Review and Respond to the Metropolitan Council Regional Housing Policy Plan

The purpose of this case is to review a draft response to the Metropolitan Council Housing Policy Plan.

Notification is not required.

As the Planning Commission is aware, the Metropolitan Council is in the process of updating Regional System Plans (Water Resources, Transportation, Parks, Housing). The Metropolitan Council has released the Housing Policy Plan for public comment. Attached to this case is a draft response to the Metropolitan Council for the Planning Commission's consideration.

The Housing Policy Plan is an important policy document as it relates to Ramsey's goals and initiatives. This policy document will serve as the policy document for many of the housing resources available to our residents and our community. Most notably, this is an important document that frames the Livable Communities Program, a voluntary program that Ramsey participates in that provides valuable financial resources to assist Ramsey in achieving its land use goals. This program has been used to partially fund projects such as The Draw, Sunwood Drive, and the Municipal Parking Ramp

In a first review, it appears that the policy document does not create any new mandates for Ramsey. A majority of the document focuses on the Metropolitan Council's role in supporting affordable housing. Areas identified as 'local role' appear to be more along the lines of resources and policies to consider, but not required.

The policies of this document have the potential to impact Ramsey's Housing Performance Score. This score is used to review our applications to the Livable Communities Program. Additionally, the policy plan asks for consideration for this Housing Performance Score to be utilized as a component of the Regional Solicitation for Transportation Funding.

The draft response is attached for review. The response can be summarized in the following categories:
 

1. For implementations strategies listed as 'local role', it is expected that these remain voluntary and not a mandate.
2. Ramsey works closely with the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA) to avoid duplication of services and levies.
3. Any strategic priority focusing policies and resources to a smaller geographic area should not diminish the importance or availability of resources to the entire region.
4. With amended affordability thresholds, adequate resources should be identified to each, and not focused on any one category.
5. If the Housing Performance Score is to be used in the Regional Solicitation for Transportation Funding, that scoring metric needs to be re-evaluated to ensure normalization over a multi-year period.
6. While an emphasis on transit is important, this priority should not diminish other transportation investment priorities and needs.

 

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

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the draft response to the Housing Policy Plan.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the draft response to the Housing Policy Plan.