Adopt Resolution #19-215 Approving Fair Housing Policy - A Requirement of the Metropolitan Council Cleanup Grant

The purpose of this case is to consider approval of a Fair Housing Policy, which is now a requirement of Livable Communities Grants awarded by the Metropolitan Council. The City Council discussed this policy in concept at the August 27, 2019 City Council Meeting.

Specifically, this case is to review a requirement of the Metropolitan Council's Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA) Grant Award to the City for brownfield cleanup for the River Walk Village project located at 6080 Highway 10 NW. This is a 14 lot, detached single-family development. The City was awarded slightly over $900,000 in the form of a grant to clean up a construction landfill on this site. The Developer will perform the cleanup and be reimbursed by the grant funds.

A requirement of the Grant Award is to adopt a local Fair Housing Policy. This is not a specific mandate from the Metropolitan Council nor the State of Minnesota, but is a requirement in order to disburse funds from the grant. The Council could choose not to adopt a local Fair Housing Policy, but would not be able to accept the grant. Additionally, it would likely preclude Ramsey from future Livable Communities Grants, from which the City has received nearly $6 Million from this account over the past 20 years. As part of the Metropolitan Council's Housing Policy Plan and subsequent local Comprehensive Plan Updates (including Ramsey's), the Metropolitan Council is recommending adoption of a Fair Housing Policy as an advisory comment to our Comprehensive Plan Update. Finally, by adopting this policy, points are awarded in other competitive funding programs such as Regional Solicitation for transportation funds (i.e. Highway 10/169).

Attached to this case is a Resource Guide prepared by the Metropolitan Council to help identify required elements, advisory guidance, and purpose for adopting a local Fair Housing Policy. The City is already bound by Federal and State Fair Housing requirements, but this policy would specifically note the City's commitment to fair housing and make additional resources available for constituents that may have a complaint. Staff believes the City fully complies with these regulations, especially in terms of land use planning, zoning administration (permitting and licensing), and financial assistance programs. Essentially, this step would officially document a process for complying with existing regulations. If adopted for purposes of the grant, the policy needs to include the following minimum requirements.
 

• Purpose Statement (Why are we adopting this policy? What is the need?)
• Procedure for Complaints
• Designated Fair Housing Officer (likely Community Development Director)
• Outline of internal and external actions the City will undertake to advance fair housing

The City is not aware of any Fair Housing complaints within the City in recent memory. There is a wide range of types of complaints including, but not limited to discrimination between Buyer and Seller during real estate transactions, between Tenant and Landlord during lease negotiation, and local policies, programs, and procedures. The attached document goes into greater detail on the purpose and need. The document also includes a model ordinance. 

When reading through the attached guide and model ordinance, please consider the following.

• The City does not have a Crime Free Ordinance for rental properties. This discussion would only apply if the City chose to adopt such an ordinance. The Police Chief could speak more to the purpose and need for this type of program in other communities.
• The City does not have assistance programs for homeowners or renters. Any programs available to Ramsey Residents are administered by other agencies such as Anoka County and the Metropolitan Council. These sections would not currently apply. 
• The City does not currently restrict number of occupants in a dwelling unit.
• The City is in full compliance with State Rules pertaining to Group Homes.
• The City is currently evaluating a Housing Analysis (Maxfield Study).
• The City is regularly evaluating its Zoning Ordinance and updating.
• The City does not have a Public Housing Authority (PHA). Discussion on the need for an Olmstead Plan should not apply.

In conclusion, the policy would direct the City to add the following processes to activities already being done to comply with Federal and State Fair Housing requirements. 

• Identify a specific Fair Housing Officer
• Provide additional access and resources about residents' rights under Fair Housing requirements
• Provide training for Staff on Fair Housing requirements
• Complete a Housing Analysis [nearly complete]
• Complete an analysis of City Code [broadly planned for 2020]
• Project Review [noted - no specific changes necessary]
• Community Engagement [complete]

This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends approval of the Fair Housing Policy. Based on feedback at the August 27, 2019 City Council Meeting, Staff believes this policy meets the minimum requirements as outlined in the Grant Agreement.

Motion to adopt Resolution #19-215 approving the Fair Housing Policy.