In This Issue:
Livable Communities Programs: Feedback Due by August 8
The Metropolitan Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Livable Communities Act (LCA) grant programs for 2026. The draft plan includes expansions of eligible projects to include small area development plans that align with regional goals, simplification of the structure to enable development projects to submit one application for all activities which they are seeking funding (going from 9 entry points to one), streamlining scoring to make it more transparent and to ensure a variety of project types are competitive, and enabling smaller and more suburban applications to be more competitive through an updated scoring rubric. You can view the July 7 presentation slides HERE, and the report HERE. To provide feedback take the survey HERE.
Solar on Public Buildings Grant Funding
The Minnesota Dept. of Commerce is actively seeking applications for the Minnesota Statewide Solar on Public Buildings grant program. This program was established in 2023 and provides grants to stimulate the installation of solar energy systems on or adjacent to public buildings. There is $14.5 million total available for these grants. Cities are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until November 14, 2025, or if the Dept. of Commerce announces that all funds have been committed, whichever occurs first. The department anticipates responding to applicants within two weeks of their submittal.
Grants will be awarded for 70% of the project costs for a solar array built on or adjacent to a public building and is the lesser of 40kW system capacity or 120% of the building’s annual energy consumption. Selected proposals are required to file for the 48E Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit via Direct Pay for project costs not covered by the MN Commerce/SPB grant.
Visit the Commerce RFP website to view the posting and application instructions. For questions about the program and application process, email, [email protected]. All questions will be answered in the Solar on Public Buildings FAQ and made available on the Solar on Public Buildings webpage.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.