Work Session — Monday, April 15, 2024

Items on the record

1. Item 1Discussedinformational or procedural item — no vote taken

   Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) Program Overview and Planning

   The City Council, HRA, and Planning Commission were scheduled to receive a staff presentation on the new Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) program, stemming from a 2023 Minnesota Legislature-approved 0.25% metro area sales tax dedicated to affordable housing. Richfield was expected to receive an estimated $453,000 annually beginning in October 2024, with funds to be administered by the HRA. The work session was intended to review spending guidelines, eligible uses, and income restrictions, and to gather feedback from elected and appointed officials on how to direct the funds.

   Learn more

   Read this item in the brief →

2. Item 2Outcome pendingfinal tally arrives when the city publishes the minutes

   Proposed Affordable Housing Development at 6501-6525 Penn Avenue South

   Developer Johnny Opara of JO Developers was scheduled to present a concept for approximately 40 units of affordable housing on HRA-owned property at 6501 Penn Avenue South and adjacent tax-forfeited property at 6525 Penn Avenue South. The proposal would target deep affordability, with some units accessible to households earning as little as 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) — a level exceeding the city's standard 20%-at-60%-AMI inclusionary requirement. The work session was intended to gather feedback ahead of a potential Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) application due in mid-July 2024.

   Learn more

   Read this item in the brief →