The Housing and Redevelopment Authority voted 6-0 to approve a third amendment to its agreement with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity's "A Brush with Kindness" program. The amendment simply extends the timeline for spending money that was previously allocated, giving the program more time to complete repairs for low-income homeowners earning no more than 30% of the area's median income.

Program Manager Mike Robertson described the initiative as both a practical and strategic tool. "Combining those resources preserves housing stock and prevents displacement of vulnerable residents," he said. He added that he now views the program as "a homelessness prevention and anti-displacement policy." The repairs target critical issues that could otherwise force residents from their homes—the kind of work that might otherwise go undone for families living paycheck to paycheck.

The program, which launched with federal pandemic relief funding, has already made a tangible difference in Bloomington. The 13 completed projects represent real improvements to homes across the city, with the authority working alongside Environmental Health services to identify which repairs are most urgent.

In a separate announcement, the authority also introduced Mike Palermo as its new Second Assistant Administrator, effective immediately. Palermo brings seven years of experience with the City of Bloomington, having worked in the Planning and Port divisions, plus prior experience with the City of Duluth. He holds a master's degree in urban and regional planning and a certificate in affordable housing leadership. His background includes expertise in Community Development Block Grants, a major federal funding source the authority manages. Palermo expressed enthusiasm about diving into the authority's affordable housing work, signaling his readiness to contribute to initiatives like the home repair program.