Bloomington HRA Approves Housing Ordinance Study Contract
The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved a $104,000 contract with Daedalus Advisory Services to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of the city's Opportunity Housing Ordinance during a joint meeting with the Port Authority on Tuesday.
The study, funded through a $45,000 Metropolitan Council grant with remaining costs split between the HRA and Port Authority, will evaluate the ordinance's effectiveness since its 2019 implementation. The ordinance currently requires new residential developments to include 9% of units at 60% area median income or pay an in-lieu fee of $9.60 per square foot.
HRA Administrator Sarah Abe said the study will include stakeholder feedback from developers and housing advocates, financial feasibility analysis for different housing types, and an updated nexus study reflecting current market conditions. The final report and implementation roadmap are scheduled for delivery in November.
The meeting also featured a legislative update from Darryl Darman of the Economic Development Association of Minnesota, who outlined challenging state budget conditions. Minnesota faces a minimal $456 million surplus compared to previous years' multi-billion dollar surpluses, with potential cuts to economic development programs including the Minnesota Investment Fund and redevelopment grants.
Staff presented preliminary findings from the annual housing report, showing Bloomington's aging population, rising housing costs, and construction challenges due to high material costs and interest rates. The city's median age of 40.8 years exceeds metro and state averages, while 29% of households now spend more than 30% of income on housing, up from 22% in 1992.
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Full analysis
Areas of Interest (5)
- The 7-0 bipartisan approval of the joint meeting agenda amidst a tense state legislative session.
- Concerns that federal budget cuts to Medicaid could create a $200 million hole in the Minnesota state budget.
- The unusual dynamic of a tied House legislature requiring DFL and Republican co-chair cooperation for omnibus bills.
- Potential state government shutdown risks due to the uncertainty of federal funding and budget negotiations.
- Significant base funding cuts proposed in the House and Senate for core economic development programs like redevelopment grants.
Votes (1)
Approval of the agenda
Moved by Darryl Dannon · Seconded by Unnamed
Notable Quotes (2)
If we don't have a state budget done by the end of June, we will go into state shutdown.
A right sizing of Medicaid will blow a $200 million hole in the state budget.
People (4)
Darryl DannonLobbyistFormer government relations director for DEED, representing EDAM at the meeting.
2 quotes
Former government relations director for DEED, representing EDAM at the meeting.
“Economic development and housing are in some ways one in the same although of course they use some different tools.”
Describing the relationship between housing and economic development.
“The house is projecting for the next four years they need to make base cuts so they need to cut into projected funding.”
Explaining the fiscal restraint in current legislative proposals.
Holly MessickPort Authority AdministratorFacilitating the joint Port Authority and HRA meeting.
1 quote
Facilitating the joint Port Authority and HRA meeting.
“It's really great to bring both parties together.”
Opening the joint session.
Bob EricksonPresidentContributing to the joint discussion on HRA and Port Authority cooperation.
1 quote
Contributing to the joint discussion on HRA and Port Authority cooperation.
“These meetings are really important.”
Commenting on the value of joint Port Authority and HRA meetings.
Tim BossyMayor of BloomingtonThanking board members for their public service.
1 quote
Thanking board members for their public service.
“You could be doing anything on a Tuesday evening right now when you're here and appreciate it.”
Acknowledging the dedication of board members.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- Tuesday evening joint meeting of the Port Authority and HRA
- May 19th Legislative adjournment date
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Legislative update for economic development and housing
State budget and biennial funding outlook
Bonding bill status and challenges
Federal budget impact potential
Legislative composition and DFL/Republican dynamics
Small business assistance partnerships
Redevelopment and workforce development grants
Child care investment updates
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