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5 <br />Economic De- <br /> <br />PERMANENT PLANTERS <br />The HRA recognized the need for permanent fixtures available for general public use to maintain a safe, clean, <br />and accessible downtown area, to preserve the vitality of the business district and prevent the emergence of <br />blighting conditions. <br /> <br />In 2020, the HRA contributed half of the funds to purchase 24 planter hangars and hanging planters downtown. <br />The purchase coincided with the EDA’s Together Elk River Campaign. The campaign included display banners, <br />which were installed in the new light poles, which were purchased by Elk River Municipal Utilities. <br />BLIGHTED PROPERTIES FORGIVABLE LOAN <br />In the Fall of 2020, the HRA approved the Blighted Properties Program and policy to allow flexibility for <br />builders to acquire these types of properties with the caveat that they become owner-occupied upon completion. <br /> <br />REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM <br />In 2019, the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) took administrative management of the HRA <br />Rehabilitation Loan Program. <br /> <br />CEE partners with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Housing Financing Agency, and local <br />utilities (CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy, and Great River Energy, to leverage additional program dollars. <br /> <br />With the additional funds CEE was able to close on three loans for Solar and Home Improvements and five <br />loans through the Minnesota Housing Financing Agency. Homeowners were able to make energy efficiency <br />improvements, needed home repairs, install new windows, siding and <br />landscaping