The Minneapolis EZ (1999 – 2009) is a federally funded holistic economic development initiative designed to help develop sustainable communities in the City's most economically distressed areas.

Quarterly meetings, appointed by the city council

The federal EZ designation has resulted in $25.7 million in direct funding to Minneapolis, $100 million in tax incentives and $130 million in tax-exempt bonding authority.

As of 2006-2009 EZ Plan

Small Grant Program with an increased amount of available funding, $250,000. Funds are available for program and general operating expenses and provided on a reimbursement basis with a maximum award of $25,000. Funding is not available for capital projects or capital campaigns.

from this page 

Tax Exempt Bond Financing**

Available to business developers…the Minneapolis EZ can issue up to $130 million in tax exempt bonds to qualified zone businesses or developers creating space for these qualified zone businesses. The lower-interest funding provides communities with a significant resource for creating economic activity in their EZ area. The bond proceeds can be used for many purposes, including building and equipment purchases, rehabilitation, and multi-tenant mixed use development.

** A business is considered a qualified zone business if a substantial part of its tangible property, intangible property and services are used or performed in the EZ, at least 35% of its employees are EZ residents and at least 50% of its total gross income is from the active conduct of a qualified business within the EZ (IRS Publication 954)