Locally Yours with Carver County Community Development Agency

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Areas of Interest (5)

Historic preservation vs. modern density: The challenges of the Ernst House redevelopment in Chaza Yards.
Housing as a human right: Assessing the effectiveness of Carver County's 99-year land trust model.
Scaling impact: How the Carver County CDA is expanding home ownership beyond rental units.
The 1-million-dollar down payment assistance success: Analyzing the reach of the first-time home buyer program.
Bridging the knowledge gap: Why the CDA is prioritizing public storytelling in its 2025 strategic plan.

I truly believe that housing is a human right.
— Allison Strike

CDA missionDiscussing the personal impact of her work with residents.

Historic rehab is not for the faint at heart. I don't know that somebody will convince me to do it again.
— Allison Strike

Chaza Yards developmentDiscussing the challenges of renovating the Ernst House.

Taylor HubardMayor

Mayor of Chaza participating in a site visit at the Ernst House.

Michaela HatfieldCity Council Member

City council member involved in the Ernst House development decision process.

Allison StrikeExecutive Director

Executive Director for the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA).

1 quote

“I truly believe that housing is a human right.”

Reflecting on the emotional impact of providing housing to families.

ChazaChesa YardsErnst HouseCarver CountyCarver OaksOkoniaChanhasson

2019: Initiation of Chaza Yards development project
May 2024 (approx): Launch of first-time home buyer down payment assistance program
March 2025: Opening of Carver Oaks project
2025: Planned groundbreaking for senior project in Okonia