MHP Connect

Mapping Neighborhood History: Reclaiming and Reframing Fair Housing

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Created: Friday, 29 June 2018 08:33

Written by Carolyn Szczepanski

For Greg McMoore, 4th Avenue in South Minneapolis is more than a line on a map; it’s a thread in his family’s history.

Last week, McMoore was among nearly 200 participants who launched the “Racism, Rent and Real Estate: Fair Housing Reframed” series with a unique event focused on adding a tapestry of personal memories to a unique mapping project that connects past racist policies to current challenges around housing equity.  

Co-hosted by Sabathani Community Center and Mapping Prejudice, “Mapping Neighborhood History: Reclaiming & Reframing Fair Housing” acknowledged that the way our neighborhoods look and feel today are a product of our shared history; one shaped by racist policies that barred households of color from homeownership and wealth accumulation for many years. It invited residents to learn more about the history and impetus of fair housing laws, and share knowledge about the history of their family and neighborhood.

After introductions from Cindy Booker, Sabathani’s Executive Director, and Andrea Jenkins, Minneapolis Councilmember for the 8th Ward, Kirsten Delegard set the stage for the night’s activity by explaining the work of Mapping Prejudice. “We’re making a new kind of map,” she explained. “This map will make structural racism visible. It will serve as a window on the histories of racism and white privilege that have been willfully forgotten by many people in Minneapolis.”

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June 2018 Investors Council Recap: Filling the Financing Gaps to Make Affordable Housing Pencil Out

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Created: Monday, 18 June 2018 14:33

Written by Laura Proescholdt

Despite Minnesota’s strong affordable housing industry, leaders throughout the sector agree that our current approach to development simply cannot keep pace with the demand for affordable units. Why? Market factors and changes at the federal level are growing financing gaps.

On June 14, more than 120 leaders from the affordable housing sector convened for MHP’s quarterly Investors Council breakfast to zero in on “Filling the Financing Gaps to Make Affordable Housing Pencil Out.” Dan Smith of U.S. Bank moderated a panel discussion by Mark Moorhouse of Dominium, Kayla Schuchman of CommonBond, and Paul Williams of Project for Pride in Living.

Photo: Kayla Schuchman (left) and Paul Williams (right)

Filling growing gaps

“By far, the biggest policy response to the affordable housing shortage is the tax credit program”, Smith explained. “As long as that remains to be true, what we need to build housing is more money. We’ve got good developers in Minnesota, and these projects simply don’t pencil like they used to.”

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MN Housing Board Update: Legislative session recap, 2020 QAP, Habitat for Humanity Revolving Credit Agreement and more

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Created: Thursday, 14 June 2018 01:54

Written by Carolyn Szczepanski

At its May meeting, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency board discussed amendments to the Affordable Housing Plan (AHP) for home mortgage and downpayment and closing cost loan programs; comments on and final recommended changes to the 2020 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP); a revolving credit agreement with Habitat for Humanity; a waiver for Minnehaha Townhomes in Minneapolis; and a state legislative session recap.  

Opening Remarks

In her opening remarks, Commissioner Mary Tingerthal shared excitement around the progress of the Governor’s Task Force on Housing, which has taken a wealth of input from work groups and regional forums and is starting to form recommendations that will be finalized, prioritized and published in a report at the end of July. Tingerthal expressed confidence that the task force will result in a significant body of work.

Tingerthal also noted that the Agency had been busy gearing up for annual request for proposals and winding down the final days of the state legislative session. While she bookmarked a more robust review of the session later in the meeting, she called the board’s attention to a provision in the bonding bill that could “impose significant restrictions on this board’s authority to allocate tax credits according to the Qualified Allocation Plan.” She emphasized that the Agency is reviewing what impacts, if any, it will have on the tax credit program, and would come back to the board with more information.

Read more: MN Housing Board Update: Legislative session recap, 2020 QAP, Habitat for Humanity Revolving...

MHP recognizes 2018 Legislative Leaders and Outstanding Advocates

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Created: Wednesday, 13 June 2018 10:43

Written by Laura Proescholdt

To recognize exceptional dedication to the advancement of affordable housing — and MHP’s key legislative goals — at the State Capitol in 2018, we’re proud to announce the inaugural recipients of MHP’s Legislative Leader and Outstanding Advocate awards.

Lawmakers receiving the 2018 Legislative Leader award played a central role in building support for key MHP initiatives from the Homes for All MN bonding request to the MHP’s MN Tax Credit Contribution Fund. Their demonstrated support of affordable housing, and their deep resolve to make a difference for Minnesotans of all incomes, makes these lawmakers stand out at the Capitol.

MHP’s 2018 Outstanding Advocates made exceptional efforts to engage with lawmakers, sharing personal and professional experience to further MHP’s policy agenda and secure more resources for affordable housing. These Advocates went above and beyond in 2018 by submitting testimony, meeting with legislators, and building support for affordable housing initiatives among colleagues and community members.

Read more: MHP recognizes 2018 Legislative Leaders and Outstanding Advocates