FY26 Community Project Funding (Spring 2025)

Community Project Funding

Community Project Funding, an updated version of Congressional “earmarks” are a form of grant where Members of Congress request federal funding for a limited number of projects in their communities. These projects bring direct financial support to projects that make a real difference in the lives of constituents.

Each cycle, entities in Rep. Omar’s district are invited to apply for this funding opportunity. Rep. Omar then chooses which of the projects to advance for funding based on those applications. Please note that not all projects are eligible for this funding; the House majority determines the types of projects that are eligible each cycle, and Rep. Omar can only advance the projects that meet those criteria.

The projects that Rep. Omar selects will demonstrate strong community support, advance equity in her district, and are geographically spread throughout our communities. Please also note that our office encourages and will be selecting projects that are well into the planning process – “shovel-ready projects” – which are most likely to be approved for funding by the Committee.

FY26 Community Project Funding (Spring 2025)

The application window for FY26 CPF funding through Rep. Omar's office is closed. Please see below for the projects were chosen for the FY26 cycle.

The 15 projects below were submitted to the Appropriations Committee by Rep. Omar in May 2025 for the FY26 CPF cycle (in no particular order).

Generation Hope Justice Empowerment Initiative

Requesting Entity, Address: Generation Hope - 326 Cedar Ave South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454
Amount Requested: $1,460,877
Account: Commerce, Justice, & Science - Byrne Justice

The funding would be used for targeted reentry support in Minneapolis including job-specific training, computer skills development, peer support services, and access to education, so that participants are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for workforce success. The initiative integrates a tailored support model with practical job training through partnering with certified apprenticeship programs to provide participants with industry-recognized certifications. Their wraparound services also address addiction recovery, mental health, and housing, ensuring individuals have the comprehensive support they need reenter the economy and community.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minnesota rely on having educational and developmental opportunities to strengthen the workforce and uplift the community. It will help tackle the opioid crisis by combining this workforce readiness programming with addiction recovery, mental health, and housing support. Funding for this organization would reduce recidivism and addiction while enabling greater opportunities for sustainable employment in the city, helping capable workers grow in their skills and education.

Generation Hope FY26 Member Certification Letter

New Hope Sanitary Sewer Lining

Requesting Entity, Address: City of New Hope - 4401 Xylon Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
Amount Requested: $1,440,000
Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Clean Water State Revolving Fund

The funding would be used for the installation of a cured-in-place pipe in sanitary sewers within New Hope. This project is a proactive measure to renew the structurally deficient infrastructure and mitigate significant potential risks to community health.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of New Hope, MN rely on the sanitary sewer infrastructure as a public good. This project will ensure the continued quality of life for the residents of Minnesota’s 5th District.

New Hope FY26 Member Certification Letter

Richfield Emergency Water Interconnect

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Richfield - 6700 Portland Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423
Amount Requested: $4,000,000
Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

The funding would be used for a drinking water infrastructure project that will hydraulically connect the drinking water systems of Richfield and Minneapolis. The project involves the installation of an 18-inch water supply line from Minneapolis' transmission watermain to an interconnection point with Richfield's distribution system. The project will diversify and protect source water supplies to ensure long-term sustainability.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Richfield rely on the city to provide safe and clean water infrastructure to safeguard the community’s health, safety, and economic stability. The project also provides a public good by protecting the city’s natural resources and contributing to public safety and quality of life for its residents.

Richfield FY26 Member Certification Letter

Spring Lake Park Stormwater Resiliency Project

Requesting Entity, Address: Spring Lake Park - 1301 81st Ave NE, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
Amount Requested: $896,000
Account: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies - EPA, Clean Water State Revolving Fund

The funding would be used to enhance Spring Lake Park’s resilience to the increasing incidence of severe weather. The project will address the deficiencies of the existing stormwater pipes, which are now significantly undersized for current rainstorm conditions, by installing critical stormwater infiltration areas throughout the city. These improvements will mitigate flooding, protect properties and public infrastructure, and improve stormwater quality by effectively filtering pollutants before they enter local waterways.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Spring Lake Park rely on the city to provide safe and storm-resistant public infrastructure to safeguard the community’s health, safety, and economic stability. The project also provides a public good by protecting the city’s natural resources and contributing to public safety and quality of life for its residents.

Spring Lake Park FY26 Member Certification Letter

Brooklyn Center STEAM Elementary Community Schoolyard

Requesting Entity, Address: Independent School District 286, Brooklyn Center Community Schools - 5910 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Amount Requested: $1,500,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for transforming Brooklyn Center Elementary’s schoolyard into a vibrant nature-rich Community Schoolyard. Community schoolyards are outdoor spaces reimagined through a community-led process that are open to the public during non-school hours. Funds from this request would be dedicated to Phase 2 capital site improvement costs, including a renovated multipurpose field, shading, playground, outdoor classroom, nature play area, play plaza, basketball court, walking loop, native vegetation, rain gardens, and other nature-based improvements—all amenities that students and neighbors identified as high priority.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because students, families, and residents of Brooklyn Center rely on schools to provide access to robust and safe learning spaces that will contribute to the development of the social and emotional skills of their community. Over 3,000 neighbors in a 10-minute walk and almost 900 students at the school will benefit from expanded play and recreation areas, shading, trees, and green infrastructure, providing a public good to the taxpayers of Brooklyn Center.

Brooklyn Center FY26 Member Certification Letter

Columbia Heights Municipal Vehicle Facility Reconstruction

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Columbia Heights - 3989 Central Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Amount Requested: $3,844,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for redeveloping the old municipal service center’s vehicle maintenance facility as there are key structural issues in the current space. This request represents a portion of the overall $30 million public works facility rebuild; funds from this request would go towards capital costs limited to the vehicle maintenance facility that does not include municipal office space. The reconstruction will replace the facility’s Vehicle Maintenance Area to allow for maintenance of the City’s critical municipal vehicle fleet, including snowplows, street sweepers, pothole patchers, dump trucks, and more. The project will also allow for removal of conditions that pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of the residents.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because residents of Columbia Heights rely on the City’s municipal vehicle fleet for critical city functions such as snow plowing, street sweeping, and pothole repair, as a public good. The reconstruction will support these needed services while ensuring safe, functional, and accessible spaces for personnel, free from the risks posed by the deteriorating infrastructure.

Columbia Heights FY26 Member Certification Letter

Crystal MAC Wildlife Area Phase 3 Trail and Boardwalk Walking Loop

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Crystal - 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN 55422.
Amount Requested: $1,750,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used to complete Phase 3 of the larger project - a 1.1-mile ADA-compliant walking loop around a pond at the wildlife area. This project will construct 3,350 linear feet (LF) of gravel path, 660 LF of reconstructed boardwalk, and 550 LF of new boardwalk. Two phases of this project have been completed with non-federal funds, but the loop is still not fully accessible. Phase 3 will complete the project, making the entire trail loop accessible.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because completing this accessible trail route will allow significantly better walking access for residents of this low-to-moderate income part of the city and those with mobility impairments. Additionally, the trail loop allows residents of these communities to easily connect to natural resource-based experiences like walking and birding located close to home.

Crystal FY26 Member Certification Letter

Fridley Northtown Railyard Overpass Connector

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Fridley - 7071 University Ave. NE, Fridley, MN, 55432
Amount Requested: $3,000,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development: DOT - Highway Infrastructure Projects

The funding would be used for the construction of a roadway connection and overpass of the BNSF Northtown Yard, the largest railyard in MN. The project will extend 57th Avenue over the railyard with a bridge that will carry a two-lane roadway and 10-foot shared-use paths on both sides. The project also includes a roundabout at the intersection of 57th Avenue and Main Street NE.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will improve connectivity for low-income residents of the Fridley community on the west side of the railyard to the retail, commercial and light industrial spaces on the east. This project provides job opportunities, access to essential services, and connects the community to the regional transit network, trail system, and pedestrian and bicycle network.

Fridley FY26 Member Certification Letter

Golden Valley East Fire Station

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Golden Valley, located at 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN, 55427.
Amount Requested: $3,400,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for the construction of Golden Valley’s new municipal fire station that will allow for 24/7 staffing. Golden Valley currently serves 22,000+ residents without any overnight staffing capacity. This request is especially timely considering a significant recent increase in the number of emergency calls responded to by the department. Funds associated with this request would go towards limited capital costs such as firefighter dorm spaces and decontamination stations for equipment and personnel.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the residents of Golden Valley, MN, rely on the City to provide public safety services to maintain their quality of life. The station will allow for considerably increased response times, improving outcomes for residents, and increased safety for personnel and residents alike.

Golden Valley FY26 Member Certification Letter

Hennepin County Emergency Shelter System

Requesting Entity, Address: Hennepin County - 300 6th Street South, Minneapolis, MN 55487
Amount Requested: $5,000,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for the new Agate Housing and Services emergency shelter, which is designed to give people the services they need to move on to permanent housing. The current emergency shelters have operated at capacity for many years. Designed with the direct input of shelter guests, the new shelter will provide for 54 guests with overflow if needed. It will better serve guests in a safer, more comfortable sleeping layout with six-person rooms versus large, congregate, traditional shelter structure and give outreach workers new spaces to connect with those resistant to shelter with 24-hour staffing to support guests' needs for services.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minneapolis, MN are experiencing increased homelessness, and this project prototypes a better emergency shelter model for families, low-income residents, and others who are in need of long-term housing.

Hennepin County FY26 Member Certification Letter

City of Hilltop Emergency Tornado Shelter

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Hilltop - 4555 Jackson Street NE, Hilltop, MN 55421
Amount Requested: $2,600,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used to build a 6,000 sq. ft. Emergency Tornado Shelter to improve public safety for residents of manufactured homes which dominate the community. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the housing units in the community are manufactured homes which are extremely vulnerable to tornadoes and other extreme weather. Established decades before shelters became mandatory, none of the parks in Hilltop have formal tornado shelters, they have evacuation plans in lieu of shelters. The only shelter in the community in the basement of City Hall is not handicap accessible and has a capacity far below the number of Hilltop residents.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Hilltop, MN rely on public facilities to enhance their public safety, especially in this low-income community dominated by manufactured housing.

Hilltop FY26 Member Certification Letter

Minneapolis – Logan Park Rail Crossing Improvements

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Minneapolis - 350 S 5th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Amount Requested: $1,804,000
Account: THUD – DOT, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements

The funding would be used to improve the infrastructure of two critical railroad crossings in Northeast Minneapolis that are situated in rapidly redeveloping areas with increasing pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Upgrading these crossings will include the installation of modernized crossing signals and gates, and improved panels and roadway surfaces which will reduce the risk of collisions and related injuries and fatalities, improving safety and functionality for drivers, pedestrians, and for the associated freight rail service.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the taxpayers of Minneapolis, MN, rely on the City to provide safe, updated intersections that maximize functionality for everyone who utilizes those crossings.

City of Minneapolis FY26 Member Certification Letter

Robbinsdale Public Works Building

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Robbinsdale - 4100 Lake Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN, 55422
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for the construction of a new municipal public works building to replace their current 1950’s facility which is no longer operational. Funds would go towards limited capital costs of the new building including a new Central Repair Garage, Cold/Salt/Material Storage, Divisional Workshop, and Stormwater Treatment areas of the overall site.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the residents of Robbinsdale, MN rely on the City to provide public works services to maintain their quality of life, including repair and maintenance of their public utilities such as roads, water systems, sewers, parks, and more.

Robbinsdale FY26 Member Certification Letter

St. Anthony Public Safety Facility

Requesting Entity, Address: City of Saint Anthony Village, 3301 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony, MN, 55418
Amount Requested: $1,517,514
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for the construction of a new municipal public safety facility to accommodate the City’s fire and police departments, which are currently housed in separate, aging buildings that are unable to meet growing staff and resource demands. The major driver of the increased need is that the City already provides public safety services to one neighboring municipality and, in 2024, agreed to provide services to another – substantially increasing their service population and the demand for quality resources and equipment for staff. Funds associated with this request would go towards limited capital costs such as officer and firefighter locker rooms, fitness area, and training rooms, as well as municipal storage facilities for items like traffic safety equipment.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the residents of St. Anthony Village, MN, as well as the neighboring constituencies they serve, rely on the City to provide public safety services to maintain their quality of life.

St. Anthony Village FY26 Member Certification Letter

St. Louis Park - Oxford Louisiana Area Infrastructure Investment

Requesting Entity, Address: City of St. Louis Park, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN, 55416
Amount Requested: $2,000,000
Account: Transportation, Housing, & Urban Development - Economic Development Initiatives (THUD-EDI)

The funding would be used for reconstruction of the regionally and locally significant Oxford Street and Louisiana Avenue area in St. Louis Park. The Oxford Louisiana area has experienced recurring flooding over recent decades and is in urgent need of repair. These roadways were constructed in 1973 and have far exceeded their design life. Reconstruction is necessary because routine maintenance activities such as bituminous overlays and crack seals are no longer cost-effective. Funds from this request would go towards restoration of the intersection and construction of a roundabout at Oxford and Louisiana.

The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because residents of St. Louis Park rely on their City to provide safe, updated road infrastructure as a public good. The project will repair and modernize critical roadways, improve connectivity for residents of St. Louis Park, and enhance transit accessibility to other critical infrastructure such as Methodist Hospital, a major hospital serving the Twin Cities Metro.

St. Louis Park FY26 Member Certification Letter

Previous Request Information

Explore these links to see the types of projects that Rep. Omar has chosen in previous cycles and their final funding amounts.

List of Rep. Omar’s FY25 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY24 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY23 selected Community Project Funding projects here.
Press release on Rep. Omar’s FY22 selected Community Project Funding projects here.