Hennepin County approves $2 million pilot to curb displacement ahead of Blue Line Extension
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Sign Up Free
Summary
The county authorized up to $2 million in pilot funding for an Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program aimed at preserving affordable housing, jobs and small businesses along the Blue Line Extension corridor; staff said awards will require local match and built-in evaluation.
Hennepin County commissioners voted Nov. 13 to approve up to $2,000,000 in pilot funding for an Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program (ACPP) designed to reduce displacement pressure along the Blue Line Extension corridor ahead of construction.
County staff told the board the $2 million is part of a larger $10 million pool identified for anti-displacement work. The pilot will fund contracts spanning housing stability, small-business support, job training and real-estate stabilization across communities along the corridor; staff expect grant recipients to identify matching funds from philanthropic and other non-state sources.
Kaye Adam, who presented the item, said roughly 13 contracts have been identified across housing, business and real-estate stability pillars and "they cover all of the cities along that corridor." Commissioners asked how the county will track results. Adam and program staff said they are developing an evaluation plan in coordination with the county's internal evaluators (SPY) to build accountability and learning into contract language.
Commissioners praised the program as a community-led approach and asked for regular briefings on metrics and eligibility. Staff said the ACPP board and Hennepin County administration are also seeking philanthropic partners to help organizations meet match requirements.
The motion to approve the $2 million pilot funding carried by voice vote. Staff said the program is intended as a pilot and that evaluation results will inform future funding decisions and possible expansion.