Planning assistance grants are made available to assist communities with updating their local comprehensive plans. The Council establishes eligibility to apply for grants to target communities most in need of financial assistance to complete their local plans. Grants are not competitive.

• To meet eligibility requirements, communities must meet the following criteria:


• 2015 NTC per capita amount less than or equal to median NTC per capita ($1,213.78) -AND-
• Forecasted growth from 2010 to 2040 is greater than or equal to the median percent forecasted growth (24.4%) –AND-
• Cities of the First Class (Minn. Stat. 410.01) are ineligible to participate in the Program -OR-
• 2014 Population Estimate less than or equal to 5,000 –AND-
• 2015 NTC per capita amount less than or equal to 125% regional median NTC per capita ($1,517.22)


• Map of Communities Eligible for grant funds
• List of Eligible Communities with Award Amounts
• Application materials are available to eligible communities now, at metrocouncilgrants.org. First-time users will need to register with WebGrants to access the program materials. Contact Lisa Barajas (651-602-1895) or your sector representative for more information. Applications are due by September 5, 2016.

As a new service for the 2018 planning cycle, the Council is offering direct GIS mapping services for Future Land Use mapping to communities meeting eligibility requirements. Our aim is to assist communities with fewer available resources, offer the expertise and time of our GIS staff (free of charge), and focus on mapping Future Land Use for the Local Comprehensive Plan Updates.

• To meet eligibility requirements, communities must not be a part of a County Collaboration and have BOTH:


• A 2015 net tax capacity (NTC) per capita amount less than or equal to the median NTC per capita, and
• A population of less than 5,000 people.


• Map of Communities Eligible for mapping services.
• To apply for this free service, a letter of intent is required. Use the Sample Letter of Intent for your convenience.
• Your Sector Rep is the point of contact for this service and will be able to answer any questions.

The 1995 Livable Communities Act (LCA) funds community investment that revitalizes economies, creates affordable housing, and links different land uses and transportation. LCA’s voluntary, incentive-based approach leverages partnerships and shared resources to help communities achieve regional and local goals.

• Livable Communities Program information
• Map of Participating Communities