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2026 Notice of Funding Availability This 2026 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) describes the Metropolitan Council's intentions to fund policy and affordable housing program development projects at various stages through the Livable Communities grant program in 2026. Specifically, this notice: • Establishes the amount and type of funding available for the 2026 award year and the limits that apply to individual awards. • Defines who is eligible to apply. • Sets the schedule for application submittal, review, and award. • Describes the criteria the Metropolitan Council will use in project selection. The Livable Communities program also funds Small Area Planning and Development Projects. Background and Purpose In the 1995 session, the Minnesota Legislature enabled the Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Fund (Minn. Stat. �473.251). As a result, the Livable Communities grant program advances the regional development guide by increasing housing choice, improving safety, and helping ensure that residents can meet their needs in their community. The Livable Communities program helps local governments • Set the conditions for development through policy development and small area planning • Support development projects that add affordable housing, create community -centered commercial spaces, or clean up contaminated land. Eligible Applicants Applicants must be a city, township, county, or development authority (Minn. Stat. § 473.252, subd. 1) within the 7-county metropolitan area (Minn. Stat. § 473.121, subd. 2) that has enrolled in the Livable Communities program and is in good standing (Minn. Stat. § 473.254, subd. 1-4). Individuals or private and nonprofit organizations are not eligible applicants but are welcome to partner with an eligible applicant on projects. PAGE - 2 1 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL I LIVABLE COMMUNITIES I NOTICE OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY