The Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved applying for Minnesota Housing's Bring it Home Rental Program and advanced plans for a new affordable homeownership initiative during its January 28 meeting.

The board unanimously authorized staff to submit an application for the state rental assistance program, which would provide approximately $1.2 million to fund about 100 additional rental vouchers for Bloomington residents. Assistant Administrator Ana Salvador said the program is funded through state appropriations and metro sales tax revenue passed in 2023, making it immune to recent federal funding concerns.

Commissioners also received a detailed briefing on the Bloomington Affordable Homeownership Program, funded by a $3.2 million Minnesota Housing grant. The program aims to construct 27 single-family or missing middle homes affordable to households earning 80% of area median income or below by April 2027. Assistant HRA Administrator Mike Claremont outlined a phased approach beginning with a pilot round using three HRA-owned vacant lots on 82nd Street, Stevens Avenue, and Blaisdell Avenue.

The board approved routine budget adjustments, including carrying over $175,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan funds for homelessness prevention programs. Finance Accountant Eric Kelly said the funds are already committed to contracts with three vendors and will be fully expended by the 2026 deadline.

Administrator Ana Salvador provided an update on federal funding concerns, confirming that the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which represents 65-70% of the HRA's budget, is not subject to the recent federal grant pause and February rent payments will proceed as scheduled. The board also scheduled officer elections for the February 11 annual meeting.