Housing and Redevelopment Authority - 2026-04-28
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved the 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan allocating CDBG and HOME funds, with 15% for public services, 20% for administration, and the remainder for housing rehabilitation programs. The board also approved reallocation of HRA program income to support Lupe Development's 106-unit senior housing project in Little Canada near Highway 36 and 35E, which must close by July due to state funding requirements.
Key Decisions (2)
2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for CDBG and HOME Funds
Approved the annual action plan allocating Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds for suburban Ramsey County. Plan includes maximum 15% for public services, maximum percentage for administration and planning, and bulk of funds for housing rehabilitation programs to be competitively solicited in summer. Sources include $310,000 in previously unspent funds from prior action plans.
Reallocation of HRA Program Income for Little Canada Senior Housing
Approved reallocation of Housing Redevelopment Authority program income to Lupe Development's Little Canada Senior project, a 106-unit senior housing building near Highway 36 and 35E on County Rd. B. Project includes 11 units (10%) affordable at 30% AMI for formerly homeless individuals from coordinated entry list, with remaining units at 60% AMI using low-income housing tax credits. HOME funds being reallocated to different project and replaced with more flexible HRA program income to meet state closing deadline.
Development Activity (1)
Little Canada Senior
106-unit senior apartment building; 11 units (10%) at 30% AMI for formerly homeless seniors from coordinated entry list; remaining units at 60% AMI; uses low-income housing tax credits; built on vacant flag parcel with unusual shape
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Ramsey County has a deficit of 15,000 housing units affordable to households at 30% AMI or below, though this figure from 2020-2021 may have changed with recent ARPA and local investments.
Housing Demand
Seniors are identified as the fastest growing population experiencing homelessness in the county.
Sentiment
Suburban communities like Little Canada are actively pursuing affordable housing development, with the city hiring an economic development manager specifically to attract such projects.
Housing Demand
Ramsey County has one of the largest homeownership gaps between white and Black residents in the nation, driving affordable housing investment priorities.