8. HRSR 04-04-2005ITEM # 8.
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Heidi Steinmetz, Assistant Director of Economic Development
DATE: April 4, 2005
SUBJECT: Update on Housing Programs
Minnesota City Participation Program (MCCP)
Background
From 1991 to 1996, the HRA participated in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's
(NIHFA) Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP), which provides loan dollars to
qualified first time home buyers. The HRA has not submitted separate applications for the
program for the past several years since Sherburne County has done so and has been
awarded annual allocations.
Update
Sherburne County applied fora 2005 allocation and was recently awarded $1,344,996. Staff
will be attending an informational session on the program on April 11`". Details about the
program will be added to the City Website after the informational session.
HOME Rental Rehabilitation Program
Background
In early January of each year, staff forwards HOME Rental Rehabilitation Program
information to Elk River apartment property owners/managers. The program provides
funding that is available through the Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP) as a loan
with a 0% deferred interest rate for the rehabilitation of existing rental properties located in
several Central MN counties, including Sherburne County. In recent years, only the
property owner of Lanesboro Heights in Elk River has utilized the program.
U date
Staff received two inquiries earlier this year from apartment owners/managers regarding the
HOME program however CMHP has indicated to staff that neither inquiry led to utilization
of the program.
Jeff Smith, File Prevention Specialist for the Elk River File Department, is conducting
apartment inspections this year. During his inspections, he is distributing HOME program
Update on Housing Programs
April 4, 2005 HRA Meeting
Page 2 of 2
brochures and Rental Rehabilitation Loan Program (a similar program to the HOME
program) brochures to Elk River apartment property owners/managers.
Section 8
Background
Staff receives very few inquiries regarding the Section 8 program each year. When an inquiry
is received, staff is a referral source to the St. Cloud HRA since they administer the Section 8
program for Sherburne County.
Update
In February of 2005, the St. Cloud HRA indicated to staff that new Section 8 vouchers will
not be available until further notice due to Federal funding cuts last year and potentially this
year. In addition, the St. Cloud HRA's current waiting list for the program is five years.