Metropolitan Council to Hold Public Meeting, Promises Money for Communities With “Affordable” Housing

by Mark Connor

A public meeting has been announced by the Metropolitan Council to discuss affordable housing at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at Mears Park Centre, 230 East Fifth Street in St. Paul. At issue is a plan to grant higher priority for funding requests “to communities that demonstrate a commitment to affordable housing,” according to a Metropolitan Council press release.
The Metropolitan Council explains that it believes there is a growing need for affordable housing in the Twin Cities area, and that those communities who demonstrate the greatest commitment to ameliorating the scarcity deserve the greatest investment. The Council's definition of “affordable housing,” however, does not appear to include the dwellings in which those who must rent are relegated too.
“A city or county project would be awarded more points for having the ability to provide affordable housing and the tools and incentives in place to encourage housing affordability,” under the Council's proposal, Community Development Director Caren Dewar explained in the press release. But Dewar's further explanation reveals that the concentration is on people who already have some potential to purchase their own homes, rather than poor and possibly homeless people who need simple apartments that are out of reach for many in this one percent vacancy market. “Points would be awarded,” she continued, "for having an HRA or a first-time home buyer mortgage assistance program."
Council Chair Ted Mondale is also quoted in the press release. “It means we'll be putting our money where our mouth is,” he says. “That we're going to align regional investments with regional policies.” “We have a critical shortage of housing that's affordable to teachers, police officers, child care workers, nursing aids, bank tellers and medical assistants,” he added.
People may register in advance to speak by calling 651-602-1633. Recorded comments will also be taken on the Council's Public Comment Line at 651-602-1500 or by e-mailing data.center@metc.state.mn.us. Draft revisions to the Guidelines for Priority Funding for housing Performance are available by calling the Council's Data Center at 651-602-1140 or 651-291-0904. The guidelines can be found online at www.metrocouncil.org/planning/housing.htm.
Any metro resident may sign up to give public comment. You do not have to own your home to comment at the public meeting.