2020.02.11 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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County had a housing crisis given the fact there was a low supply of affordable housing. This was pushing people out of housing and into homelessness. He stated 59% of the units in Ramsey County were owner occupied and 41% were renter occupied. He explained 50% of renters were cost-burdened. He commented how rental rates were on the rise in the region. He noted the County doesn’t participate in subsidized rental housing, rather this is administered by the Met Council and the St. Paul Public Housing Authority. He described the housing continuum and how he worked to provide housing stability. He discussed how it was difficult for people with an eviction on their record to find housing in the future. Councilmember Allen questioned how long an eviction stayed on someone’s record in Minnesota. Mr. Holdhusen stated the City of Minneapolis passed a local Ordinance that limits how long a landlord can look at that eviction. Councilmember Burg noted the length of time was typically 10 years. Mr. Holdhusen commented further on the County’s role in housing. He discussed the pass through funding the County receives from the State such as HUD and FHPAP dollars. Ms. Collins reviewed data from the Minnesota Housing Partnership and explained housing at all levels of AMI was needed at this time. She reported 30% AMI housing was extremely difficult to build these days. She understood it was difficult for cities to make decisions regarding what type of housing a community should have and that housing with 30% AMI would require a great deal of subsidies. She stated it would be crucial for counties and cities to come together and partner to advance affordable housing supply and services. Councilmember Allen thanked the County for the thorough report. He questioned how affordable housing relates to the Met Council developments along transit lines. Ms. Collins described how LCDA dollars were used for sizeable housing projects. She commented on the projects in Ramsey County had been funded and noted the County was working to create more pots of funds for affordable housing projects. Mayor Johnson asked how surrounding communities in Ramsey County were creating affordable housing. Ms. Collins stated this was being done through HRA and TIF funding. In addition, over the course of the last five years developers were taking advantage of the affordable housing tax credits. It was noted these tax credits only last for 10 years. She stated it would be important to have long-term funding sources in place. Councilmember Burg questioned what the City’s role was in this matter. Ms. Collins stated the main tool available to cities was offering TIF to create affordable housing. Also, the Council can work to change the narrative surrounding affordable housing. Councilmember Burg discussed how transit was a concern for low-income workers in New Brighton. Mayor Johnson commented on how hard it was for the City Council to balance housing issues in the community. She indicated the Council would be dealing with a tough issue tonight at the City Council meeting because an apartment complex was recently purchased in New Brighton and the residents were being displaced. Councilmember Jacobsen discussed how it was unfortunate the City was losing affordable units when investors purchased apartment buildings, renovated the units and raised the rents. Mr. Holdhusen stated the Council could consider approving an Ordinance that provides the City with tools that would cap rental rate increases and that limits be set on how quickly residents can be displaced.