Anoka County HRA, Economic Development Activities

The City of Ramsey is taxed by the Anoka County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (ACHRA).  Currently, the City has a balance of $800,000 in the ACHRA account.  $575,000 is available to use (the County requires a minimum balance).  In 2013, the ACHRA will be levying $236,000 from the City of Ramsey.

In order to use ACHRA monies, the City must pass a resolution, which is reviewed by the ACHRA board.  Historically, requests are rarely denied.  An opportunity does exist to expand the use of ACHRA monies for "economic development" actives, rather than just HRA activities; which would also require the City to pass a resolution, to be reviewed by the ACHRA board.

The purpose of this case is two fold:

(a) update EDA on the recent activity from the City Council regarding this opportunity

(b) consider how this opportunity may effect the EDA

On October 9th, the City Council will be considering a resolution to expand the ACHRA powers to include EDA activities.  The Council has indicated a potential use for the annual ACHRA Levy is to fund the City's HRA budget ($236,000 in 2013).

If the Council does move forward with expanding the County HRA powers to include EDA activities, it is likely the annual levy would be allocated to the City HRA.  However, the standing balance of the ACHRA account remains ($575,000).  An opportunity exists for the EDA to prioritize a list of projects for the Council to consider when allocating the said remaining balance.

ACHRA

If the City passes the proposed resolution---direct staff to bring a case to the November EDA meeting with the purpose of prioritizing potential projects (that may draw from the ACHRA balance); which would be considered by the City Council.

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