Item Description:
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Neg Agmt A2512744 with the MN Housing Finance Agency for the Home Accessibility Ramps Program, 03/01/25 - 06/01/28, $303,000 (recv); Neg Agmt PR00006463 with Tree Trust to provide accessibility ramp management and construction, 03/01/25 - 04/01/28, NTE $300,00
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement A2512744 with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to construct accessibility ramps and steps under the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Home Accessibility Ramps program during the period March 1, 2025 through June 1, 2028, with a receivable amount of $303,000; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorize to accept and disburse funds directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that sponsorship and acceptance of grant funding for the program by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment by the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for these programs with grant funds are no longer available; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Executive Director be authorized to negotiate Agreement PR00006463 with Tree Trust to provide case management and accessibility ramp construction for the Home Accessibility Ramps Program during the period March 1, 2025 through June 1, 2028, with the amount not to exceed $300,000; that following review and approval by the County Attorney’s Office, the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the Authority; and that the Controller be authorize to disburse funds directed.
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Background:
In July 2024, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing) accepted proposals to maintain and increase the supply of affordable owner-occupied housing. The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) submitted a successful application for its Home Accessibility Ramps and Steps Program.
The HCHRA’s Home Accessibility Ramps and Steps Program was awarded $303,000 to assist in the construction of accessibility ramps and low-rise steps for low and moderate-income homeowners. The program provides a cost-effective way to enable persons with physically limiting challenges to remain in their homes. This award will fund approximately 30 modular ramps and/or low-rise, long-tread steps for low and moderate-income homeowners in Hennepin County.
This is the HCHRA’s 17th award from MHFA for this activity. Prior awards have completed 460 ramps or steps projects.
In June 2024, the HCHRA released a competitive request for proposals for a community-based partner for the program. Tree Trust was selected because it brings a unique referral network as well as having extensive experience building accessibility ramps.
Current Request: This request is for the authorization to negotiate Agreement A2512744 with the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for the construction of accessibility ramps and steps during the period March 1, 2025, through June 1, 2028, in the receivable amount of $303,000. This request also seeks authorization to negotiate Agreement PR00006463 with Tree Trust for construction of accessibility ramps and steps during the period March 1, 2025, through June 1, 2028, with the not to exceed amount of $300,000.
Impact/Outcomes: Approval of this request will provide for the construction of accessibility ramps/steps for approximately 30 low to moderate-income homeowners.
Housing Disparity Domain: Households of color are disproportionately housing cost burdened. This request provides a cost-effective way to enable persons with physical limiting disabilities to remain in their homes and for the immediate health and safety repairs to be addressed.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval