•
•

•
•

•

•

Be located in a Livable Communities participating city and the city must be consistent
with all comprehensive plan requirements. 1
Have a Livable Communities participating city, township, county, or development
authority partner to sponsor the project, submit the application, and accept funds on
behalf of the project.
Meet at least one of the defined Outcomes in the Outcomes Score (see Evaluation
Criteria below).
The plan area must be a defined geography that is multiple parcels, a portion of the city,
and not exceeding one-quarter of the city’s area. Examples include, but are not limited
to, former corporate campuses, cultural districts, commercial corridors, and transit
station areas.
Small area planning projects must result in a small area plan that is presented for
adoption by the city council and, if approved, included as part of or submitted as an
amendment or attachment to the city’s comprehensive plan, or, if the grantee is a
county or development authority, an equivalent process.
Have a funding gap.

Available Funds
The Metropolitan Council has authorized $400,000 to be awarded for small area planning
projects through the Livable Communities program in 2026.

Application Due Dates
One-half of the available funding will be allocated to the first-round funding opportunity, with
applications due by April 15, 2026.
The second half of the funding, plus any unawarded funds from the previous round, will be
available for awards through the second-round funding opportunity, with applications due by
October 15, 2026.

1 Projects located in cities that have a current comprehensive plan amendment under review

that would make the city ineligible to apply or draw down funds under Livable Communities
program rules may not apply until the review is complete.

Award Limits and Eligible Activities
Applications are limited to $100,000. Grant funds may be used for staff or consultant time
directly related to the project.

Review and Recommendation Process
Met Council staff will conduct a preliminary review of all proposals to ensure completeness and
eligibility before applications are scored.
All applicants will receive an Outcome Score and a Quality Score, as defined below. The
Outcome Score is automatically calculated based on applicant responses and verified by staff.
The Quality Score is determined by staff subject matter experts. The sum of the two scores is
the total project score.
Projects are recommended for funding starting with the highest-scoring project until all funds
are awarded.

Application Requirements
A complete application includes:
•

•

Documentation of local support for the project. Options include:
o Letter from the Mayor
o Letter from the City Administrator
o Resolution of support (download sample text as a Word Doc)
Sources and Uses Budget. The Livable Communities program will accept this in
whatever format your project currently uses, provided it clearly shows:
o Sources, noting which have been secured and are pending or planned.
• The pending Livable Communities grant request should be one of these
sources
o Uses.
o A financial gap (pending Livable Communities award).

Evaluation Criteria
Outcome Score

How many of the following set of outcomes will your project meet? The selected outcomes
must be included in the final small area plan.
□

Situate affordable housing near transportation options and amenities

□

Plan for mixed-use areas on infill or redevelopment sites

□

Create or improve small-scale commercial spaces and/or commercial corridors

□

Establish or improve multi-modal transportation options to connect housing, jobs, and
transit

□

Establish or improve a cultural corridor

□

Protect areas of ecological significance within planned development areas and/or
incorporate strategies to promote public and ecosystem health

□

Include public gathering space or incorporate green infrastructure elements

PAGE - 4 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

If your project meets one to three of these outcomes, it will receive 16 points. If it meets four or
more of these outcomes, it will receive 24 points.
Quality Score
Applications will be assessed on how well they meet the Livable Communities program goals
using the following questions and corresponding maximum possible scores.
•

How will future amenities and connectivity be designed to prioritize residents who have
been impacted by disinvestment? (5 pts max)
o 0-1 points (Limited or unclear description of proposed planning approach): The
application does not meaningfully describe how the proposed small area
planning process would prioritize residents impacted by disinvestment or
displacement. The response may acknowledge historic disinvestment in the
selected geography, but does not provide further explanation or analysis. Any
references to amenities or connectivity are vague or lack an explanation of the
planning approaches, processes, or strategies that would guide equitable
outcomes.
o 2-3 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of proposed planning
approach): The application describes an intent to prioritize residents who have
been impacted by disinvestment or displacement through future amenities or
connectivity and identifies some planning approaches or strategies to do so.
However, the description lacks sufficient detail, clarity, or explanation of how
these approaches would be implemented through the small area planning
process.
o 4-5 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of proposed
planning approach): The application clearly describes how the proposed small
area planning process would be structured to prioritize residents who have been
impacted by disinvestment or displacement in shaping future amenities and
connectivity. The response identifies specific, feasible planning approaches,
engagement processes, and strategies that demonstrate how equity
considerations would meaningfully inform plan development and
recommendations.

•

How will the city prevent displacement or other potential negative impacts of the plan on
Black, American Indian, or other residents of color? (5 pts max)
o 0-1 points (Limited or unclear description of displacement prevention and
approach): The application does not meaningfully identify existing or potential
displacement pressures affecting Black, American Indian, or other residents of
color. The response does not explain how the proposed small area planning
effort or use of grant funds would be used to examine, understand, or consider
displacement risks or potential negative impacts as part of the planning process.
o 2-3 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of displacement
prevention approach): The application identifies existing or current displacement
pressures experienced by Black, American Indian, or other residents of color and
moves beyond simple acknowledgment of historic or current disinvestment.
However, the response lacks sufficient clarity or detail regarding how the

PAGE - 5 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

proposed small area planning approach, process, or use of grant funds would be
used to further analyze these pressures, engage impacted communities, or
identify potential mitigation considerations or next steps. The connection between
identified risks and the proposed planning process is only partially explained.
o 4-5 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of displacement
prevention approach): The application clearly identifies existing or current
displacement pressures experienced by Black, American Indian, or other
residents of color and demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of how these
pressures relate to the plan area. The response describes specific and
intentional small area planning approaches that explain how the planning
process and use of grant funds would be used to assess displacement risks,
engage impacted communities, and identify potential mitigation strategies,
tradeoffs, or next steps to be addressed through the resulting plan
recommendations.
•

Whose perspective will be represented in the plan through community engagement
and/or as part of the planning team? And how will their perspectives be represented? (5
pts max)
o 0-1 points (Limited or unclear description of represented perspectives): The
application does not meaningfully describe which perspectives would be
represented in the proposed small area planning process. Key community
partners, participants, or lived-experience perspectives are not identified, and the
response lacks an explanation of how perspectives would inform the planning
process.
o 2-3 points (Moderate and partially articulated description of represented
perspectives): The application outlines a community engagement approach and
identifies some community partners or participants, such as residents or
community members, but provides limited detail on whose perspectives would be
represented and how those perspectives would meaningfully inform the proposed
small area planning process.
o 4-5 points (Clear, intentional, and well-supported description of represented
perspectives): The application includes a clear and detailed description of whose
perspectives would be represented in the proposed small area planning process,
including residents, community partners, and other participants with relevant
lived experience. The response describes multiple, intentional engagement
approaches and explains how and why these approaches were selected to
ensure identified perspectives meaningfully inform the planning process and
outcomes.

•

Do you have a clearly defined work plan/scope? (2 pts if yes)

•

What is the per capita net tax capacity (NTC) of the city (See Appendix: Adjusted Per
Capita Net Tax Capacity and Corresponding Livable Communities Point Value)? Of
cities in the seven-county metropolitan region, if per capita net tax capacity falls within
the:
o Top 25%: 1 point

PAGE - 6 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

o 50%-75% Percentile: 2 points

o Below 50% Percentile: 3 points

Grant Terms and Grantee Expectations
All Livable Communities grants are for a period of three years. If needed, the grantee may
request a two-year extension.
All grants are reimbursement-based. If a grantee does not have eligible expenses to utilize the
full grant award or is unable to spend the full award before the end of the grant term, any
unspent funds will be relinquished and made available for future Livable Communities
programming through the Metropolitan Council.
If awarded a grant, grantees must continue to meet the following requirements through the
grant term:
•

•

Submit semi-annual reports on project progress and a final report at grant closeout.
o As part of the grant closeout, the small area planning project must be presented
for adoption by the city council and, if approved, included as part of or submitted
as an update to the city’s comprehensive plan, or, if the grantee is a county or
development authority, an equivalent process.
Notify the Met Council of any significant changes to the project.

If awarded a grant, the city in which the project is located (this may or may not be the same as
the grantee) must continue to meet the Livable Communities program requirements, including:
•
•
•
•
•

Have an adopted Fair Housing policy.
Have a Comprehensive Plan that is consistent with Metropolitan Council Policy.
Guide land at sufficient densities to enable the city to meet the city’s forecasted
affordable housing need. This is also known as the Metropolitan Council’s Land Guided
for Affordable Housing (LGAH) policy.
Submit a Housing Action Plan annually through the Housing Policy and Production
Survey.
Spend its statutorily required Affordable and Lifecycle Housing Opportunity Amount
(ALHOA).

Funding Schedule
Date

Milestone

February 11, 2026

Council authorization of FY2026 Livable Communities funding

Early March

Round 1 application window opens

March 16, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

April 1, 2026 (approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

April 15, 2026

Round 1 Livable Communities applications due

PAGE - 7 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Date

Milestone

Late Spring-Early
Summer

Staff evaluate applications

July (anticipated)

Council considers action to award Round 1 grants

Early September

Round 2 application window opens

September 16, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

October 1, 2026
(approx.)

Responses to additional questions asked by potential applicants
will be published online under “Funding Availability”

October 15, 2026

Round 2 Livable Communities applications due

Late Fall-Early Winter

Staff evaluate applications

December 2026January 2027
(anticipated)

Council considers action to award Round 2 grants

Program Evaluation
The Metropolitan Council will review the overall impact of funded projects and the efficacy of
the Council’s program and application process with a focus on continual improvements.

Contact
We encourage project teams to reach out to a Livable Communities Program Coordinator
early. You can schedule time with a Program Coordinator online or reach out directly:
− Olivia Boerschinger, Program Coordinator, [email protected]
− Andrew Tran, Program Coordinator, [email protected]

PAGE - 8 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Appendix: Adjusted Per Capita Net Tax Capacity and Corresponding
Livable Communities Point Value

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Afton

$3,602

1

Andover

$1,842

3

Anoka

$1,551

3

Apple Valley

$1,766

3

Arden Hills

$2,275

2

Bayport

$1,657

3

Baytown Township

$3,810

1

Belle Plaine

$1,548

3

Belle Plaine Township

$3,606

1

Benton Township

$3,615

1

Bethel

$1,477

3

Birchwood Village

$2,911

2

Blaine

$1,864

3

Blakeley Township

$4,506

1

Bloomington

$2,352

2

Brooklyn Center

$1,344

3

Brooklyn Park

$1,685

3

Burnsville

$1,896

3

Camden Township

$2,944

2

Carver

$1,753

3

Castle Rock Township

$3,518

1

Cedar Lake Township

$2,952

2

Centerville

$2,195

2

Champlin

$1,711

3

Chanhassen

$2,884

2

Chaska

$1,994

3

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Circle Pines

$1,493

3

Coates

$2,929

2

Cologne

$1,662

3

Columbia Heights

$1,321

3

Columbus

$2,846

2

Coon Rapids

$1,669

3

Corcoran

$2,628

2

Cottage Grove

$1,735

3

Credit River

$3,371

1

Crystal

$1,545

3

Dahlgren Township

$3,596

1

Dayton (Hennepin part vs Wright
Cnty part)

$2,363

2

Deephaven

$7,098

1

Dellwood

$5,216

1

Denmark Township

$3,957

1

Douglas Township

$3,578

1

Eagan

$2,260

2

East Bethel

$1,823

3

Eden Prairie

$2,563

2

Edina

$3,757

1

Elko New Market

$1,594

3

Empire

$2,147

2

Eureka Township

$3,291

1

Excelsior

$4,581

1

Falcon Heights

$1,462

3

Farmington

$1,582

3

Forest Lake

$1,976

3

Fridley

$1,736

3

PAGE - 10 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Gem Lake

$3,548

1

Golden Valley

$2,918

2

Grant

$3,357

1

Greenfield

$2,940

2

Greenvale Township

$3,590

1

Greenwood

$10,676

1

Grey Cloud Island Township

$2,425

2

Ham Lake

$2,261

2

Hamburg

$1,289

3

Hampton

$1,430

3

Hampton Township

$4,244

1

Hancock Township

$3,658

1

Hastings

$1,576

3

Helena Township

$3,008

2

Hilltop

$1,277

3

Hollywood Township

$2,918

2

Hopkins

$1,903

3

Hugo

$2,012

3

Independence

$3,598

1

Inver Grove Heights

$1,977

3

Jackson Township

$2,081

3

Jordan

$1,480

3

Lake Elmo

$2,722

2

Lake St. Croix Beach

$1,801

3

Lakeland

$2,291

2

Lakeland Shores

$2,852

2

Laketown Township

$2,604

2

Lakeville

$2,105

2

PAGE - 11 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Landfall

$3,074

2

Lauderdale

$1,593

3

Lexington

$1,362

3

Lilydale

$3,238

2

Lino Lakes

$1,894

3

Linwood Township

$1,859

3

Little Canada

$1,772

3

Long Lake

$2,935

2

Loretto

$1,763

3

Louisville Township

$3,711

1

Mahtomedi

$2,318

2

Maple Grove

$2,345

2

Maple Plain

$1,929

3

Maplewood

$1,648

3

Marine on St. Croix

$3,524

1

Marshan Township

$3,550

1

May Township

$3,781

1

Mayer

$1,432

3

Medicine Lake

$5,336

1

Medina

$4,443

1

Mendota

$3,465

1

Mendota Heights

$3,193

2

Miesville

$2,437

2

Minneapolis

$1,832

3

Minnetonka

$2,897

2

Minnetonka Beach

$13,888

1

Minnetrista

$3,998

1

Mound

$2,658

2

PAGE - 12 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Mounds View

$1,500

3

New Brighton

$1,677

3

New Germany

$1,360

3

New Hope

$1,661

3

New Market Township

$3,258

2

New Trier

$1,533

3

Newport

$1,848

3

Nininger Township

$2,755

2

North Oaks

$4,293

1

North St. Paul

$1,330

3

Norwood Young America

$1,404

3

Nowthen

$2,214

2

Oak Grove

$2,041

3

Oak Park Heights

$2,975

2

Oakdale

$1,706

3

Orono

$7,302

1

Osseo

$1,637

3

Pine Springs

$2,559

2

Plymouth

$2,663

2

Prior Lake

$2,361

2

Ramsey

$1,755

3

Randolph

$1,558

3

Randolph Township

$3,957

1

Ravenna Township

$2,098

2

Richfield

$1,506

3

Robbinsdale

$1,375

3

Rogers

$2,813

2

Rosemount

$2,005

3

PAGE - 13 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Roseville

$2,220

2

San Francisco Township

$3,503

1

Sand Creek Township

$3,245

2

Savage

$1,972

3

Scandia

$2,881

2

Sciota Township

$3,258

2

Shakopee

$2,238

2

Shoreview

$1,988

3

Shorewood (Hennepin part)

$4,301

1

South St. Paul

$1,558

3

Spring Lake Park

$1,506

3

Spring Lake Township

$3,345

1

Spring Park

$3,194

2

St. Anthony

$1,509

3

St. Bonifacius

$1,741

3

St. Francis

$1,444

3

St. Lawrence Township

$3,215

2

St. Louis Park

$2,249

2

St. Marys Point

$4,014

1

St. Paul

$1,436

3

St. Paul Park

$1,904

3

Stillwater

$2,082

3

Stillwater Township

$3,574

1

Sunfish Lake

$6,283

1

Tonka Bay

$7,928

1

Vadnais Heights

$2,205

2

Vermillion

$1,759

3

Vermillion Township

$3,181

2

PAGE - 14 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

Municipality

2024 Adjusted Net Tax
Capacity Per Capita
(based on 2024 pop.)

2026 Livable
Communities Point
Value

Victoria

$2,544

2

Waconia

$2,092

2

Waconia Township

$3,729

1

Waterford Township

$3,167

2

Watertown

$1,424

3

Watertown Township

$3,754

1

Wayzata

$7,972

1

West Lakeland Township

$2,972

2

West St. Paul

$1,552

3

White Bear Lake

$1,962

3

White Bear Township

$2,283

2

Willernie

$1,683

3

Woodbury

$2,157

2

Woodland

$18,774

1

Young America Township

$3,466

1

PAGE - 15 | METROPOLITAN COUNCIL | LIVABLE COMMUNITIES | NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY

390 Robert Street North
Saint Paul, MN 55101-1805
651-602-1000
TTY 651-291-0904
[email protected]
metrocouncil.org
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CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
STRATEGIC PLANNING SUMMARY

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Mission Statement
To serve Arden Hills residents and businesses by fostering a vibrant, connected
and sustainable community.

Lake Valentine

Core Values
Community Vitality
We support thriving neighborhoods and a strong local economy through communitybased planning.
Responsible Stewardship
We maintain assets, manage financial resources
wisely and protect our natural environment.
Integrity in Service
We are committed to transparent, accountable and
responsive governance.

Cummings Park

3 Year Vision
Over the next three years, we envision Arden Hills operating sustainably and meeting
the evolving needs of its community. The City Council and Staff have agreed to the
following results to be in place by 2028:
•

Defined Community Identity

•

Effective and Productive

•

•

Staff Needs

Partnerships

•

Effective Financial Stewardship

Parks System Plan is Actively Utilized

•

A High Standard of Critical Public

as a Living Document
•

Defined and Addressed Evolving

Infrastructure Maintained
•

Constructed Hwy 10 Trail and
Financial Commitment to Lake

Completed Proposed Plans for
Development and Maintenance

Johanna Blvd Trail

2 Year Strategic Directions and First Year Actions
To achieve the three-year vision of success, the following
focused areas of action, also referred to as strategic
directions, were established along with specific priorities
that will be implemented in year one.

Enhancing Our Identity & Strengthening Our Partnerships
Goals

2026 Priorities

Clear city boundaries, increased

•

business participation and improved
communication reach

Expand Adopt a Park (and sponsorship
program)

•

Communication assessment and
improvement plan

•

EDC approved work plan

Investing in Natural Environment, Parks, Trails and Recreational Opportunities

Crepeau Nature Preserve
Goals

2026 Priorities

Hwy 10 Trail completed, 10-year parks

•

Invasive species educational plan

implementation strategy, funding

•

Complete Parks System Plan and

identified for Lake Johanna Blvd Trail,
improved invasive species

project prioritization
•

management

Identify parks plan funding
opportunities

Preparing Our Organization for Potential Service Growth
Goals

2026 Priorities

Staff equipped with modern

•

Staff needs assessment complete

technology, increased operational

•

Technology needs assessment

efficiency

•

Explore alternative funding sources

City Hall

Reviewing and Updating Our Policies to Support Community Development Initiatives
Goals

2026 Priorities

Rice Creek Commons development

•

Develop ADU policy

underway, housing maintenance policy

•

Identify developers for Rice Creek

in place, vacant properties repurposed,
data points available for major decisions

Commons
•

Complete Zoning ordinance overhaul

•

Conduct City owned land discussion

•

Redevelopment plan for vacant
properties

Lake Josephine

•

Rental review

•

Implement encroachment policy

AGENDA ITEM – 3D

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Julie Hanson, Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk

SUBJECT:

Deer Management Discussion

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should consider providing direction on actively pursuing deer management.
Background/Discussion
The City Council previously discussed this topic at the April 8, 2024 work session. Attached is a
copy of that memo (Attachment A) as well as the corresponding minutes (Attachment B) in which
following a short conversation Council consensus was to not move forward with deer management
at that time.
That said, Council recently asked to revisit this topic and staff reached out to Mike Goodnature,
Natural Resources Manager (NRM) with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, for more
information. NRM Goodnature indicated that Ramsey County performs controlled hunts in County
parks and County-owned open spaces only as part of a cooperative plan with the cities of
Maplewood, Roseville, St. Paul, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Township.
No formal agreement exists with the above cities, rather the County surveys (flies over) the
County’s parks and County open land in those cities generally in February/March to ascertain the
deer population and then makes a recommendation regarding deer control (a fall deer hunt
generally in October/November/December) based on the findings. If a certain threshold is met
necessitating the recommendation for a controlled hunt, NRM Goodnature reaches out to the
identified city for their formal approval before moving forward with organizing a controlled hunt,
which is performed in partnership with the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base.
Page 1 of 1

It should be noted that the County does not facilitate controlled hunts in City parks or City-owned
open spaces. It would be at the City’s discretion to pursue such on its own land and based on the
City’s ordinances (type of weapon used (firearm, bow, etc.) and space needed (some cities require
at least 3 acres); however, he also noted that most cities do not do so due to proximity generally of
City parks and City-owned open land to neighborhoods. This option can be explored directly with
the Metro Bowhunters Resource Base if the Council desires to learn more.
NRM Goodnature indicated that Tony Schmidt Park will be included in the February/March flight
survey and he will follow up with staff following its completion. Staff requested NRM Goodnature
be present at a spring City Council work session to discuss the survey results and for the
opportunity to ask questions and learn more directly from him regarding the process, and he was
very happy to attend a future meeting to provide information and field questions.
Attachments
Attachment A: 2026 Ramsey County Deer Survey Map
Attachment B: April 8, 2024 work session memo
Attachment C: April 8, 2024 work session minutes

Page 2 of 2

Attachment A
Attachment 1
2026 Aerial Deer Survey Map

Attachment B
AGENDA ITEM – 3D

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

April 8, 2024

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Dave Perrault, City Administrator

SUBJECT:

Deer Management

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should consider providing direction on actively pursuing deer management.
Background
Council has previously requested to discuss deer management at a worksession, this is being
brought forward this evening as there may be a timing issue with this year’s deer season. Council
is being asked if it wants to take a more active role in deer management. Currently, the DNR
does not do active deer management in Arden Hills, and our Animal Control Officer only
responds to wildlife that may be sick or injured or poses a threat to public safety. This issue can
be contentious as many members of the public enjoy having an active deer population, while
some view the deer as a nuisance to property, this can be especially true as the deer population
grows. The City itself does not monitor the deer population, so it can be difficult to gauge the
population size. We do know that other cities do take a more proactive role in deer management,
as does Ramsey County. In Attachment A, you’ll find the results of an aerial survey that Ramsey
County did in 2021, it notes the survey areas along with the number of deer reported.
Based on preliminary information, if the City wants to take a more active role in deer
management, it has two options the first being partnering with the USDA and the other being
partnering with the Metro Bowhunters Resources Base (MBRB).
The USDA option is used by North Oaks and Roseville and has been used by Ramsey County in
the past. This option offers a variety of deer control techniques from traps to sharpshooters.
Depending on the methods chosen, the USDA option comes with a price tag, North Oaks pays
over $50,000 for their sharpshooting option. Staff does not know the cost of the other options,
Page 1 of 2

but should Council be interested Staff can reach out for more information. It appears
sharpshooting is the most commonly used technique for cities.
The MBRB option is a local non-profit that uses qualified bow hunters for specially permitted
hunts within a City. This option does not cost the City any money. The link to the program can
be found below.
https://www.mbrb.org/
In either option, Council would need to designate the time and place for the hunts, which
generally happen in the fall and would be limited to City parks.
This evening’s discussion is intended to be the first of more discussions to come on deer
management. Should the Council want to learn more about these programs or have Staff look
into a specific one and bring back more information Council could direct Staff to do so; or
Council could decide it does not want to pursue active deer management.
Here is a link to Roseville’s resident information on their USDA deer management program:
https://www.cityofroseville.com/3745/2022-2023-Deer-Management
Here is a link to Brooklyn Park’s MBRB info for last year’s hunt:
https://www.brooklynpark.org/community-story/deer-management-in-brooklyn-park/
Budget Impact
There currently is no budget for deer management, and any budget impact would depend on what
option the City decided to pursue.
Attachment
Attachment A: 2021 County Aerial Deer Survey

Page 2 of 2

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ARDEN

HILLS

CITY COUNCIL

WORK

SESSION—

APRIL

8, 2024

7

Mayor Grant indicated he could support this. He appreciated how the information presented
would provide residents with a wide view of the City' s upcoming expenses and how the City was
planning to collect funds for its upcoming projects.
Councilmember Holden did not believe operating costs should be coming out of franchise fees.

Rather, franchise fees should be for trails or the fire station and operating costs should be coming
out of property taxes.

Mayor Grant indicated it would be great if the City received funding for the fire station from the
federal government and state funding for the trails. However, for the time being, the City had to
consider how to collect fees in order to cover its expenses for its proposed projects.
Councilmember Monson supported the City having more discussions regarding franchise fees
once the Council learns if there is an appetite for franchise fees from the public.
Mayor Grant asked if Councilmember Holden had any further questions regarding this item.
Councilmember

Holden indicated she appreciated

the fact the Council would be able to review

the financial presentation prior to it going out to the public.
E.

Deer Management

Mayor Grant asked if the Council supported moving forward with deer management and to
provide a thumbs up or a thumbs down.
Councilmember Monson stated she would like to have active deer management in Arden Hills.

Council consensus was for the City to not pursue deer management at this time.
Mayor Grant noted it was time to adjourn and prepare for the start of the regular City Council
meeting at 7: 00 pm. He stated depending on the length of that meeting, Council could reconvene
the work session following the regular meeting.
F.

Legislative

Priorities

and Processes

This item will be addressed by the Council at a future work session.
G. Committee/ Commission Liaison Roles and Responsibilities

This item will be addressed by the Council at a future work session.
H. Proclamation Policy

This item will be addressed by the Council at a future work session.
I.

Council Tracker

This item will be addressed by the Council

at a future

work session.

AGENDA ITEM – 3E

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

SUBJECT:

Immigration Enforcement Discussion

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should discuss the topic area below and provide direction to Staff on next steps.
Background
At the February 9th Work Session, the City Council requested a recurring work session agenda item to
allow for discussion on topics related to immigration enforcement. Subsequently at the July 13th Work
Session, Staff received feedback and direction from Council on the draft ordinance language for Use of
City Property. A draft ordinance is being brought forward to the September 28th City Council meeting
for consideration and adoption.
Below is the remaining topic that Council requested be brought back for discussion by the City
Council related to immigration enforcement.
• Sharing of Data and Access to City Buildings Policy
o Based on City Council direction at the March 9th and May 11th Work Sessions, staff will
be preparing a policy that will be brought forward to a future work session for
consideration.
Additionally, Council may discuss any particular topic(s) that should be brought forward under this
agenda item for future discussion.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A
Page 1 of 1

AGENDA ITEM – 3F

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

SUBJECT:

Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

For Council Consideration
Council will have the opportunity to comment on any TCAAP related items they so choose.
Background
N/A
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A

Page 1 of 1

AGENDA ITEM – 3G

MEMORANDUM
DATE:

September 28, 2026

TO:

Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers

FROM:

Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator

SUBJECT:

Agenda Planning

Budgeted Amount:
N/A

Actual Amount:
N/A

Funding Source:
N/A

Council Should Consider
Council should discuss its next Work Session agenda.
Background
Per Council’s adopted policy on agenda setting, please find the proposed agenda below for the
upcoming meeting.
October 12th Work Session
• 2027 Park Improvements Update
• MVHS/Janet Court Update
• City Festivals Discussion
• 2050 Comprehensive Plan
• Immigration Discussion
• Agenda Planning (time sensitive)
• RCC/TCAAP Discussion
October 26th Work Session
• Communications Plan Assessment Discussion
• Immigration Discussion
• Agenda Planning (time sensitive)
• RCC/TCAAP Discussion
Attachment A is the list of topics that have yet to be discussed by Council and the ranking of
priority topics. Staff will begin to work on the higher priority items into upcoming Work Sessions
Page 1 of 2

sooner while putting the lower priority items to later discussions. Please note, this does not reflect
all items at Work Sessions as Staff will have necessary items for discussion, such as, budget
discussions, concept plan reviews, or Public Works projects that need timely direction. Council
may want to discuss whether any items need to be added to this list for future discussion or assign
a future meeting for some of these items. This would need to be done by a majority consensus of
Council.
Below is a running list of things Staff brings forward to Work Session annually, in recent years,
we have shifted away from bringing some items forward unless needed, such as, the Pavement
Management Update from Public Works. Note, these timelines may shift year to year. Most items
discussed at Work Sessions are one-off items that may require multiple meetings but are usually
not recurring.
• January
o Legislative priorities
• February
o None
• March
o Initial guidance on current year Public Works projects
• April
o None
• May
o None
• June
o None
• July
o Capital improvement planning
• August
o Operating budgets
• September
o Operating budget and levy discussion
o Committee/Commission Work Plans
• October
o None
• November
o City-wide budget and fee schedule
o Follow up on next year’s Public Works projects
• December
o Committee and commission appointments
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
Attachment A: Council Priorities
Attachment B: Agenda Setting Policy

Page 2 of 2

Attachment A
Topic for Consideration

Likely Responsible Department

Total

Average

Majority Next Steps

Short-term Rental Ordinance

CD/Admin

15

3.00

Council WS

Rental Licensing Program

CD/Admin

15

3.00

Council WS

Funding for Lake Johanna Boulevard Trail

PW/Fin

9

1.80

Council WS

Climate Action Plan

Admin

9

1.80

Council WS

Code of Conduct

Admin

8

1.60

Council WS

Encroachment Discussion (2025)/Adopt A Spot

PW

8

1.60

Staff Recommendation

Cannabis Discussion

CD/Admin

8

1.60

Council WS

Energy Audit

Admin

7

1.40

Staff Recommendation

Temporary Goats/Buckthorn

Admin

7

1.40

Staff Recommendation

Buy Nothing Day/Clean Up Day

Admin

6

1.20

Staff Recommendation

Community Survey

Admin

6

1.20

Council WS

Committee/Commission Liaison Role Policy

Admin

5

1.00

Council WS

EV Fleet Analysis

PW

5

1.00

Staff Recommendation

Added Items:
Data Center Moratorium
Sponsorship Policy
E-Bike Regulations
Tree Removal Enforcement
Perry Park
Parks System Plan Implementation
Flock Cameras
Deer Management
Cannabis Zoning Code Regulations
Accessory Structures/Swimming Pools

Attachment B

CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
Agenda Setting Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish a method for agenda setting that allows for Council to
review and have control over its agendas and decide as a Council how it wants items for
consideration to be brought forward.
For regular worksession agendas:
• Prior to concluding each regularly scheduled worksession, the City Council shall review
its next regularly scheduled worksession agenda and direct Staff on any changes.
• Should an individual Councilmember want to raise an item for discussion at the next
meeting or in the future, they would do so during this review period. The item would
need at least one other Councilmember to agree to having the item considered for future
discussion, and then Council, by majority, would direct to have it placed on a future
agenda or not.
• Staff will have flexibility to add or remove items to the worksession as needed to
maintain operational efficacy.
For regular City Council meeting agendas:
• Agendas will be largely Staff driven based on approvals needed for normal operations.
• Items coming from the City Council shall first be discussed at a worksession and can
direct Staff at said worksession to bring items forward for formal approval if needed.
• In rare instances, if a Councilmember brings forward an item that needs approval prior to
going to a worksession, they may request the City Administrator add the item to the
agenda. The City Administrator shall have the discretion to determine if the issue should
be added or not, but Councilmembers will make every effort to having the item first
discussed at a worksession.
Special meetings and emergency meetings:
• Special meetings and emergency meetings may still be called at the discretion of the
Mayor or any two Councilmembers, and the members calling the meeting shall set the
agenda.