Housing and Redevelopment Authority - 2026-01-13
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved $500,000 in Environmental Response Fund grants for three contaminated site cleanup projects, including Twin Lakes Technology Center in Roseville and two affordable housing developments in Saint Paul (Gloryville and Hamm's West End). The board also approved continued HRA levy funding for wealth generation initiatives, primarily supporting the First Home program which closed 38 loans in 2025 with 84% going to first-generation homebuyers.
Key Decisions (2)
Environmental Response Fund Grant Awards
Approved three ERF grants totaling approximately $500,000+ for contaminated site cleanup: $500,000 to Roseville Economic Development Authority for Twin Lakes Technology Center (final parcel in highly contaminated area), partial awards to Gloryville affordable housing project in Saint Paul, and Hamm's West End Development affordable housing project in Saint Paul. A fourth applicant received full funding from another source.
HRA Levy Allocation for Wealth Generation Initiatives
Approved annual allocation of HRA levy dollars for wealth generation initiatives, primarily funding the First Home program and supplementing rehab/repair programs. In 2025, the program closed 38 first-time homebuyer loans (84% first-generation buyers), 25 single family rehab loans, 35 critical repair grants (15 in manufactured homes). Approximately $200,000 will roll over to 2026.
Development Activity (3)
Twin Lakes Technology Center
Final parcel to be redeveloped in highly contaminated area; receiving $500,000 ERF grant for soil/groundwater contamination cleanup to increase tax base and create jobs
Gloryville Affordable Housing
Affordable housing development in early stages; received partial ERF grant award for contamination cleanup
Hamm's West End Development
Affordable housing development in early stages; received partial ERF grant award for contamination cleanup
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
First Home program funds were exhausted by August 2025 due to high demand, with 84% of 38 loans going to first-generation homebuyers, indicating strong demand for homeownership assistance programs.
Housing Demand
Manufactured home rehabilitation represents a rare niche being served, with 15 of 35 critical repair grants going to manufactured homes in 2025.
Infrastructure
Environmental Response Fund program scheduled to sunset January 1, 2028; Ramsey and Hennepin Counties advocating for extension, which could impact future brownfield redevelopment capacity.
Sentiment
Staff noted that as the smallest and densest county, virtually all Ramsey County development involves brownfield rather than greenfield sites, making contamination cleanup funding critical for future development.