Critical Corridors Programs

Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Pre-Development Planning program assists local communities in preparing for equitable redevelopment and public realm improvements along transit, economic, and cultural corridors. This program aims to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle, and transit access to connect residents to housing, jobs and destinations while furthering environmental, public health, racial equity and economic prosperity goals.

Who can apply

Cities, housing authorities, economic development authorities, port authorities, watershed districts and community-based nonprofit organizations in Ramsey County.

Available funding 

Applicants may request a grant up to $50,000 in funding. Activities funded by this program must be completed by July 1, 2024.  

• View 2023 Pre-Development Planning program guidelines (PDF)

Ramsey County’s Commercial Corridor Initiative program strengthens suburban small business districts by investing in pathways to entrepreneurship for racially and ethnically diverse communities and supporting thriving main streets

Who can apply 

Suburban Ramsey County entities including cities, associated development authorities, business coalitions, and chambers of commerce.

Funding 

Applicants may request a grant up to $50,000 in funding. Activities funded by this program must be completed by July 1, 2024.

• View 2023 Commercial Corridor Initiative program guidelines (PDF)

Last updated Fall 2022

The Ramsey County Development & Infrastructure Grant funds inclusive redevelopment and public infrastructure within transit, economic and cultural corridors. The program supports efficient land use and compact built form to enhance connectivity between housing, jobs, retail and services, while creating walkable environments.

Who can apply

Developers (for-profit or non-profit), government agencies and related development authorities for redevelopment and new construction of commercial, housing and mixed-use development around major transportation corridors.

Available funding 

Applicants may request grants up to $500,000 with a projected expenditure date of December 31, 2024.

View 2022 Development + Infrastructure grant guidelines (PDF)

Depending on the project, Ramsey County may recommend funding in the form of a loan rather than a grant.

How are these programs funded? How much funding is available? 

The Critical Corridors programs are funded through the Ramsey County Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy. There is approximately $100,000 available for each of the two spring solicitations, Pre-Development Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative. 

Is there a match requirement? 

There is no match requirement, however evidence of match may lead to a more competitive application.  

Can I submit multiple applications? 

Yes, organizations may submit multiple applications. Because most project proposals only fit the eligibility criteria of one program, please contact staff to discuss if you are not sure which program is appropriate for your project. There are some situations where two applications might be better, for example if the projects originate from different departments of the same organization. In other situations, one application may be appropriate, for example if the same staff member(s) within an organization are working on multiple projects. 

How is award amount decided? Is there a minimum award? 

During the evaluation process, the funding request will be assessed by the evaluation panel within the context of total project funds committed, feasibility and readiness, and HA funding available. There is no minimum request or award amount. 

What is the evaluation process for this program? 

Applications will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary group of reviewers that may include staff members from Ramsey County Community and Economic Development, Public Works and Multi-Modal Planning, and Environmental Health, as well as representatives from other relevant organizations.  

How will applications be scored? 

Applications will be evaluated for baseline eligibility, alignment with Ramsey County goals (including the Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan and Equitable Development Framework), and in accordance with the Strategic & Selection Priorities for each program (listed in the program guidelines documents). In addition, factors such as project readiness and geographic location may be considered. 

Is there a pre-application process? 

No, there is not a pre-application process. However, we encourage applicants to get in touch with city staff to discuss potential projects when city approval will be necessary for the project. 

What entities are eligible apply for Commercial Corridor Initiative grants? 

Commercial Corridor Initiative funding is only available for projects located in suburban Ramsey County. Eligible applicant entities include suburban cities, business associations, and chambers of commerce. 

When will the next Critical Corridors solicitation take place? 

The next Critical Corridors solicitation will be for Development & Infrastructure proposals in Fall 2023. The next solicitations for Pre-Development Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative will be in 2024. 

How do I know if my project is in an eligible corridor? 

Please refer to the Critical Corridors Eligible Areas Map to see if your site or project area is in an eligible corridor. All areas in green are considered eligible. 

Can we get these funds for permitting, environmental studies, architectural drawings, etc. related to the new construction of a building, or do we have to wait for the fall round? 

A pre-application meeting with staff may be the best way to get this question answered. Depending on the stage and scope of the project, activities could be eligible under the Pre-Development Planning program. However, Pre-Development Planning typically does not cover soft costs such as permitting or architectural drawings. It also does not cover environmental studies, which will be eligible under the forthcoming Ramsey County Environmental Response Fund (ERF) PLUS program. There may also be other funding sources both within Ramsey County, such as the Environmental Response Fund (ERF), or with other public agencies, such as Met Council Livable Communities or DEED (Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development), that might be more appropriate. 

Could you give a summary of what the Development & Infrastructure solicitation will cover? 

The Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure solicitation, planned for Fall 2023, covers the extraordinary costs of housing, commercial, or mixed-use redevelopment projects, public site infrastructure improvements, and strategic property acquisition (for public agencies only). The 2022 solicitation guidelines are available on the Critical Corridors program webpage. We expect the 2023 solicitation to have similar guidelines. 

Have you considered moving Development & Infrastructure program to line up to Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) timing? 

Because the Development & Infrastructure program covers redevelopment projects that include commercial and mixed-use development, as well as housing, we do not align it with MHFA. Ramsey County’s Housing Development solicitation, however, is timed to line up with MHFA programs and is likely a more appropriate source of funding for housing developments, especially deeply affordable housing. That said, we will consider any feedback we receive on preferred timing of the Development & Infrastructure and other solicitations. 

Can you provide info on Met Council funding? 

The Metropolitan Council offers Livable Communities Grants that cover a variety of activities including pre-development, environmental remediation, housing development, transit-oriented development, policy development and more. More information can be found on their webpage. 

For any other questions, please contact Ella Mitchell.