Richfield City Council — Agenda
Monday, February 16, 2026
Emergency Rental Assistance Funding
Impact of Immigration Enforcement on Small Businesses
Temporary Permit for MN DOT Sidewalk Reconstruction
Votes (2)
Professional Services Agreement with VEAP for Emergency Rental Assistance
Dissent: None
Moved by Mary Supple [2026-01-20 19:00] · Seconded by Sean Hayford Oleary [2026-01-20 19:00]
Assistant Community Development Director Urban presented the item, highlighting the upcoming end of pandemic-era resources and VEAP's non-selection as a county service provider, which would significantly reduce access to emergency rental assistance for Richfield residents. Staff recommended allocating $50,000 from Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) to VEAP. This funding is intended to provide up to three months of rental assistance for households earning up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI), with 15% allocated for navigation and service-related support. Staff estimated the funds could assist 10-30 households, and demand is expected to increase. Discussion clarified the assistance is available to all eligible households, including seniors, and that over $250,000 in uncommitted LAHA funds remain, allowing for potential future funding as needs evolve.
HRA Discussion Items: Small Business Impacts from Immigration Enforcement
Dissent: N/A
Moved by N/A · Seconded by N/A
HRA Commissioners expressed concerns about the impact of increased immigration enforcement on local small businesses, noting several instances of reduced operating hours or temporary closures due to worker and customer safety concerns. Staff acknowledged the reported impacts, identifying approximately 10 temporary business closures and additional hourly reductions. They detailed ongoing efforts to assess the economic repercussions, including outreach to affected businesses, coordination with peer communities, and consultation with legal counsel regarding potential assistance options. While direct business assistance presents complexities, staff suggested that the recently approved VEAP rental assistance could offer indirect support to impacted business owners and employees. Staff committed to further evaluation and information gathering on this issue.
Notable Quotes (5)
Assistant Community Development Director Urban reviewed the pandemic-era resources are ending, and funding is expected to decline significantly in 2026. She added VEAP was not selected as a county service provider, raising concerns about reduced access and effectiveness for Richfield residents.
Staff recommend allocating $50,000 in Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) to VEAP to provide up to three months of rental assistance for households earning up to 50% of AMI, with 15% of the funds used for navigation and service-related support, as allowed by statute.
Staff confirmed that approving this action does not limit the City’s ability to provide additional funding in the future, noting that over $250,000 in uncommitted LAHA funds remain available.
HRA raised concerns about small businesses experiencing reduced hours or temporary closures due to worker and customer safety concerns related to increased immigration enforcement.
Staff acknowledged these impacts, noting approximately 10 temporary business closures and additional hourly reductions. Staff reported ongoing efforts to assess economic impacts, including outreach to affected businesses, coordination with peer communities, and consultation with legal counsel regarding potential assistance options.
Ordinances & Resolutions (3)
Agreement to provide funding for emergency rental assistance and program navigation.
Funding source for emergency rental assistance program.
Permit allowing Minnesota Department of Transportation access to HRA properties.