Federal housing grants

Hennepin County receives federal funding for a variety of housing related programs. This funding supports both community development and affordable housing.

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Hennepin County uses the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help meet the goals and priorities in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan in suburban Hennepin County cities. The Cities of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, and Plymouth receive their CDBG directly from HUD.

Resources and additional information on the eligible activities for CDBG can be found on the HUD Exchange on the HUD Exchange webpage.

Expanding the impact of CDBG

On behalf of the Urban County, Hennepin County allocates some CDBG program funds directly to certain cities (Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, and Maple Grove), and awards the remainder through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) in the first quarter of each year with set-asides for specific kinds of projects -- one for social services, one for capital funds, and one for fair housing activities.

The 2026 RFPs were structured to expand the impact of the CDBG program to meet the needs of residents across suburban Hennepin County. All CDBG activities must meet national objectives and meet a priority need of the drafted Five-Year Consolidated Plan for suburban Hennepin County. Those needs are:

• Increase and preserve affordable housing choice for renters at or below 50% AMI, with highest priority for households at or below 30% AMI, and for homeowners/homebuyers at or below 80% AMI, with highest priority for homeowners/homebuyers at or below 60% AMI
• Prevent homelessness and increase housing stability, prioritizing households at or below 30% AMI
• Create Housing Opportunities for Homeless Populations
• Economic Development
• Promote, target, and/or reduce access barriers for all activities to Black, Indigenous, and people of color and people with low and moderate incomes.

In addition, all activities must meet requirements from the CDBG program manual (PDF, 1MB).

Public services activities

The public services set aside is intended to fund public service activities that provide quality housing, ensure a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income families and individuals in suburban Hennepin County. Eligible public services include (but are not limited to) emergency assistance, tenant advocacy, and family, youth, and senior services.

RFP application is now closed.

Public Facilities/Infrastructure projects

The public facilities/infrastructure projects set aside will fund activities such as rehabilitation of public facilities and municipal infrastructure improvements projects, and other community development activities serving low and moderate income households.

Cities, for-profit or non-profit organizations, or the County may apply on their own or in partnership. 

RFP application is now closed.

Affordable housing projects

The affordable housing projects set aside will fund activities such as rehabilitation of rental housing, acquisition and rehabilitation of homes to create affordable homeownership opportunities, and homebuyer assistance serving low- and moderate-income households.

CDBG funding for affordable housing is available as part of an annual coordinated request for proposals (RFP).

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) is a flexible federal grant program that allows Hennepin County to fund affordable housing activities to help meet the goals and priorities in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan in suburban Hennepin County cities.

To review federal regulations for the HOME Program, visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. For additional program guidelines search 24 CFR Part 92.

Current HOME funded projects are listed on the Housing plans and outcomes page.

Applying for HOME funds

An RFP for HOME funds is released through Hennepin County's annual coordinated affordable housing development RFP. 

HOME rental ongoing compliance

Compliance of the HOME regulations is conducted through an annual monitoring process. The rental compliance guide (PDF, 1MB) provides general information on HOME regulations, the Consortium requirements, and the required annual monitoring forms for projects assisted with HOME funding.

• Lease addendum (PDF, 1MB)
• 2023 HOME program limits (PDF, 1MB)
• 2024 HOME program limits (PDF, 1MB)
• 2025 HOME program limits (PDF, 1MB)

HOME Investment Partnerships Program contact

Omar Martinez
omar.martinez@hennepin.us
612-543-4342