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Appendix 6: Corridors of Opportunity The Corridors of Opportunity initiative promotes sustainable, vibrant, and healthy communities, using the region's emerging transitway system as a development focus. The Metropolitan Council and a broad consortium of policymakers, foundations, community organizations, and leaders are engaged in these efforts. Funding is provided by a package of loans and grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Living Cities —a collaboration of 22 of the nation's largest foundations and financial institutions. Expanding the transit system is a foundation for connecting and growing the region. True success will depend on how well the new transit system creates opportunities for the region as a whole, while unlocking opportunities for those with the greatest need. Vision Transitway corridors will guide our region's growth, vitality and competitiveness. Development along transitways will create distinctive places and strengthen local assets while increasing ridership and expanding access to jobs, affordable housing, and essential services for residents of all incomes and backgrounds. Goals • Develop a new model for transitway development by aligning transit planning and engineering with land use planning, affordable housing, workforce development and economic development. • Engage historically underrepresented communities in transitway planning and decision making. • Use transitway development to expand access to jobs and affordable housing, particularly for low- income populations and people of color. • Enhance the region's ability to cooperate in the global economy. • Secure and align public, philanthropic, and private resources to attract robust private investment to the vision. • Accelerate expansion of the transit system. • Incorporate lessons learned from the approach to transitway planning into the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development Principles Equity The work of the initiative aims to advance the well-being of low-income people and families. Economic Competitiveness The initiative will increase the region's ability to compete in the global economy and benefit local people, businesses and communities. Transparency Active communication about our process and clarity about our results will enhance the value of our work and strengthen our inclusivity. Sustainability An integrated approach that unites economic, environmental and equity concerns; will lead to long-term solutions. Collaboration Wedding collective power of regional stakeholders and local community leadership to effectively address shared challenges and opportunities. 20