2017.08.02 EDC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing Committee: Citizen involvement is always an integral part of determining the needs of the community when it comes to housing and community development in general. A citizen based organization or “housing committee” should be established to provide a forum for discussing housing issues and providing alternative solutions to housing problems in the community of New Brighton. This group should be a formal group that is staffed by the City and works in partnership with other city advisory boards, the City Council and with other regional housing committees or agencies both for profit and non-profit. The principle role of the housing committee may be to advise the City Council on housing needs. First Time Home Buyer Programs: The city is a participant in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) first time home buyer programs which offer low interest loans to qualifying first time home buyers. The city should continue to partner with the MHFA and local lenders to provide this resource. New Brighton residents are also eligible to apply for first time homebuyer program through the Ramsey County HRA. Housing Subsidy Programs: The city has nearly 200 section 8 participants and continually encourages use of this program in rental housing units. The city should encourage landlords to be cognizant of local, regional and federal legislation dealing with the restructuring of the section 8 program. State legislation has created programs to ensure affordable housing by providing tax breaks to apartment owners who ensure a percentage of its rental units remain affordable. Many of these legislative efforts also encourage renovation and remodeling to ensure a higher quality of affordable housing. Title II Tax Classification (4D) is one such legislative effort that the City of New Brighton should consider utilizing as a means to preserve affordable rental housing. Housing Fair/Marketing: The city participates in the North Metro Home and Garden Fair with the cities of Blaine, Fridley and Mounds View. The fair provides a venue for residents to explore home and/or garden improvements. This has been one way for the City to provide resources to its residents with regard to their housing needs. The City of New Brighton, through the Ramsey County HRA, also participates in the metro area Fair Housing Implementation Council. Participation in and creation of local housing coalitions and organizations: Local housing coalitions, groups and organizations play an important role in providing a forum for discussion of housing issues, needs and concerns. They also are a more powerful source for lobbying at the state legislature level for changes in state laws. These organizations are a way to put ownership back into the hands of the citizens and the community. The city has worked with and participates in many of these organizations already including: Habitat for Humanity, Ramsey County HRA and others. The city should continue working with its multi-family housing organization consisting of landlords and property managers to address problems and issues in the rental community. 6-14