HRSR INFORMATION 02-25-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cities ready for debate over inclusionary housing Ann Higgins The Minnesota Housing Finance and increase production of unsub- housing development that would Agency(MHFA)last week released the sidized housing for households be required by ordinance to be Study of Inclusionary Housing Initiatives. whose needs for housing are not affordable to individuals and families The study provides recommendations being met by the private sector. with low to moderate incomes; to encourage housing development • Expand the means and methods by • Require property affordable for that includes units built and priced which cities pay for development such housing be placed in a land for a range of incomes. City officials, and construction of road projects trust and allow cities to require particularly those in metro area com- necessitated by housing development. deed restrictions on such housing munities and in the cities of St.Cloud, • Change the burden of proof to to maintain affordability. St.Joseph,Sartell,Sauk Rapids,and cities when disputes arise with • Authorize cities to establish low- Waite Park,have a keen interest in the developers in instances in which the income limits for those eligible to outcome of the study and the prospect proposed development is consistent purchase affordable inclusionary for legislation that could impose new with local zoning. housing in such developments. restrictions on local zoning and land • Require cities to make findings on Both the League and AMM have use regulations. the extent to which local regulatory policies on inclusionary housing to This past fall,MHFA Commission- requirements or actions impact the respond to issues raised by proponents er Kit Hadley appointed three city cost of housing. and developers.The policies support officials representing the League and • MHFA and the Minnesota Depart- legislation that: the Association of Metropolitan ment of Administration should • Clarifies and strengthens local Municipalities (AMM) to the MHFA work with the State Construction authority to enact inclusionary Inclusionary Housing Advisory Group. Codes Advisory Council to develop housing policies that offer develop- The group,comprised of builders, model ordinances to help uncom- ers a range of incentives in return • developers,realtors,city administrators, plicate and reduce costs of compact for including a designated number local zoning and planning officials, mixed use development and in-fill of affordable units in their projects. housing advocates,and several legisla- redevelopment. • Identifies strategies that ensure tors,was charged with studying various In the meantime,housing advo- long-term affordability of rental and inclusionary housing statutes,ordi- cates are supporting SF 2881 (Cohen, owner-occupied housing produced nances,and approaches to inclusionary DFL-St.Paul),which would clarify as a result of local inclusionary housing enacted and carried out else- city authority to adopt ordinances for housing ordinances and practices. where in the nation. mixed housing development to • Focuses attention on assessment of Last week,along with the report promote projects for single-family local housing needs and directs state on inclusionary housing,MHFA homes and rental units that include a resources (financial assistance) toward issued five recommendations for the mix of incomes and increase produc- development of both affordable Legislature to consis er: tion of housing for households whose rental units and entry-level owner- • Adopt legislation for mixed housing housing needs are not being met by occupied housing. development to promote projects the private sector.The bill would: The League and AMM oppose for single-family homes and rental • Allow cities to establish initial sale state policy that would restrict or units that include a mix of incomes prices for housing units in a mixed eliminate local zoning and land-use regulations and planning authority. r • February 13, 2002 Page 7