Community Overview

The City of Fridley is a first ring suburban community with a 2009 estimated population of 27,460. The City is located 15 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis and 25 minutes northwest of downtown St. Paul. Incorporated in July 1949, Fridley now covers 11 square miles of area and is now home to some of the most important industries in the Midwest, nation, and the world.

An industrial spine around the rail corridor has served the City well and has provided the City with nearly as many jobs as the number of citizens who reside in the community. Fridley is home to the largest number of employees in Anoka County. Consequently, the unemployment rate for the City is below the national average. More details about Fridley's assets are available on the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development web site.

Continued long-term growth is anticipated as Fridley continues to pursue redevelopment opportunities. In 2006, Moody's credit rating for the City of Fridley is Aa2. Come see why so many people have said Fridley is a friendly, positive environment to call home and to grow your business!

Current Projects

University Avenue Redevelopment Project

Location:  58th Avenue - 61st on the University Avenue Frontage Road East

Since 2006, the HRA has acquired of a variety of properties along University Avenue. In Fall 2009, the vacant and dilapidated properties were torn down.  A redevelopment project is likely to occur as the economy improves.

Community Involvement

The HRA held a series of innovative and interactive community workshops for community members to get involved in shaping the University Avenue corridor. At these workshops, held during the summer of 2007, participants were able to test out their own development concepts to see what might be possible. After learning about elements that typcially revitalize corridors, they shared ideas about how housing, transit, and commercial development could make University Avenue a more vibrant corridor and an asset to the community.

Consideration of University Avenue Opportunities

A team of design experts, development consultants and facilitators from the nationally award winning Corridor Housing Initiative joined the City of Fridley and the Fridley HRA to explore redevelopment possibilities at the workshop series. Businesses and neighborhood residents collaborated to create feasible development scenarios for University Avenue.

The workshop series resulted in the conceptual development of a strategic road map for the future of University Avenue. Recommendations were drafted for the City Council and HRA Commissioners on development objectives for publicly owned sites along University Avenue. Click to see the study results.

Northstar Rail

Intersection: 61st Avenue and E River Road

The State's first commuter rail opened for service in November 2009. Five north metro stations, including Fridley Station, bring riders into downtown Minneapolis.

In the first months of operation, the ridership level is beating expectations. Click Northstar Rail ridership to learn about fares, tickets, station locations and trains schedules.

Gateway West

Intersection: 58th Avenue and 3rd Street

Beginning in 1998, the HRA acquired of a variety of properties along the west side of University Avenue between 57th Place and 59th Street. In 2007, the vacant and dilapidated properties were torn down. Upon completion, a total of sixteen new single family homes will be constructed. If you are interested in one of the nine remaining lots, please contact Paul Bolin, Fridley HRA, 763-572-3591.