MHP Connect

Take action to advance the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act!

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Created: Friday, 12 July 2019 07:22

Written by Laura Proescholdt

We have a critical opportunity to make a big impact on America’s shortage of affordable homes, and we need your help! The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act would help construct or rehabilitate an estimated 450,500 additional affordable rental homes over the next decade. Reintroduced in June, the measure would strengthen the Housing Credit and provide more predictability and flexibility for developers creating homes for low-income families and people living in rural areas. 

Please contact your Congressional members to urge them to support this bill. Find who represents you.  

Thank you to Minnesota Congressional members who have signed on as of July 9 including: Rep. Angie Craig (D-2), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-5), and Rep. Dean Phillips (D). Please call and thank these Representatives for their support.

Read more: Take action to advance the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act!

Recap: Federal Housing Forum Featuring Senator Tina Smith

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Created: Friday, 28 June 2019 14:55

Written by Laura Proescholdt

“I’m sure everyone in the audience remembers what it’s like to be a teen,” said Eden Prairie High School student Amal Adam to a rapt audience on June 21. “You are juggling a hectic life, balancing your social life, academics, and even college applications. Imagine throwing into that mix the struggle of trying to find a home. It can have an impact for years to come, which is why this is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.”

Right: Adam speaking at the forum

Adam addressed more than 300 people convened at Al-Amaan Center in Minnetonka for a Federal Housing Forum featuring U.S. Senator Tina Smith. Local panelists shared on-the-ground impacts of housing issues in Minnesota, and discussed how to engage for change locally and in D.C.

On-the-ground impacts

Nationwide, more and more Americans are struggling to find an affordable place to live. There’s a shortage of affordable homes in nearly every U.S. county, according to a recent report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Adam argued that high school students struggling to find a stable home “are really enduring the brunt of the impact.”

Read more: Recap: Federal Housing Forum Featuring Senator Tina Smith

MHP comments on OMB directive impacting number of families eligible for energy assistance

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Created: Friday, 28 June 2019 13:35

Written by Laura Proescholdt

In May, the Office of Management and Budget published a request for comments on the way in which the federal government measures inflation. This week, MHP submitted comments strongly opposing OMB Directive No. 14: "Consumer Inflation Measures Produced by Federal Statistical Agencies." Directive No. 14 would reduce the number of families eligible for programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — programs essential to helping families afford their homes. Read our full comment letter below.

Read more: MHP comments on OMB directive impacting number of families eligible for energy assistance

MN Housing Board Update: Tribal Nations policy, 2020 QAP and more

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Created: Friday, 28 June 2019 13:19

Written by Laura Proescholdt

The June Minnesota Housing Board meeting included discussion on Minnesota Housing's tribal nations consultation policy, the 2020 Qualified Allocation Plan, a legislative update, and more.

Commissioner Jennifer Ho reported that Minnesota Housing is hiring a Deputy General Counsel. The application process closes July 12. The position posting can be found here.

She also mentioned that the Board received 41 applications for two open seats on the board. Interviews have been held, and she anticipates that Gov. Walz will appoint that position in time for the July meeting.

Commissioner Ho attended a second Indian Council Affairs meeting in Morton with the Lower Sioux Community, and held the first tribal consultations with White Earth and Red Lake nations. Ho is scheduling consultations with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe yet this summer, and consultations with other tribal nations will be scheduled through the end of the year.

The Commissioner hosted another regional Public Sector Leaders conversation with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan chairing that effort, which focuses on bringing together leaders from all seven regional counties, Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as numerous State Commissioners around ending homelessness. Recommendations are being developed even as emergency winter shelters have closed and encampments are expected to re-appear this year.

Updated MN Housing Tribal nations consultation policy

MN Housing updated the agency’s tribal nations consultation policy. The main update is the timeline. The agency wants to create timelines to better align with state budget development, and to ensure substantive involvement with tribes in a timely, meaningful way. This will also assist in developing budgets that reflect the needs of tribes.

Read more: MN Housing Board Update: Tribal Nations policy, 2020 QAP and more