Searching for Better Solutions

Today’s budget forecast brings bittersweet news, with the projected deficit coming in about $1 billion less than expected. However, a giant $5 billion dollar hole leaves us little to cheer about.  So where does this leave the housing budget? Capitol Connect’s recent posting described Governor Dayton’s budget…

Federal and State Cuts Threaten Community Action Programs

Minnesota’s Community Action Programs (CAPs) provide important housing-related services such as energy assistance and weatherization to low-income families, among many other services, but both state and federal funding cuts threaten the vital services that these agencies provide. In 2010, Minnesota community action agencies served more than 616,000 people and nearly 222,000 poor…

An Advocate’s Success at the Capitol

By Bill Reinke, Executive Director, Central Minnesota Housing Partnership I visited the capitol last week with Julie Johnson from Minnesota Housing Partnership to seek support from legislators for the state low-income housing tax credit proposal. I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive and knowledgeable of affordable housing the new members are. The conversations…

Bill Introduced to Promote Housing through State Tax Credits

On Monday, a bill was introduced to spur affordable housing development through a state tax credit. The tax credit, backed by the HousingJobs Campaign, would help fund rental housing intended for low- and moderate-income people.  At least half of all state or federally-funded rental housing developed in the state of Minnesota currently…

Housing Tax Credit Bill Featured in Finance and Commerce

Jim Roth, executive director of the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) recently authored an article in Finance and Commerce discussing the proposed state housing tax credit bill. This bill is designed to fund rental housing for low- and moderate-income Minnesotans. The state credit tax bill, supported by the HousingJobs Campaign, may…