tod in the twin cities

The Southwest Corridor is a proposed light rail line that will connect downtown Minneapolis with the rapidly growing southwest metro area, including Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park. In May 2010, the Metropolitan Council approved light rail option and the locally preferred alignment, making the project eligible for federal funding.

Visit Hennepin County's page on the Southwest Corridor here for more information on the alternatives analysis, the chosen alternative, and updates on the process. The website also has the station area planning that has been completed so far and information on upcoming meetings.

Transit-Oriented Development, or TOD, is typically defined as more compact development within easy walking distance of transit stations (typically a half mile) that contains a mix of uses such as housing, jobs, shops, restaurants and entertainment. TOD is about creating walkable, sustainable communities for people of all ages and incomes and providing more transportation and housing choices. These neighborhoods provide for a lifestyle that's convenient, affordable and active, and create places where our children can play and our parents can grow old comfortably.