Resolution authorizing support for the voluntary transfer of the Housing Choice Voucher program from the South-Central MN Multi-County HRA to the Economic Development Authority of Mankato, Minnesota.

Adoption of the attached resolution and letter of request.

The South-Central MN Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) administers the Housing Choice Voucher program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide tenant-based rental assistance vouchers to meet the housing needs of low-income households in Nicollet, Martin, Waseca, Watonwan, Sibley Counties. The information provided by HUD included:     

• Total ACC units 712
• HUD is working on a breakdown by county – Vouchers currently in use:
  • Nicollet Co 308, (Mankato)
  • Waseca 55, Watonwan 10, Sibley 4 (Blue Earth)
  • Martin Co 79 ( MVAC – Faribault/LeSueur) 

The HRA has experienced underutilization and is in shortfall funding of the Housing Choice Voucher program, have been unable to support program staffing, and desires to dissolve their HRA and transfer their vouchers with another housing agency in the region.
 
The HRA is requesting voluntary transfer for the administration of the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) with the Economic Development Authority of Blue Earth County, Economic Development Authority of Mankato, and Minnesota Valley Action Council for the Faribault County HRA effective July 1, 2026. A transfer with the EDA would allow these Housing Choice Vouchers to be utilized in each HRA county or Blue Earth County. Vouchers will have access to the EDA’s current wait list. 
 
Attached is provided guidance for voluntary transfers and a summary of why the EDA would consider a voluntary transfer.

The requested action is a resolution authorizing support for the voluntary transfer of the Housing Choice Voucher program to the Economic Development Authority of Mankato and a letter of request for the transfer.