From SBoland@mhponline.org Wed Oct 8 20:25:14 2003 From: SBoland@mhponline.org (Stephen Boland) Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2003 15:25:14 -0500 Subject: [HousingMinnesota Bulletin] October 8, 2003 Bulletin Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A16060408FBF@mhpserver.mhponline.org> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C38DDA.4809E1E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! =20 The Bulletin October 7, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 19 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm. =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements =20 Action Alert from HousingMinnesota and the National Low Income Housing Coalition The Housing Choice Voucher program has faced several funding hurdles throughout the FY04 Appropriations process. First, the President requested a funding amount far too low to fully fund the voucher program. The House improved on this request somewhat, but did not include assurances to fund all vouchers. Most recently, the Senate passed its bill. Despite a seemingly lower funding level than the House bill, the Senate bill is an improvement over the House bill because it would require HUD to use unspent funds from past years to fully fund the voucher program. The next step is for the House and Senate to meet in conference to reach agreement on their bills. It is important that the final FY04 Appropriations bill keep the Senate language to fully fund the voucher program (and improve voucher utilization). MINNESOTA ADVOCATES CAN HELP. Senator Coleman can have a crucial role in ensuring that the full-funding language from the Senate bill remain in the final bill that emerges from the House-Senate conference. It is important that Senator Coleman hear from people in the field urging him to continue to press for full funding of the voucher program. CALL Coleman's DC office at 1-888-818-6641 and ask to speak with Alan Elias (Coleman's housing staff person) =20 =20 1. Urge the Senator to ensure that the final bill that emerges from conference committee keeps language from the Senate bill that calls for full funding of the voucher program. =20 2. Urge the Senator to join Senator Collins in sponsoring the "Sense of the Senate" that would reaffirm the Senate's commitment to full funding of the program. REPORT the results of your calls to Katie Fisher at 202-662-1530 x222 or Katie@nlihc.org.=20 =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * FROM THE PROPOSED 'SENSE OF THE SENATE': =20 It is the sense of the Senate that =20 1. Housing vouchers are a critical resource in ensuring that families in America can afford safe, decent, and adequate housing;=20 2. Public housing agencies must retain the ability to use 100 percent of their authorized vouchers to help house low-income families; and=20 3. The Senate expects the Department of Housing and Urban Development to take all necessary actions to encourage full utilization of vouchers, and to use all legally available resources as needed to support full funding for housing vouchers in fiscal year 2004, so that every voucher can be used by a family in need. =20 American Dream Down Payment Passes House "On October 1, the House of Representatives passed the American Dream Down Payment Act, H.R. 1276, designed to help low income families move into homeownership. The bill would provide $200 million for each of FY04 and FY05. Under the program, an estimated 40,000 low-income families per year would receive an average of $5,000 towards their down payments and closing costs. The program would be administered under the HOME program. HUD Secretary Mel Martinez praised the bill's passage, saying that an increase in homeownership, especially among minority households, falls in line with the President's initiatives. The Senate Banking Housing and Urban Affairs committee is scheduled to markup the American Dream Down Payment bill on October 14." (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition) =20 HousingMinnesota and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Seek Input from Households Directly Impacted by Budget Cuts and Program Changes Have you been directly impacted by program or budget changes made at the federal, state, or local level? Do you work with clients who have been impacted by the shortage of affordable housing? Please download and complete our new survey or distribute it to the clients you serve. We are attempting to reach people directly affected by policy changes to support them in telling their stories and to compile the data to demonstrate the real pain caused by some of the recent policy decisions. The survey may be mailed, faxed, or emailed back to HousingMinnesota. The form is on our web site: http://www.HousingMinnesota.org =20 =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources =20 New Reports from Legal Serviced Advocacy Project: Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Consolidated Fund "The 2003 legislature created the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) Consolidated Fund (the Fund), which eliminates and replaces many TANF-funded programs. The creation of the Fund marks a significant change in the way many important programs and services are funded and administered: In the past, many TANF-funded programs operated on a state wide basis, and counties received funding to administer those programs at the local level. Now, most of those state programs have been eliminated, and each county is given a block grant from which to fund services and programs for families with incomes below 200% of poverty. The use of block grants ushers in another wave of devolution, i.e. shifting responsibility for meeting the needs of low- income families from the federal government to the State, and now to the counties." Read two new reports from LSAP: "Understanding the New MFIP Consolidated Fund: Block Grants and Pay-for-Performance Are at the Center of County Service Delivery"; and "Implications of the New MFIP Consolidated Fund: What Will Block Grants and 'Local Flexibility' Mean for Minnesota's Low-Income Families?" at the LSAP website=20 http://www.lsapmn.org/LocalResources.cfm?pagename=3DWhat's%20New = (Source: LSAP) =20 Fannie Mae Foundation Professional Development Fellowships "Each year since 1996, the Fannie Mae Foundation Fellowship program has sponsored up to 35 fellowships for senior managers and officials in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Kennedy School of Government. The program is designed to support the professional development of senior public and nonprofit officials committed to affordable housing by enhancing the management and decision-making skills of accomplished leaders experienced in managing housing and community development programs. The application deadline is November 1, 2003." Complete program and application information is available at www.fanniemaefoundation.org/grants/kennedy_school.shtml (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition) =20 About The Building Better Communities Network The Building Better Communities Network website is an information clearinghouse and communication forum dedicated to building inclusive communities and to successfully citing affordable housing and community services. This website was created to help those who site community housing, by providing them with the tools they need to successfully complete their housing efforts. To learn more visit their web site at: http://www.bettercommunities.org/ =20 =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events =20 October 14 "Building Dreams" Event at Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) Chicago Avenue Apartments Community Room, 1500 Chicago Avenue (Corner of 15th & Chicago Avenue; close to the southeast corner of downtown Minneapolis), 7:30am. Street parking is available. "Building Dreams" events are powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in our community and how CCHT is helping meet the need. CCHT hopes to increase community understanding, education, and commitment for their work. These are NOT fundraisers, only last 59 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people. Please RSVP to Philip Schaffner at 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org. =20 October 15 Working Group on Supportive Housing for Long-Term Homelessness 9:30-11:30am, MHFA-400 Sibley Street, St. Paul. Topic: "Gaps in Resources, Barriers to Filling the Gaps in Capital, Operating and Services Funding" =20 =20 October 21 19th Annual Conference on Policy Analysis 7:15 AM - 4:15 PM, Earle Brown Continuing Education Center , 1890 Buford Ave, St Paul. Registration Fees: $95 (postmarked by October 10, 2003), $110 (postmarked after October 10, 2003), $25 student fee (with current student fees statement, not available online). The conference provides an opportunity for analysts and policy-makers to explore timely topics that reflect the importance of analysis in formulating policy decisions in government. Conference sessions provide an opportunity to: Gain insight into current trends and changes in the policy-making environment; explore current policy issues and processes in concurrent workshop sessions; and share ideas with others from around Minnesota. For further information visit: http://www.cce.umn.edu/government/policyanalysis . October 30 "Building Dreams" Event at Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) Chicago Avenue Apartments Community Room, 1500 Chicago Avenue (Corner of 15th & Chicago Avenue; close to the southeast corner of downtown Minneapolis), 4:30pm. Street parking is available. "Building Dreams" events are powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in our community and how CCHT is helping meet the need. CCHT hopes to increase community understanding, education, and commitment for their work. These are NOT fundraisers, only last 59 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people. Please RSVP to Philip Schaffner at 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org. =20 November 18 Working Group on Supportive Housing for Long-Term Homelessness 9:30-11:30am, MHFA-400 Sibley Street, St. Paul. Topic: "Interagency Decision-Making Process and Criteria for Funding"=20 =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? =20 Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm=20 For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan, Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org.=20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C38DDA.4809E1E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message

HousingMinnesota

Homes for All by=20 2012!

 

The=20 Bulletin
October 7, 2003
Volume 2, = Issue=20 19

Distributed = bi-weekly, this=20 bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, = publications, and=20 upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast = of=20 important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items = you'd=20 like included in future issues.  = The=20 Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm.        =20

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
News/Announcements

 

Action Alert from = HousingMinnesota and the National Low Income Housing=20 Coalition

The=20 Housing Choice Voucher program has faced several funding hurdles = throughout the=20 FY04 Appropriations process.  = First,=20 the President requested a funding amount far too low to fully fund the = voucher=20 program.  The House = improved on this=20 request somewhat, but did not include assurances to fund all = vouchers.  Most recently, the Senate = passed its=20 bill. Despite a seemingly lower funding level than the House bill, the = Senate=20 bill is an improvement over the House bill because it would require HUD = to use=20 unspent funds from past years to fully fund the voucher program.  The next step is for the House = and=20 Senate to meet in conference to reach agreement on their bills.  It is important that the final = FY04=20 Appropriations bill keep the Senate language to fully fund the voucher = program=20 (and improve voucher utilization). =20 MINNESOTA ADVOCATES CAN = HELP.  Senator Coleman can have a = crucial role=20 in ensuring that the full-funding language from the Senate bill remain = in the=20 final bill that emerges from the House-Senate conference.  It is important that = Senator Coleman=20 hear from people in the field urging him to continue to press for full = funding=20 of the voucher program. =20 CALL Coleman’s DC = office at=20 1-888-818-6641 and ask to speak with Alan Elias (Coleman’s housing = staff=20 person)  =

 

1.      =20 Urge=20 the Senator to ensure that the final bill that emerges from conference = committee=20 keeps language from the Senate bill that calls for full funding of the = voucher=20 program.  =

2.      =20 Urge=20 the Senator to join Senator Collins in sponsoring the “Sense of = the Senate”=20 that would reaffirm the Senate’s commitment to full funding of = the=20 program.  REPORT the results of your calls to = Katie Fisher=20 at 202-662-1530 x222 or Katie@nlihc.org.=20

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * = * * * * *=20 *

FROM THE PROPOSED ‘SENSE OF THE=20 SENATE’:

 

It is the sense of the Senate=20 that

 

1.      =20 Housing vouchers are a critical resource in = ensuring that=20 families in America can afford safe, decent, and adequate housing;=20

2.   Public housing agencies = must retain=20 the ability to use 100 percent of their authorized vouchers to help = house=20 low-income families; and

3.   The Senate expects the = Department=20 of Housing and Urban Development to take all necessary actions to = encourage full=20 utilization of vouchers, and to use all legally available resources as = needed to=20 support full funding for housing vouchers in fiscal year 2004, so that = every=20 voucher can be used by a family in need.

 

American Dream Down Payment Passes House “On=20 October 1, the House of Representatives passed the American Dream Down = Payment=20 Act, H.R. 1276, designed to help low income families move into = homeownership.=20 The bill would provide $200 million for each of FY04 and FY05.  Under the program, an = estimated 40,000=20 low-income families per year would receive an average of $5,000 towards = their=20 down payments and closing costs. The program would be administered under = the=20 HOME program. HUD Secretary Mel Martinez praised the bill's passage, = saying that=20 an increase in homeownership, especially among minority households, = falls in=20 line with the President's initiatives. The Senate Banking Housing and = Urban=20 Affairs committee is scheduled to markup the American Dream Down Payment = bill on=20 October 14.”  = (Source:  National Low Income Housing=20 Coalition)

 

HousingMinnesota = and the=20 Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless Seek Input from Households Directly = Impacted by Budget Cuts and Program Changes  Have you been = directly=20 impacted by program or budget changes made at the federal, state, or = local=20 level?  Do you work with = clients who=20 have been impacted by the shortage of affordable housing?  Please download and complete = our new=20 survey or distribute it to the clients you serve.  We are attempting to reach = people=20 directly affected by policy changes to support them in telling their = stories and=20 to compile the data to demonstrate the real pain caused by some of the = recent=20 policy decisions.  The = survey may be=20 mailed, faxed, or emailed back to HousingMinnesota.  The form is on our web = site:  http://www.HousingMinnesota.org=

 

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reading/Resources

 

New Reports from Legal Serviced Advocacy Project: Minnesota = Family=20 Investment Program (MFIP) Consolidated Fund = “The 2003 legislature created the Minnesota = Family=20 Investment Program (MFIP) Consolidated Fund (the Fund), which eliminates = and=20 replaces many TANF-funded programs. =20 The creation of the Fund marks a significant change in the way = many=20 important programs and services are funded and administered: In the = past, many=20 TANF-funded programs operated on a state wide basis, and counties = received=20 funding to administer those programs at the local level. Now, most of = those=20 state programs have been eliminated, and each county is given a block = grant from=20 which to fund services and programs for families with incomes below 200% = of=20 poverty. The use of block grants ushers in another wave of devolution, = i.e.=20 shifting responsibility for meeting the needs of low- income families = from the=20 federal government to the State, and now to the counties.”  Read two new reports from = LSAP:  "Understanding the New MFIP = Consolidated=20 Fund: Block Grants and Pay-for-Performance Are at the Center of County = Service=20 Delivery"; and "Implications of the New MFIP Consolidated Fund: What = Will Block=20 Grants and 'Local Flexibility' Mean for Minnesota's Low-Income = Families?" at the=20 LSAP website 

http://www.lsapmn.org/LocalResources.cfm?pagename=3DWhat's%20New<= /FONT>  = (Source:=20 LSAP)

 

Fannie Mae Foundation = Professional=20 Development Fellowships  “Each=20 year since 1996, the Fannie Mae Foundation Fellowship program has = sponsored up=20 to 35 fellowships for senior managers and officials in the Senior = Executives in=20 State and Local Government program at the Kennedy School of Government. = The=20 program is designed to support the professional development of senior = public and=20 nonprofit officials committed to affordable housing by enhancing the = management=20 and decision-making skills of accomplished leaders experienced in = managing=20 housing and community development programs.  The application deadline is = November 1,=20 2003.”  Complete = program and=20 application information is available at = www.fanniemaefoundation.org/grants/kennedy_school.shtml = (Source:  National Low = Income=20 Housing Coalition)

 

About The Building Better Communities Network  The Building Better = Communities Network website is an information clearinghouse and = communication=20 forum dedicated to building inclusive communities and to successfully = citing=20 affordable housing and community services. This website was created to = help=20 those who site community housing, by providing them with the tools they = need to=20 successfully complete their housing efforts.  To learn more visit their web = site at:=20 http://www.bettercommunities.o= rg/

 

 

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Events
 

October=20 14

"Building Dreams" = Event at=20 Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT)   = Chicago Avenue = Apartments=20 Community Room, 1500 Chicago Avenue (Corner of 15th & Chicago = Avenue; close=20 to the southeast corner of downtown Minneapolis), 7:30am.   Street parking is = available.   “Building = Dreams” events are=20 powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in = our=20 community and how CCHT is helping meet the need.  CCHT hopes to increase = community=20 understanding, education, and commitment for their work.  These are NOT fundraisers, = only last 59=20 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people.  Please RSVP to Philip = Schaffner at=20 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org.

 

October=20 15

Working Group on = Supportive=20 Housing for Long-Term Homelessness  9:30-11:30am, MHFA-400 Sibley = Street,=20 St. Paul.  Topic:  “Gaps in Resources, = Barriers to Filling=20 the Gaps in Capital, Operating and Services Funding” 

 

October=20 21

19th Annual = Conference on=20 Policy Analysis  7:15 AM - 4:15 PM, = Earle=20 Brown Continuing Education Center , 1890 Buford Ave, St=20 Paul.  Registration Fees: = $95=20 (postmarked by October 10, 2003), $110 (postmarked after October 10, = 2003), $25=20 student fee (with current student fees statement, not available = online).  The conference provides an = opportunity=20 for analysts and policy-makers to explore timely topics that reflect the = importance of analysis in formulating policy decisions in government. = Conference=20 sessions provide an opportunity to: Gain insight into current trends and = changes=20 in the policy-making environment; explore current policy issues and = processes in=20 concurrent workshop sessions; and share ideas with others from around=20 Minnesota.  For further = information=20 visit: http://www.cce.= umn.edu/government/policyanalysis=20 .


October=20 30

"Building Dreams" = Event at=20 Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT)  Chicago Avenue = Apartments=20 Community Room, 1500 Chicago Avenue (Corner of 15th & Chicago = Avenue; close=20 to the southeast corner of downtown Minneapolis), 4:30pm.   Street parking is = available.   “Building = Dreams” events are=20 powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in = our=20 community and how CCHT is helping meet the need.  CCHT hopes to increase = community=20 understanding, education, and commitment for their work.  These are NOT fundraisers, = only last 59=20 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people.  Please RSVP to Philip = Schaffner at=20 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org.

 

November=20 18

Working Group on = Supportive=20 Housing for Long-Term Homelessness  9:30-11:30am, MHFA-400 Sibley = Street,=20 St. Paul.  Topic:  “Interagency = Decision-Making Process and=20 Criteria for Funding”

 

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Looking for = something from=20 the last Bulletin?? 

Archived issues = are available=20 online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm

For more = information on=20 affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or = events=20 you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel = Callanan, Policy=20 Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota’s website at = www.housingminnesota.org.=20

------_=_NextPart_001_01C38DDA.4809E1E0-- From housingminnesota@mhponline.org Thu Oct 23 20:34:25 2003 From: housingminnesota@mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2003 15:34:25 -0500 Subject: [HousingMinnesota Bulletin] HousingMinnesota Bulletin, Vol. 2 Issue 20, 10.23.3 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6A99@mhpserver.mhponline.org> This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------_=_NextPart_001_01C399A5.0CB3FB22 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable HousingMinnesota=20 Homes for All by 2012!=20 The Bulletin October 23, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 20 Distributed bi-weekly, this bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, publications, and upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast of important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items you'd like included in future issues. The Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm. =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements HousingMinnesota Apartment Vacancy Brief This new resource from HousingMinnesota explores whether there is a relationship between higher apartment vacancies in the Twin Cities metro area and an abatement of the affordable housing crisis. The conclusion is that despite rising vacancy rates, many indicators point to a growing affordable housing problem. Data from the 2002 American Community Survey shows a dramatic increase in the number of Minnesota households paying more than 30% of their income for housing. In 1999, when the 2000 Census was taken, there were an alarming 165,000 renter households paying over 30% of their income for housing. In 2002 the estimate was an astounding 196,000 renter households-a 16% increase over three years. There are currently over 24,000 households on Section 8 waiting lists across the metro area and the average wait to receive a voucher is 4.3 years. To view the complete report visit our web site at: http://www.housingminnesota.org/downloads/Apartment%20vacancy%20brief%20 Final.pdf=20 Met Council approves draft 2030 Regional Development Framework, sets public hearing for Dec. 3rd Included in the Framework is the Met Council's plan for addressing affordable housing: "The housing policy emphasizes market solutions to affordable housing production. As communities work to broaden the range of housing choices, they can draw on tools already at hand - for example, comprehensive plans and local ordinances. The Council will use its programs and resources - including negotiated housing goals, planning and technical assistance, regional investments and incentive programs - to encourage communities to provide for a diversity of housing types and costs." Several information sessions are planned to introduce the 2030 Regional Development Framework. A public hearing will be held Dec. 3rd and public comments will be taken through Dec. 13. To view a draft of the Framework, more information on dates for this series of informational meetings and how to weigh in on the Framework, see the Met Council web site: http://www.metrocouncil.org/directions/planning/frameworkOct03.htm=20 National Housing Trust Fund Campaign Seeks Endorsement The National Housing Trust Fund Campaign looks forward to Senate legislation for a housing production proposal to be introduced within the next few weeks. The goal is to be able to say that over 5,000 religious leaders, elected officials, and organizations across the nation support a National Housing Trust Fund. Right now, there are 4,500 endorsers. Help send a strong message to Congress-- we need a National Housing Trust Fund! HousingMinnesota is an endorser. Have you or your organization endorsed the National Housing Trust Fund? For more information or to endorse the trust fund online, go to http://www.nhtf.org/forum/signup.asp.=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading/Resources=20 Report: Minnesota Housing Prices Continue to Soar The State of Minnesota's Demographic Center has published a report that outlines the rising costs of housing by county in Minnesota . The report is available at http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/Report.html?Id=3D4924. =20 New PolicyLink Report Makes Case for Increasing Affordable Housing Through Inclusionary Zoning This new PolicyLink report draws on inclusionary zoning successes from around the country and makes recommendations for expanding the availability of affordable housing in Washington, DC that apply to other cities as well. Expanding Housing Opportunity in Washington, DC: The Case for Inclusionary Zoning uses data compiled from hundred of localities where inclusionary zoning has made a critical difference in providing affordable housing to low- and moderate- income families. The report shows how inclusionary zoning helps increase the development of affordable rental and ownership units; expand opportunity, by creating mixed income communities; contribute to deconcentration of poverty, by spreading affordable housing across jurisdictions or regions, rather than isolating it in the poorest neighborhoods; and makes recommendations to jurisdictions for crafting a comprehensive and successful inclusionary zoning program. To view the full report please visit http://www.policylink.org/DCIZ.html. To view the PolicyLink Equitable Development Inclusionary Zoning tool, please visit http://www.policylink.org/EquitableDevelopment/XQ/ASP/ID.45/QX/fsToolMai n.htm.=20 =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events October 24 Mixed Use Development in the Twin Cities: Issues and Best Practices University of Minnesota, West Bank, Carlson School of Management, Room 2-215, 12:00-1:30pm . Mike LaFave of the Local Initiatives Support Corp and JoAnna Villone Hicks of the Neighborhood Development Center will present an analysis of key issues and best practices in mixed-use approaches to development - particularly from the perspective of making commercial space succeed in housing developments. If possible, please RSVP by Tuesday, October 21st at 612-625-1551. For more information call David Bael at 612-625-2086 or visit http://www.cura.umn.edu . =20 October 24 & October 26 Is There A Place ? concerts to benefit Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity - The Minnesota Chorale will partner with two area churches to present benefit concerts supporting the work of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The concerts, conducted by Kathy Saltzman Romey and Timothy Sawyer, will celebrate the idea of home and the sense of place. Admission to the performances is free, with a suggested donation of $15. The concerts will be held Friday, October 24, 8:00 pm , at Colonial Church of Edina, 6200 Colonial Way , Edina , MN and Sunday, October 26, 4:00 pm at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church , 900 Stillwater Road , Mahtomedi , MN . For additional information, please call the Minnesota Chorale at 612-333-4866.=20 October 27 Meeting of the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Government 200 State Office Building , 3:00pm . Commission Chair Rep. Mark Buesgens will lead the meeting to include discussion of the Public Hearing Draft of the 2030 Regional Development Framework, the Livable Communities Grants Process, and possible other items TBA.=20 October 30=20 "Building Dreams" Event at Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT) Chicago Avenue Apartments Community Room, 1500 Chicago Avenue (Corner of 15th & Chicago Avenue ; close to the southeast corner of downtown Minneapolis ), 4:30pm . Street parking is available. "Building Dreams" events are powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in our community and how CCHT is helping meet the need. CCHT hopes to increase community understanding, education, and commitment for their work. These are NOT fundraisers, only last 59 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people. Please RSVP to Philip Schaffner at 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org.=20 November 18=20 Working Group on Supportive Housing for Long-Term Homelessness 9:30-11:30am , MHFA-400 Sibley Street , St. Paul . Topic: "Interagency Decision-Making Process and Criteria for Funding" November 19=20 Housing Studies Colloquium: "Housing Policy: Where We Are At, Where We Need To Be" 7:00pm , University of Minnesota , McNeal Hall, Room 33. Presented by Cushing Dolbeare, Senior Fellow at the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. For more information, contact Dr. Ann Ziebarth at 612-625-8795 or aziebart@che.umn.edu. =20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin?? =20 Archived issues are available online at: http://www.mhponline.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm=20 For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel Callanan, Policy Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org .=20 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C399A5.0CB3FB22 Content-Type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Message

HousingMinnesota=20

Homes for All by 2012! =

 The=20 Bulletin
October 23, = 2003
Volume 2, Issue 20

Distributed = bi-weekly, this=20 bulletin contains news, announcements, legislative updates, = publications, and=20 upcoming events. We hope you'll find it helpful in keeping you abreast = of=20 important developments. Please don't hesitate to contact us with items = you'd=20 like included in future issues.  = The=20 Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at http://www.mhponl= ine.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm.=20     =20

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
News/Announcements

HousingMinnesota = Apartment=20 Vacancy Brief  = This new resource from HousingMinnesota explores whether there = is a=20 relationship between higher apartment vacancies in the Twin Cities metro = area=20 and an abatement of the affordable housing crisis.  The conclusion is that despite = rising=20 vacancy rates, many indicators point to a growing affordable housing=20 problem.  Data from the = 2002=20 American Community Survey shows a dramatic increase in the number of=20 Minnesota=20 households paying more than 30% of their income for = housing.  In 1999, when the 2000 Census = was taken,=20 there were an alarming 165,000 renter households paying over 30% of = their income=20 for housing.  In 2002 the = estimate=20 was an astounding 196,000 renter households—a 16% increase over = three=20 years.  There are = currently over=20 24,000 households on Section 8 waiting lists across the metro area and = the=20 average wait to receive a voucher is 4.3 years.  To view the complete report = visit our=20 web site at:  http://www.housingminnesota.org/downloads/Apartment%20v= acancy%20brief%20Final.pdf=20

Met Council approves draft 2030 = Regional=20 Development Framework, sets public hearing for Dec.=20 3rd =20 Included in the Framework is the = Met=20 Council’s plan for addressing affordable housing:  “The housing policy = emphasizes market=20 solutions to affordable housing production. As communities work to = broaden the=20 range of housing choices, they can draw on tools already at hand — = for example,=20 comprehensive plans and local ordinances. The Council will use its = programs and=20 resources — including negotiated housing goals, planning and = technical=20 assistance, regional investments and incentive programs — to = encourage=20 communities to provide for a diversity of housing types and = costs.” Several information sessions = are planned=20 to introduce the 2030 Regional Development Framework. A public hearing = will be=20 held Dec. 3rd and public comments will be taken through Dec. = 13.  To view a draft of the = Framework, more=20 information on dates for this series of informational meetings and how = to weigh=20 in on the Framework, see the Met Council web site:  http://www.metrocouncil.org/directions/planning/frameworkOct03.htm= =20

National=20 Housing Trust Fund Campaign Seeks Endorsement The = National=20 Housing Trust Fund Campaign looks forward to Senate legislation for a = housing=20 production proposal to be introduced within the next few weeks.  The goal is to be able to say = that over=20 5,000 religious leaders, elected officials, and organizations across the = nation=20 support a National Housing Trust Fund. =20 Right now, there are 4,500 endorsers.  Help send a strong message to = Congress--=20 we need a National Housing Trust Fund! =20 HousingMinnesota is an endorser.   Have you or your = organization=20 endorsed the National Housing Trust Fund? =20 For more information or to endorse the trust fund online, go to = http://www.nhtf.org/forum/s= ignup.asp.=20


* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Reading/Resources =

Report:=20 Minnesota = Housing=20 Prices Continue to Soar  = The State of = Minnesota’s=20 Demographic=20 Center=20 has=20 published a report that outlines the rising costs of housing by county = in=20 Minnesota=20 .  The report is available at http://www.m= nplan.state.mn.us/Report.html?Id=3D4924. 

New PolicyLink Report Makes Case for = Increasing Affordable Housing Through Inclusionary = Zoning  This new PolicyLink report = draws on=20 inclusionary zoning successes from around the country and makes = recommendations=20 for expanding the availability of affordable housing in Washington, DC = that=20 apply to other cities as well. =20 Expanding Housing Opportunity in Washington, DC: The Case for=20 Inclusionary Zoning uses data compiled from hundred of localities = where=20 inclusionary zoning has made a critical difference in providing = affordable=20 housing to low- and moderate- income families. The report shows how = inclusionary=20 zoning helps increase the development of affordable rental and ownership = units;=20 expand opportunity, by creating mixed income communities; contribute to=20 deconcentration of poverty, by spreading affordable housing across = jurisdictions=20 or regions, rather than isolating it in the poorest neighborhoods; and = makes=20 recommendations to jurisdictions for crafting a comprehensive and = successful=20 inclusionary zoning program.  = To=20 view the full report please visit=20 http://www.policylink.org/DC= IZ.html. =  To view the=20 PolicyLink Equitable Development Inclusionary Zoning tool, please visit=20 http://www.policylink.org/EquitableDevelopment/XQ/ASP/ID.45= /QX/fsToolMain.htm.=20

 
 * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Events
October 24
Mixed Use Development in the Twin Cities: = Issues and=20 Best Practices   = University = of Minnesota, West Bank,=20 Carlson School = of Management, Room 2-215, 12:00-1:30pm .  = Mike=20 LaFave of the Local Initiatives Support Corp and JoAnna Villone Hicks of = the=20 Neighborhood Development Center = will present an analysis of key issues and = best=20 practices in mixed-use approaches to development – particularly = from the=20 perspective of making commercial space succeed in housing = developments.  If possible, please RSVP by = Tuesday,=20 October 21st at 612-625-1551. =20 For more information call David Bael at 612-625-2086 or visit http://www.cura.umn.edu. 

October 24 & October 26
Is=20 There A=20 Place ? = concerts=20 to benefit Twin Cities Habitat for = Humanity - = The=20 Minnesota Chorale will partner with two area churches to present benefit = concerts supporting the work of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.  = The=20 concerts, conducted by Kathy Saltzman Romey and Timothy Sawyer, will = celebrate=20 the idea of home and the sense of place.  Admission to the = performances is=20 free, with a suggested donation of $15.  The concerts will be held = Friday,=20 October 24, 8:00=20 pm , at=20 Colonial Church of Edina, 6200=20 Colonial Way ,=20 Edina=20 ,=20 MN=20 and Sunday,=20 October 26, 4:00=20 pm at St.=20 Andrew's Lutheran=20 Church=20 ,=20 900=20 Stillwater Road ,=20 Mahtomedi=20 ,=20 MN=20 . =20 For additional information, please call the Minnesota Chorale at=20 612-333-4866.=20

October 27
Meeting of the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan=20 Government 200=20 State=20 Office=20 Building=20 ,=20 3:00pm=20 .=20 Commission Chair Rep. Mark = Buesgens=20 will lead the meeting to include discussion of the Public Hearing Draft = of the=20 2030 Regional Development Framework, the Livable Communities Grants = Process, and=20 possible other items TBA.=20

October 30=20
"Building Dreams" = Event at=20 Central Community Housing Trust (CCHT)  Chicago Avenue = Apartments=20 Community Room, 1500 Chicago=20 Avenue (Corner of 15th = &=20 Chicago=20 Avenue ; close to the = southeast=20 corner of downtown Minneapolis=20 ),=20 4:30pm=20 .   Street parking is = available.   “Building = Dreams” events are=20 powerful and informative sessions about the affordable housing crisis in = our=20 community and how CCHT is helping meet the need.  CCHT hopes to increase = community=20 understanding, education, and commitment for their work.  These are NOT fundraisers, = only last 59=20 minutes (guaranteed!), and are usually attended by 8-12 people.  Please RSVP to Philip = Schaffner at=20 612-341-3148 ext. 237 or pschaffner@ccht.org.=20

November=20 18=20
Working Group on = Supportive=20 Housing for Long-Term Homelessness =20 9:30-11:30am=20 ,=20 MHFA-400 Sibley=20 Street , = St. = Paul=20 .  Topic:  “Interagency = Decision-Making Process and=20 Criteria for Funding”

November=20 19
Housing=20 Studies Colloquium: “Housing Policy: =20 Where We Are At, Where We Need To Be” 7:00pm ,=20 University of Minnesota = , McNeal Hall, Room 33.  Presented by Cushing Dolbeare, = Senior=20 Fellow at the Harvard Joint Center = on Housing. =20 For more information, contact Dr. Ann Ziebarth at 612-625-8795 or = aziebart@che.umn.edu. 

* * * * * * * * = * * * * * *=20 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Looking for = something from=20 the last Bulletin?? 

Archived issues = are available=20 online at: http://www.mhponl= ine.org/Bulletin/Bulletin.htm=20

For more = information on=20 affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or = events=20 you would like included in future issues, please contact Rachel = Callanan, Policy=20 Director, (651) 649-1710 x107, email rcallanan@mhponline.org or = see=20 HousingMinnesota’s website at www.housingminnesota.org.=20

<= /BODY> =00 ------_=_NextPart_001_01C399A5.0CB3FB22--