SF111

Purpose

Provide funding to renovate and repurpose the historic Como Congregational Church in Minneapolis into a community center that can be used as a public meeting space and auditorium.

Main Provisions

• Funding amount and source: $995,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) as a grant to the Como Community Center.
• Use of funds: To construct, furnish, and equip improvements to renovate and repurpose the historic church building to serve as a community center, public meeting space, and auditorium available for public use.
• Reimbursement provision: Up to $100,000 of this appropriation may be used to reimburse the Como Community Center for costs incurred after October 1, 2024 related to the project.
• Timing and availability: This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned, subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Significance and Expected Impact

• Creates a designated, publicly accessible community hub in Minneapolis by transforming a historic church into usable public space.
• Establishes a specific, time-limited capital investment grant administered by DEED to support community infrastructure.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Establishes a new, one-time general fund appropriation to DEED for the Como Community Center project (no ongoing funding program created).
• Sets reimbursement and project completion/abandonment conditions tied to the appropriation (per 16A.642).

Additional Context

• Project location: Minneapolis
• Building involved: historic Como Congregational Church
• Purpose alignment: expands public space and community access through investment in community infrastructure

Relevant Terms Como Community Center Como Congregational Church Minneapolis General Fund Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Grant Construct, furnish, and equip improvements Renovate and repurpose Public meeting space Auditorium Public use One-time appropriation Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642 Costs incurred after October 1, 2024 Reimbursement up to $100,000