Richfield City Council — Agenda

Sunday, April 19, 2026

4d(1) Tax Classification Impacts and Policy Development for Affordable Housing

Votes (1)

Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

Direction Provided for Policy Drafting

The work session provided requested information on geographic distribution and homeowner resources, comparing Richfield's affordability metrics and 4d usage against regional cities. Staff presented updated financial impacts of 4d, noting a $445,000 annual cost, translating to $28.19 for a median-valued home. Peer cities demonstrated varied approaches to 4d, with some focusing on Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) preservation. Housing priorities identified included maintaining affordability for existing residents, NOAH preservation/rehab, and diversifying the tax base, with a preference for mixed-income housing in new development. Staff sought direction on affordability period length, goals for new affordable units, and mixed-income building ratios. Proposed policy thoughts suggested using 4d as a 'tool of last resort,' prioritizing NOAH preservation with rehab, case-by-case consideration, and aligning with key housing priorities while favoring other development tools first.

Notable Quotes (6)

The reduced tax rate provides a cost-savings for affordable housing while shifting the cost to other taxpayers.

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

There are two desired outcomes in the Strategic Plan that are impacted by the 4d(1) tax classification including maintaining Richfield as an affordable place to live and creating a diversified tax base.

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

What is a desirable/reasonable length of time for an affordability period?

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

Maintaining affordability for existing residents, NOAH preservation and rehab, and diversifying the tax base are high priorities.

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

The priority for new development will be mixed-income housing (and commercial if market rebounds).

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

Approve 4d as a tool of last resort.

Staff
Continue discussion of 4d(1) tax classification impacts and potential policy.

Ordinances & Resolutions (9)

4d(1) tax classificationStatute

A state tax classification providing a reduced tax rate for affordable rental housing.

City's Inclusionary Housing PolicyPolicy

A city policy that may require updates following 4d(1) discussions.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund prioritiesPolicy

Priorities for the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund that may be updated.

Strategic PlanPlan

City plan with desired outcomes, including maintaining affordability and diversifying the tax base, impacted by 4d(1).

MN Low-Income Rental Classification (LIRC) Assessor ReportOther

Source of data for comparing 4d as a percentage of all rental properties in various cities.

TIF districtsPolicy

Tax Increment Financing districts, used as a development subsidy tool for comparison with 4d.

CC-HRA 4d Presentation revised 4.20.26Other

Presentation material for the joint City Council-HRA work session.

Council Chambers Agenda Packet bookOther

Physical location of materials relating to agenda items.

Council Agenda PacketOther

Electronic availability of complete agenda materials on the City's website.

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Richfield City Council - Richfield Recorder