Carver County Board of Commissioners-- Work Session - October 7th, 2025

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) loan program overview

Minpace program eligibility and legislative updates

Carver County joint powers agreement (JPA) revision proposal

Benefits of PACE financing for commercial and nonprofit property owners

Project workflow between Carver County and St. Paul Port Authority

Areas of Interest (4)

Carver County considers updating its 2015 joint powers agreement with St. Paul Port Authority to streamline PACE loan administration.
PACE program expansion in Carver County sees significant new construction activity, notably a $3.5M senior living facility in Chaska.
Efficiency vs. Equity: Debate over the 24-year payback period of energy upgrades versus traditional bank lending.
Increased flexibility in state legislation now allows for water conservation, resiliency, and new construction to qualify for PACE financing.

Notable Quotes (3)

It's collected by the county and then as the administrator, I send it to the lender. It's a really great program.
— Holly Houston

WorkflowExplaining the collection workflow.

Environmental services would still be the initial point of contact for MINPACE, and then work with the county board on a resolution.
— Brad Hanzel

JPA RevisionsProposing changes to administrative workflow.

I think it has useful benefit for [businesses].
— Commissioner Underman

GeneralClosing remarks regarding the program's utility.

People (2)

Brad HanzelManager

Moderating the work session and discussing JPA administrative updates for Carver County.

Holly HoustonRepresentative

Program administrator explaining PACE financing, eligibility, and state-wide portfolio.

2 quotes

“It stands for commercial property assess clean energy and it's a finance financing mechanism that provides real estate owners a lowcost long-term fixed rate financing program.”

Explaining the definition and purpose of the CPACE program.

“The local benefit without county costs. You don't need your own staff to run this program.”

Summarizing the administrative advantage for participating counties.

Places Mentioned

Carver County, MinnesotaSt. Paul, MinnesotaChaska, MinnesotaSouth MinneapolisTreasure Island building, St. Paul

Events & Meetings (2)

September 15th, 2015 - Initial JPA signing
November 4th - Planned date for JPA update board consent

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

Minnesota Statute 216 C.436

Legislative basis for PACE financing in Minnesota.

Minnesota Statute 429.101

Special assessment law used for collecting PACE loan repayments.

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