The Homes for All coalition is advocating for a historic $130 million in housing infrastructure bonds in the upcoming legislative session. The bonds will be used to preserve rental housing, develop new rental housing, develop homeownership opportunities, and create new units for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. The ask includes a $110 million investment…
Blog
Moving senior housing forward in Mora, MN
Guest blog from Rose Dunn, Executive Director of Mora Housing and Redevelopment Authority When I began working for the Mora HRA nearly nine years ago, there was a waiting list of 82 families for 67 affordable/subsidized units. Since that time, the HRA has added 23 units of…
MN Housing discusses senior housing pilot, homelessness prevention plan
In her introductory remarks at Minnesota Housing’s January Board Meeting Commissioner Tingerthal informed the board that the Agency won big in this year’s Better Government Award. Governor Dayton recognized Minnesota Housing for programs to increase homeownership among households of color and for the work of the Interagency Council on Homelessness.
Housing industry leaders prepare for a legislative sprint
For the wonks who closely follow the comings and goings of the Minnesota state legislature, March 8—the first day of the 2016 legislative session—is a red-letter day.* But for those who work hard building, financing, and operating affordable housing around the state, it’s all too easy to be…
House unanimously passes major reforms to federal rental assistance program – now onto Senate
Earlier this year the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed (by a vote of 427 Yeas to 0 Nays) H.R. 3700, “Housing Opportunity through Modernization Act” (HOTMA). HOTMA proposes the first major reform to the federal rental assistance program in eighteen years. The bill eases administrative burdens for housing agencies and…
MN plan to prevent and end homelessness highlights affordable housing, coordination of resources
The Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness released an updated two-year action plan on Thursday, January 28 detailing strategies and actions for 2016 and 2017. The Council, which includes eleven state agency Commissioners, the State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness, and the Lieutenant Governor, represents a devoted effort from the…
Communities collaborate to advance development in Greater Minnesota
There’s wisdom in the old adage “many hands makes light work.” Still, when it comes to tackling a community development project, getting the right people together at the right time is often easier said than done. That’s where the Housing Institute for Greater Minnesota comes in. Since 2010, the Housing Institute (delivered…
Meet MHP’s new Policy Director, Marcus Schmit
Growing up in Greater Minnesota, I enjoyed the quality of life associated with small town living. There was a distinct sense of community in my hometown. Family plans revolved around Friday night football games and church potlucks. My parents had everything they needed to raise three young boys – quality…
MN Housing Board hears case for conduit bonds, learns agency risks
Board encourages agency to further investigate conduit bonds: will consider waiver in the future The agency was approached by a developer for $30 million in bond authority that a city had originally issued, but, due to a clerical error, went back to Minnesota Housing on December 1. At the time…
Dialogue reveals numerous housing challenges for Central MN
Stakeholders from central Minnesota gathered in St. Cloud this week to discuss the region’s affordable housing needs. Workforce housing, single family home rehab, the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing, and worries over rising construction costs appeared as common themes throughout the discourse. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Greater Minnesota Housing…