Today, Minnesota Housing approved 2015 RFP awards totaling $92 million for housing development throughout the state. These investments will finance new construction and rehabilitation of single family and multifamily housing projects, increasing affordable housing options for Minnesota families and enhancing rural communities’ economic competitiveness.
This year, Minnesota Housing increased its investment in Greater Minnesota. Community and business leaders outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area have voiced significant concern about the need for affordable housing options to meet their workforce needs.
This year’s awards demonstrate the effectiveness of Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) and Homes for All Coalition efforts to secure much needed funding to address the state’s housing needs. Last year, MHP and Homes for All helped secure $10 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds.
Despite the efforts of MHP, Homes for All and key state legislators, there is much more work to be done. MHP and its partners within Homes for All will build on recent momentum during the upcoming 2016 state legislative session. With an estimated state budget surplus of $1.23 billion, it is crucial that lawmakers continue responding to the housing and economic development needs of urban, suburban and rural communities.
This year’s RFP awards will benefit communities across the state – but there is much more work to be done. MHP will continue advocating for smart policies at the state legislature as well as working with Minnesota Housing officials to identify and advance common sense solutions for all Minnesota communities.
Find this map on page 145 of MN Housing's 2015 October board packet.