Critical Corridors Programs
Ramsey County's Critical Corridors programs offer assistance to qualifying public, private and nonprofit organizations for place-based investments along major transportation, commercial and cultural corridors. The programs are fully funded by the Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy. Eligible projects or activities seeking funding must align with the county's Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan and Equitable Development Framework.
Overall program goals
- Boost connectivity between housing, jobs, retail, services and transportation.
- Create more compact, walkable environments.
- Enhance pedestrian access and safety in connection with redevelopment.
- Support vibrant business districts.
Selection priorities
Redevelopment projects that:
- Intensify land use along key corridors, especially those that reduce space used for parking and improve access to transit.
- Facilitate the development of multifamily housing, such as zoning changes .
- Promote development activity in disinvested areas.
- Improve pedestrian or bicycle infrastructure.
- Propel nearby development without displacing current residents or small businesses.
Funding solicitation
Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative solicitations will publish March 6. Responses are due April 3.
How to apply
Applications for funding are accepted twice, per year:
- Spring (Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative programs)
- Fall (Development + Infrastructure program)
See guidelines for each program for an understanding of requirements. Applications must be submitted via ZoomGrants by the deadline and contain all required components to be eligible for review. Awarded projects will be announced following Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board approval.
A pre-application meeting with staff, while not required, is highly recommended to ensure eligibility and program fit. Please email Ella Mitchell or Carmel San Juan to schedule a meeting prior to submitting an application.
Planning program
Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Planning program (formerly known as 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 June 30, 2025.
Commercial Corridor Initiative program
Ramsey County’s Commercial Corridor Initiative program strengthens suburban small business districts by supporting thriving main streets and investing in pathways to entrepreneurship for racially and ethnically diverse communities.
Who can apply
Suburban Ramsey County entities including cities, associated development authorities, business coalitions, chambers of commerce and nonprofits.
Funding
Applicants may request a grant up to $50,000 in funding. Activities funded by this program must be completed by June 30, 2025.
Development + Infrastructure program
Solicitation anticipated Fall 2024
Ramsey County’s Critical Corridors Development & Infrastructure program is a redevelopment funding program that facilitates inclusive redevelopment and public infrastructure within transit, economic, and cultural corridors. The program supports projects that incorporate efficient land use and compact built form in order to connect residents to housing, jobs, retail, and services, while creating walkable environments.
Who can apply
Developers (for-profit or nonprofit), government agencies and related development authorities.
Available funding
Applicants may request grants up to $500,000 with a projected expenditure date of December 31, 2025.
Depending on the project, Ramsey County may recommend funding in the form of a loan rather than a grant.
Frequently asked questions
Are there specific areas that are considered Critical Corridor sites, and if so, where do we find this information?
Please view the Critical Corridors eligibility map and use the search bar at the top to enter the address of a potential site/project and see if it is within a designated corridor, marked in green.
Have new eligible corridors been added to the map?
No, these are the same eligible corridors as last round (August 2022). If there are other corridors that you would suggest be added, please email Carmel San Juan and that can be considered for the next round of funding.
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.
Can these funds be used for permitting, environmental studies, architectural drawings, etc. related to the new construction of a building, or do we have to wait for the fall Development & Infrastructure round?
The Planning program does not cover pre-development soft costs such as permitting or architectural drawings. It also does not cover environmental studies, which are eligible under Ramsey County’s Site Assessment Grant program. There may also be other funding sources within Ramsey County, such as the Environmental Response Fund or Emerging and Diverse Developers program, or with other public agencies that might be more appropriate. If you have more specific questions, please email Carmel San Juan.
Where can I find out about other funding opportunities?
Please sign up for the Community & Economic Development department newsletter to learn about future Ramsey County CED funding opportunities.
Is any weight given to use of matching funds in the evaluation process?
Matching funds are not required, but they may be considered as part of evaluation.
Are partial awards given to funding requests?
Yes, partial awards may be recommended for funding.
How will applications be scored?
Applications will be evaluated for: (1) Project Outcomes & Opportunity; (2) Placemaking & Transit-Oriented Development/Public Realm; (3) Community Engagement & Racial Equity; (4) Capacity & Readiness; and (5) Overall Application and alignment with Ramsey County goals. See the program guidelines documents in the related resources section of the program webpage.
Beyond being eligible and meeting some of the selection priorities, what’s the selection process and what makes an application competitive?
The selection process will entail a panel of staff reviewers from different County departments. The reviewers will make recommendations to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board for approval. A competitive application would align with overall Critical Corridors program goals and Development & Infrastructure Strategic and Selection Priorities, as outlined in the program guidelines. Parity in HRA levy funding between the City of St. Paul and suburban Ramsey County may also be considered.
Is this a reimbursable grant or will expenses need to be paid upfront and then seek reimbursement?
Award recipients will need to pay for expenses upfront and then seek reimbursement. Activities completed prior to grant award are not eligible for reimbursement. Award decisions will be announced mid-May/June of this year.
| Timeline (Spring 2024) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Commercial Corridor Initiative solicitation webinar |
March 4 |
|
|
Solicitation published |
March 6 |
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| Response deadline | April 3 | |
| Funding award decision |
June 2024 |
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