Consider Housing Assistance Policy

At previous meetings, staff has brought forward multiple requests related to grant funding and requests for assistance.  As a consequence of those discussions, staff was directed to develop a policy.  The policy creates a process that will assist the City in ranking and determining projects appropriate for various types of funding and grant opportunities. A draft policy outlining goals of the draft program and draft application questions are included for review.

No notification required.

Staff is seeking general direction to ensure that Staff is preparing the draft policy consistent with the City Council's policy direction and desired goals. This first draft is intended to address broad goals that the HRA desires as part of this policy. Staff will continue to format an application based on feedback on the content of the Policy and bring back for HRA final adoption at a later date.

Based on various plans and policies, Staff has put together a list of suggested higher priority goals to consider as part of the policy. In addition, included as a separate attachment, is the Goals and Strategies section of the Comprehensive Plan. The general goals to consider include:

• Increase tax base
• Provide housing to support growth of jobs
• Achieve goals as outlined in Housing Action Plan (Livable Communities – Metropolitan Council) and the City’s Comprehensive Plan
• Increase affordable housing (30%, 50%, 60% AMI Thresholds)
• Mix of housing types (workforce, market-rate, high amenity, etc.)
• Mix of higher end housing as well as affordable housing
• Increase ridership on Northstar Commuter Rail
• Achieve high architectural standards
• Increase walkability and pedestrian connections
• Maintain high level of property maintenance standards
• Promote revitalization in aging neighborhoods
• Achieve market demand for senior housing
• Protect sensitive natural resources while maintaining ability to develop consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
• Achieve quality density transitioning
• Complete timely studies to ensure market relevance
• Achieve safe neighborhoods through design

Specifically, Staff would like direction on specific schematics of the policy as well. These questions include:

• Does the HRA desire to allow this policy to apply to new development?
• Does the HRA desire to allow this policy to create a program that will assist existing homeowners with exterior maintenance to conform with the Property Maintenance Code?
• Does the HRA desire to allow this program to apply to scattered site programs that would rehabilitate or redevelop existing homes?
• Does the HRA desire to require this program and application for any grant opportunity the City seeks on behalf of a Developer?
• Does the HRA desire to open this program to neighborhood groups to assist with open houses or roundtable discussions that would be directed at achieving one of the above stated goals on behalf of the City?

Staff recommends that the HRA provide feedback on the draft Housing Assistance Policy.

Preparation of the draft Housing Assistance Policy is being handled as part of regular Staff duties.

Based on discussion. Provide feedback on the Draft Housing Assistance Policy and direct Staff to prepare a final version.