Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Program

Technical assistance is provided through contracted partners NEOO, Urban Land Institute Minnesota and Baker Tilly. Together, they'll provide parties with one-on-one support and cohort group learning to be able to apply for future Ramsey County funding solicitations. Ramsey County staff and partners will help determine participants eligibility, based on where they are in their housing development journey and/or housing project(s). Submit an intake form to be connected with our technical assistance partners.

Submit intake form

Please note: Receiving technical assistance does not give preference in any upcoming solicitation, but it can provide the support needed in order to obtain funding through Ramsey County's competitive solicitation processes.

The program is available to an individual or entity that has owned and/or developed no more than five housing properties, including mixed-use, in the state of Minnesota in the last 10 years as a sole proprietor or under other business entities. An attestation form must be signed which should list any projects that a participant of the program has owned or been affiliated with.

Ramsey County aims to address racial barriers in real estate, providing emerging and diverse developers with a fair and equal opportunity to thrive in the early stages of the development process. To achieve this goal, Ramsey County seeks to:

Create an inclusive space where innovative ideas can flourish.
Cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration, mentorship and the exploration of fresh perspectives and ideas.
Celebrate commitment to making a positive impact on the local housing industry.

Ramsey County will begin accepting applications for the 2023 Emerging and Diverse Developers Solicitation on Sept. 5 for the for the acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing units. The solicitation will remain open through Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. 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 the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board approval in December 2023.

• View official solicitation notice (PDF)

This solicitation closed Oct. 31, 2023.

Interested emerging and diverse developers are encouraged to apply for additional funding for projects through Ramsey County’s development solicitations when available. Subscribe to the Community & Economic Development newsletter to receive updates about other development opportunities and solicitations. 

Please note: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Before applying, potential applicants are encouraged to receive technical assistance. Technical assistance is not required, but highly recommended to ensure eligibility.

2023 EDD solicitation 

• View Aug. 17 & 24 information session PowerPoint (PDF)
• View Sept. 7 webinar Youtube video
• ⁠View Sept. 7 webinar PowerPoint presentation (PDF)
• View Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)