Woodbury approves affordable housing land banking policy despite opposition
Woodbury's Housing and Redevelopment Authority voted 4-1 on January 28 to adopt a new land banking policy that will use state affordable housing funds to acquire property for future low-income housing development. The decision came after debate over whether the city should be in the real estate business.
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved the HRA Land Banking Policy (HRAD-1.6), which establishes a program to buy and hold land specifically for affordable housing targeting households earning no more than 50% of the area median income. Member Kim Wilson cast the sole dissenting vote.
The policy is funded through Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA), a sales tax created by the state in 2023 and collected across the metro area. Housing and Economic Development Manager Jamie Fritts explained that these funds come with strict spending deadlines—if Woodbury doesn't use the money, it reverts to the state. "The money has spending timelines attached to it, so if the money is not spent, it goes back to the State," Fritts said.
Wilson opposed the plan, stating she didn't want the city "owning, buying, or holding real estate" and objected to using taxpayer dollars "to sit on properties until it is the right time to resell the land." Commissioner Santini raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the need for clearer language to assure the public that the council wasn't immediately approving land purchases. However, Members Morris and Stafford supported the policy as an essential tool for addressing Woodbury's affordable housing shortage, noting the city had successfully used land banking in the past for developments like City Walk.
In a separate action, the authority unanimously approved applying for a $333,474 Livable Communities Development Grant from the Metropolitan Council. The grant would fund Two Rivers Community Land Trust's efforts to acquire and rehabilitate single-family homes in Woodbury, creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities through the Community Land Trust model. Fritts noted this grant is critical for making the model work in a high-cost area like Woodbury. The authority will serve as the grant sponsor and manage compliance with the program requirements.
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Application for Livable Communities Development Grant
▸Meeting Analysis
“The land banking program would be funded primarily through the City’s annual disbursements of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). Adoption of the proposed land banking policy by the HRA would formally establish the program and define it.”
“She expressed concern that the public would think there is a conflict of interest. She wondered if the language could be changed so that it mentioned Council direction and made it clear that the Council was not approving the purchase of land for land banking right now.”
“She stated that she did not like the City being in the business of owning, buying, or holding real estate... She added that she does not like that taxpayers' dollars through the LAHA fund would be used to sit on properties until it is the right time to resell the land.”
“Mr. Fritts explained that LAHA funds were created in 2023 by the State, and it is an additional sales tax that is collected in the metro area... The money has spending timelines attached to it, so if the money is not spent, it goes back to the State.”
“He explained that he was optimistic about the policy because he has been a fan of land banking, and it is another tool in the toolbox for the City.”
“The City of Woodbury has the opportunity, as a jurisdiction participating in the Local Housing Incentives Program established by the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (LCA), to apply for LCA grants from the Metropolitan Council.”
“Up to $333,474 to fund the acquisition and rehabilitation of single-family homes in the City of Woodbury by Two Rivers Community Land Trust.”
“The LCA Development grant provides an opportunity to obtain the funds needed to make the CLT model work in Woodbury for a small number of homes and expand long-term affordable ownership options for residents.”
▸Source Document
## Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting
## Council Chambers
April 08, 2026 | 7:30 PM
This Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) meeting is taking place virtually and at
Woodbury City Hall in the Council Chambers.
Meetings are recorded by TrueLens Community Media and are broadcast live and replayed on
cable channel 799. Meetings are also available on the City of Woodbury’s YouTube channel.
Members of the public may attend the meeting in person and may also join the meeting using a
computer, tablet, or smartphone and accessing the virtual meeting link at
woodburymn.gov/VirtualMeetings.
Public comments will be accepted during the meeting both in person and virtually. Virtual
questions should be submitted via the online Q&A feature within the virtual meeting link.
Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at
651-714-3524 or at council@woodburymn.gov. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be
responded to in the next three to seven business days.
Please note that all agenda times are estimates.
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Consent Agenda
All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the HRA
Board and will be enacted by one motion and an affirmative vote by roll call of a
majority of the members present. There will be no separate discussion of these items
unless a Commissioner or citizen so requests, in which event, the items will be
removed from the consent agenda and considered a separate subject of discussion
by the Board.
3A.Approval of Minutes - January 28, 2026
3B.Approval of Authorization to Apply for 2026 Livable Communities Development
## Grant
26-04
Staff recommends the HRA adopt HRA Resolution 26-03, a resolution
authorizing application for 2026 Livable Communities Act Development grant
funds.
## Watch the Live Meeting
## Woodbury Housing and Redevelopment Authority Agenda
April 08, 2026 | 7:30 PM
4.Public Hearings
## No Items Scheduled
5.Discussion
## No Items Scheduled
6.Adjournment
The City of Woodbury is subject to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits
discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities. The City is committed to full
implementation of the Act to our services, programs, and activities. Information regarding the
provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act is available from the Administration office at 651-
714-3500. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons are available upon request at least 72 hours in
advance of an event. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 651-714-3500 (TDD 731-5796) to make
arrangements.
## MINUTES
## WOODBURY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Page 1 of 3
## 3A
Pursuant to the due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Woodbury Housing and Redevelopment Authority was duly held at the
## Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, on the 28
th
day of January 2026.
## Call to Order
Chair Anne Burt called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m., and she welcomed those attending the meeting both in person and virtually.
Chair Burt explained that members of the public may attend the meeting in person and may also join the meeting using a computer, tablet, or
smartphone. She stated public comments will be accepted during the meeting both in person and virtually. Virtual questions should be
submitted via the online Q&A feature within the virtual meeting link. Questions regarding the meeting will also be taken between the hours of
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. via email at council@woodburymn.gov or at 651-714-3524. Questions received after 4:30 p.m. will be responded to
in the next three to seven business days.
## Roll Call
Upon roll call the following were present: Chair Anne Burt, Kim Wilson, Donna Stafford, Steve Morris, Jennifer Santini. Absent: None.
Others Present: Janelle Schmitz, HRA Clerk; Jeffrey Dahl, HRA Executive Director, Kevin Sandstrom, Woodbury City Attorney; and Jamie Fritts,
## Housing and Economic Development Manager
## Consent Agenda
## Item AApproval of Minutes – December 10, 2025, HRA Meeting
Item BTo adopt the following resolutionHRA Resolution 26-01
HRA Resolution of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota
appointing the 2026 HRA officers.
Item CTo adopt a motion designating CorTrust Bank as the HRA’s depository of public funds for the year 2026.
## Item D
## HRA Resolution 26-02
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda and moved to the Discussion portion of the meeting.
Member Morris moved, seconded by Member Santini, to approve the Consent Agenda items with the exception of item 3D.
Voting via voice:
Kim Wilson – aye
Donna Stafford – aye
Steve Morris – aye
Jennifer Santini - aye
Anne Burt – aye
## Public Hearings
No items scheduled
## Discussion
Consent Agenda Item 3D Adoption of HRAD-1.6 HRA Land Banking Policy
## MINUTES
## WOODBURY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Page 2 of 3
Housing and Economic Development Manager Jamie Fritts stated at the April 30, 2025, Council Workshop, the Council discussed the Housing
Action Plan and directed staff to develop a policy establishing an HRA land banking program to advance City housing goals by facilitating the
development of new affordable rental housing. The land banking program would be funded primarily through the City’s annual disbursements
of Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA). Adoption of the proposed land banking policy by the HRA would formally establish the program and
define it.
Mr. Fritts stated affordable housing land banking is an affordable housing production strategy identified in the Housing Action Plan. It includes
acquiring land that is not yet guided for residential or higher-density development. In addition, it holds the land until conditions are right for
development. Affordable housing land banking facilitates projects that best align with the City's housing goals and address local needs.
Mr. Fritts noted that the HRA Land Banking Policy establishes policies and procedures for an HRA-administered land banking program. The
policies and procedures include land acquisition, property holding and management, disposition of land and project selection, and
compensation and purchase agreements.
Mr. Fritts stated that the HRA Land Banking Policy objectives include to acquire and hold land in strategic locations for future affordable
housing development, facilitate the development of affordable housing prioritizing households earning no more than 50% of Area Median
Income, ensure a consistent and transparent process by which real property is conveyed for development, and align future development and
redevelopment efforts with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Housing Action Plan.
Member Santini expressed concern that the public would think there is a conflict of interest. She wondered if the language could be changed
so that it mentioned Council direction and made it clear that the Council was not approving the purchase of land for land banking right now.
She added that she wrestles with wanting to have a flexible directive and not to handcuff the City, but would also wants to have the HRA Land
Banking Policy to be a last option to be used. She expressed concern about having long-term City-owned properties and pointed out that there
could be liabilities. She added that she has concerns since the City has not done the process. Mr. Fritts explained that staff was presenting the
policy so the Council would know what kind of process the staff would go through when presenting a parcel for acquisition to the Council in the
future. Staff would ensure that the parcel would be a highly marketable piece of property. He added that staff would do research to look at
current planning and what the phasing is, so that it aligns with City goals. He noted that the process would help put guardrails in place so that
there can be transparent discussions before purchases are made.
Member Santini asked for clarification about the policy, asking when an RFP process would not be utilized,. Mr. Fritts provided an example of
someone wanting to come to the City and their proposal matched up with the goals and objectives that the City has for the land. The policy
would allow the City to do a direct negotiation with an interested party that aligns with the City’s goals. If there were multiple developers
interested, the RFP process would allow for transparency and fairness for each developer to pitch their idea. HRA Clerk Janelle Schmitz noted
that the City has done land banking in the past. When City Walk was developed, the City purchased two to three acres of land so that it could
be resold in the future for affordable housing. The City held the property for six to seven years until the time was right for the Views at City
Walk to be developed .
Member Santini expressed her concern that land banking could be used for just redevelopment for residential and commercial purposes,
which would be from a for-profit standpoint. She wondered if landowners would want to try to offload parcels to the City. She explained that
she would want the City to have the ability to refuse land. Member Morris pointed out that the HRA may not be the entity that is approached to
make a decision since it is specific to land banking. He added that the funds for HRA land banking are specific.
Member Stafford asked if staff would be identifying the parcels or pieces of land. Mr. Fritts replied that staff would identify the land. If
someone approached the City, staff would have the ability to determine if the property me all of the requirements in order for it to be
considered by the Council. The pieces of land that will be identified by staff will be strategically selected.
Member Wilson stated that she did not like the City being in the business of owning, buying, or holding real estate. The City has a great mix of
housing, and it has happened naturally through the Comprehensive Plans. She expressed concern about the City buying a parcel and sitting on
it for six to seven years and then selling it for what it was bought at. She added that she does not like that taxpayers' dollars through the LAHA
fund would be used to sit on properties until it is the right time to resell the land. She stated that she did not like the City being the landowner
on a piece of property that is developable in the future.
Chair Burt asked Mr. Fritts to explain what LAHA funds are. Mr. Fritts explained that LAHA funds were created in 2023 by the State, and it is an
additional sales tax that is collected in the metro area. The fund is paid by people purchasing anything in the metro area; it is not a property
tax. The money is distributed to all of the metro cities and metro counties to be used for the creation or redevelopment of affordable housing.
The funds cannot be used for anything else. The money has spending timelines attached to it, so if the money is not spent, it goes back to the
State. Chair Burt explained that the policy allows the City to consider using land banking as an option, but it is not an obligation. Mr. Fritts
explained that the last four major affordable housing projects in the City have benefited from a federal designation called a difficult
development area. The designation is now gone, and that other tools will be needed to encourage the development of affordable housing
## MINUTES
## WOODBURY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Page 3 of 3
Member Wilson asked how much LAHA funds the City had received so far. Mr. Fritts replied that the City has received $1.2 million that has not
been spent. Member Wilson asked what other areas the money could be spent on if it was not used for land banking. Mr. Fritts replied that the
money could be used for the home ownership loan program, land banking, development assistance, direct lending to developments, and
anything related to housing that is within the income brackets that the State defined. He explained that during the Council workshop, the
Council narrowed down the focus of what the funds could be used for. Chair Burt added that by adopting the Resolution, all of the options
would still exist on how the funds could be used. Member Wilson expressed her understanding that the HRA was simply adopting the policy.
She asked if the first-time home buyer loan program had to be cut off due to there not being funds. Mr. Fritts replied that the program was
shut down in 2024, but it is up and running again in 2025. Member Wilson asked how much money was used for the first-time home buyer
loan program. Mr. Fritts replied that $700,000 was used in 2024.
Member Santini explained that she would want the land banking option to be treated like a variance and would be a last option. She agreed
with Member Wilson’s concerns regarding the City getting into the business of real estate. Member Morris explained that he was optimistic
about the policy because he has been a fan of land banking, and it is another tool in the toolbox for the City. He added that there have been
many discussions with the HRA on the options for what to do with the money. He added that the City never asked for the money because the
State made the decision. He stated that he wants every penny of the LAHA funds to go to Woodbury and to maintain the community. He added
that if the residents are paying taxes into the LAHA funds, then he would want the largest amount of the money to do good in the City. He
explained that if the money was levied money, he would have more questions and concerns about how to use it. The money has an expiration
date. Member Stafford agreed.
Member Wilson stated that if the land banking policy is approved, she would like to see standards or inspections developed. She added that
since the City has more control over housing, she would like to see more control over the rent increases and living conditions. Member
Stafford stated that she agreed with Member Morris’s statement that the money belongs to the City and it needs to be used for the residents.
She added that if the money is not used for land banking, it should be used for housing affordability rehab, or first-time homeownership
programs, so that it would get more families into Woodbury and keep them in the City.
## Member Morris moved, seconded by Member Stafford,
To adopt the following resolution HRA Resolution 26-02
HRA Resolution of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota,
adopting HRAD-1.6: Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Land Banking Policy.
Voting via voice:
Kim Wilson – no
Donna Stafford – aye
Steve Morris – aye
Jennifer Santini - aye
Anne Burt – aye
## Adjournment
Chair Burt moved, seconded by Member Morris, to adjourn the January 28, 2026, Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting.
## Voting in Favor:Wilson, Stafford, Morris, Santini, Burt
## Absent: None
Chair Burt adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
_________________________________________
## Anne W. Burt, Chair
Approved by the Woodbury Housing and Redevelopment Authority on September 23, 2026.
## 3B
## City of Woodbury, Minnesota
## Office of the HRA Executive Director
## HRA Letter 26-04
April 8, 2026
## To:The Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
## From:Jeffrey J. Dahl, Executive Director
## Subject:Approval of Authorization to Apply for 2026 Livable Communities Development
## Grant
## Summary
The City of Woodbury has the opportunity, as a jurisdiction participating in the Local Housing
Incentives Program established by the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (LCA), to apply for LCA
grants from the Metropolitan Council. LCA grants are made available to participating metro cities to
fund a wide variety of different housing, infrastructure or planning activities.
Staff is requesting permission from the Board of Commissioners of the HRA to submit an LCA
Development grant application for the following activity:
1. Up to $333,474 to fund the acquisition and rehabilitation of single-family homes in the City
of Woodbury by Two Rivers Community Land Trust.
The HRA will sponsor and submit the grant application for the project identified above. The HRA will
also be responsible for requirements regarding the management of funds and compliance reporting.
## Recommendation
Staff recommend the HRA adopt HRA Resolution 26-03 authorizing application for 2026 Livable
Communities Act Development grant funds.
## Fiscal Implications
If funded, the HRA would receive grant dollars in 2026 and would then adjust the 2026 budget
accordingly. No matching dollars are required for the LCA grant. Private developers may not apply
directly for LCA grants so the City is applying for the funds with the intent to pass the dollars through
to the developer, Two Rivers Community Land Trust, in the form of a grant.
## Policy
## 2040 Comprehensive Plan
## 2021 Housing Action Plan
## AD-ADMFIN-1.11 Grant Application and Management Policy
## HRA Letter 26-04
April 8, 2026
Page 2
## Public Process
This is the first public process for this item.
## Background
Two Rivers Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing permanently
affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in
Washington County. Established in 1999 by concerned citizens addressing the need for affordable
housing in the area, Two Rivers utilizes the community land trust (CLT) model to separate ownership
of the land from the home. In this model, the trust retains ownership of the land, while qualified
buyers purchase the homes at reduced prices and pay a small monthly ground lease fee. The CLT
model ensures homeownership cost stability while keeping costs lower than traditional
homeownership.
When homeowners decide to sell, resale restrictions ensure the home remains affordable for future
buyers while allowing the seller to earn a portion of the equity gained. This approach ensures long-
term affordability and allows homeowners to build equity. Because CLT homes are resold with
affordability restrictions, they do not directly compete with market-rate homes, limiting any
downward pressure on surrounding property values. Assessors use sales of similar unrestricted sale
homes in the area to determine market value of a property as to not artificially deflate property
values. Additionally, CLTs often invest in property improvements prior to selling the home, which can
enhance the overall attractiveness of an area.
Over its 24-year history, Two Rivers has acquired over 80 CLT homes in Washington County. There
are currently two CLT homes in Woodbury. The limited number of CLT homes within the City is due to
Woodbury’s high property costs and the limited number of resources available to Two Rivers to
acquire property and resell it to a household at an affordable price. The LCA Development grant
provides an opportunity to obtain the funds needed to make the CLT model work in Woodbury for a
small number of homes and expand long-term affordable ownership options for residents.
Two Rivers has also requested Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the City as
part of a separate request. If awarded, the LCA grant would supplement any CDBG funds authorized
by the City. The CDBG request will be discussed further at a public hearing on April 8, 2026.
## Written By:Jamie Fritts, Housing and Economic Development Manager
## Approved Through:Janelle Schmitz, Community Development Director
## Attachments:HRA Resolution 26-03
## HRA Resolution 26-03
## Resolution of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
in and for the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota
## Authorizing Application For 2026 Livable Communities Development Grant Funds
WHEREAS the City of Woodbury (the “City”) is a participant in the Livable
Communities Act’s (LCA) Local Housing Incentives Account Program for 2026 as determined by the
Metropolitan Council, and is therefore eligible to apply for LCA funds; and
WHEREAS the City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (the “HRA”) has identified
a proposed project within the City that meets the LCA’s Development grant purposes and criteria and
is consistent with and promotes the purposes of the Metropolitan LCA and the policies of the
Metropolitan Council’s adopted metropolitan development guide; and
WHEREAS the HRA has the institutional, managerial and financial capability to
ensure adequate project administration; and
WHEREAS the HRA certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
as stated in the grant agreement; and
WHEREAS the HRA agrees to act as legal sponsor for the project contained in the
grant application to be submitted by April 15, 2026.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due
consideration, the governing body of the HRA:
1. Finds that the project components for which LCA funding is sought:
a. will not occur solely through private or other public investment from the City within the
reasonably foreseeable future; and
b. will occur within three years after a grant award only if LCA funding is made available for this
project at this time.
## Project to be Applied For:
## Project NameAmount Requested
## Two Rivers Community Land TrustUp to $333,474
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners of
the HRA, authorizes its Executive Director or his designee to submit on behalf of the HRA an
application for Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act Development grant funds for the
project component(s) identified in the application, and to execute such documents and agreements
as may be necessary to implement the project on behalf of the HRA.
## HRA Resolution 26-03
April 8, 2026
Page 2
This Resolution was declared duly passed and adopted and was signed by the Chair
and attested to by the Executive Director this 8
th
day of April, 2026.
## Attest:
## Anne W. Burt, Chair
## Jeffrey J. Dahl, Executive Director
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