State invests displacement program along blue line extension [Video]

The Minnesota legislature has appropriated $10 million to fund the Anti-Displacement Community Prosperity Program.

The program will target neighborhoods, small businesses and homes along the proposed METRO Blue Line Extension route to stabilize and protect them before, during, and after construction of the $3 billion project.

The state funding requires a financial match to maximize its investment. The Blue Line Anti-Displacement Work Group, a 27-member community-led board, will seek matching funds from other government sources, foundations and private groups and will coordinate and oversee how the money is spent.

“This money will be a way to show how we can do development differently,” said Rep. Esther Agbaje, (DFL – District 59B) the House author of the bill who represents North Minneapolis where the proposed line will run.

“When new infrastructure comes in, it’s unfortunate that it has the ability to push people away. This anti-displacement fund is to prevent gentrification. …