From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Thu Feb 10 17:32:28 2005 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Thu Feb 10 17:33:01 2005 Subject: HousingMinnesota Bulletin - Volume 4, Issue 3 2-10-05 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6B15@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin February 10, 2005 Volume 4, Issue 3 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. Don't hesitate to contact us with items to include in future issues. The Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements Federal Budget Released President Bush's proposed FY06 budget, released February 7, included $28.5 billion for HUD - an 11 percent decrease compared to 2005. HUD prioritized homeownership initiatives and funding for programs targeted for people experiencing long-term homelessness, while cutting the Community Development Block Grant Program and eliminating funding for the Community Services Block Grant. In addition, HUD will propose reforms to Section 8 similar to last year. * Community Development Block Grants The most drastic cut in the HUD budget request is the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant program. This 30-year-old program, which has been vital in improving communities across the country, will be moved to the Commerce Department where it will be incorporated into the Strengthening America's Communities Grant, a $3.7l billion program. This is a 34 percent cut across all of the programs. It is not clear how the funds would be distributed in the new program, if housing activities would be a part of the new program, or what part of the $3.71 billion in the Commerce Department's budget request represents CDBG activity versus activities of any of the other 17 federal programs rolled into this new program. Minnesota could lose $26 million, according to a D.C. organization. * Section 8 The President requests a total of $15.85 billion for Section 8. The distribution of the funds for renewals will be based on a pro-rata share of each agency's FY05 budget and a 2006 annual adjustment factor plus the costs of any tenant protection vouchers. This should only fund about 94 percent of vouchers expiring in 2006. While the budget request does not propose major changes in the program, such as a Flexible Voucher Program, HUD states that it will move forward with reforms and submit a similar proposal to Congress later in the year. * Housing for Persons with Disabilities In one of the most extraordinary cuts within the FY06 request, housing for persons with disabilities is cut in half, from $238 million to $120 million. None of these funds are for the construction of new units; up to $35 million is for new tenant-based assistance and the remaining funds are for tenant-based renewals. * USDA's Rural Housing Service The President seeks a steep cut in the Section 515 program funding rental housing construction, going from $99 million in FY05 to $27 million in FY06. There was one bright light in the rural housing programs where the Rural Rental Assistance Program was increased in the FY06 request from $587 million to $650 million. * Public Housing/HOPE VI While funding is up slightly for public housing, HUD is only providing 89 percent of the needed funds for public housing operations. In addition, funds to repair public housing are down about 10 percent despite a $20 billion backlog in unmet capital need. For the third year in a row, the HOPE VI program, which provides funds to redevelop dilapidated public housing, is slated for elimination. The FY06 request actually seeks a negative amount for HOPE VI (-$143 million) to rescind monies appropriated last year. * Community Services Block Grant The Community Services Block Grant that funds Community Action Agencies was eliminated in the Administrations proposed budget. Last year, the fund received $637 million. The President indicated that some programs funded by CSBG will now fall under a new initiative in the Department of Commerce, Strengthening America's Communities. Historically, CSBG provided the capacity building dollars for CAP agencies to administer programs such as food stamps, energy assistance and early childhood education. For a more complete synopsis of the Federal Housing Budget go to: . For a complete copy of the President's proposed budget go to: (Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition) At the Capitol Three primary issues emerged at the Capitol over the last week: the $20 million bonding initiative for supportive housing, and Governor Pawlenty's proposed cuts to the Challenge Fund program and the renters' credit. Bonding. An action alert went out last week to generate calls to the House Jobs and Economic Opportunity committee to shore up their support for the $20 million housing initiative. Wednesday, Feb. 10th, Chairman Gunther will present that committee's recommendations to the House Capital Investment committee. An action alert will likely be issued in the next week or two as the Capital Investment committee puts their bill together. The House bonding bill is expected to pass off the floor around Feb. 24th. Budget Cuts. Housing and homelessness advocates issued a joint response to the governor's budget. A press release was issued and may be viewed on the web at www.housingminnesota.org or www.mnhomelesscoalition.org . Two cuts proposed by the governor have become rallying points for housing and homelessness advocates. Proposed Challenge Fund Cut. The governor proposed a $13 million (60 percent) cut to the Challenge Fund program at Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The Challenge Fund provides funding for construction and rehab of workforce housing. The annual median household income of a family benefiting from the program is just under $30,000. The program has maximized resources statewide because it requires leveraging outside funding and provides a preference for projects that use cost-reduction strategies such as regulatory changes or waivers. While used statewide, the program has been an important housing resource in Greater Minnesota. Between 1995 and 2004, more than 41 percent of the $80 million expended through Challenge Fund programs on multi-housing development went to build or rehab housing in Greater Minnesota. The Challenge program bore the brunt of MHFA cuts in 2003 when the program was cut by more than $4 million (18 percent) for the 2004-05 biennium. Advocates will join forces to fight Pawlenty's proposed cut by focusing on the successful projects that have spurred economic development across the state and by focusing on the growing need for additional workforce housing. You can show your support for these efforts by being a visible presence at the House Jobs and Economic Opportunity committee informational hearing on housing and homelessness on Feb. 16th 8:15-10:00AM in Room 10 of the State Office Building. (Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and Family Housing Fund will present the study, The Next Decade of Housing in Minnesota and Wilder Research will present their study Homeless in Minnesota 2003 .) Please check the Committee Schedule before attending, as schedules may change with little notice. Proposed Renters' Credit Cut. The renters' credit was similarly targeted for a significant cut in the governor's budget. The governor would change the formula by which the renter's credit is calculated amounting to a $31 million cut in 2007 and $80 million cut in the 2008-09 biennium. The change would reduce the average renter's credit from $554 to $465 and 12,600 renters would become ineligible. The renter's credit primarily benefits low-income tenants. The maximum income for eligibility is $45,000 and the program is targeted so that it phases out for those with higher incomes. For some perspective, consider that the statewide median income is $68,000, while the median income for renters is $31,600 per year. Advocates are coordinating to fight the cut. If your group is interested in participating, please contact Susie Brown, public policy director at Family & Children's Service: susie.brown@fcsmn.org. (Rachel Callanan, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless policy advocate and former HousingMinnesota policy director, will contribute bi-weekly updates from the Capitol. She may be reached at callanan@mnhomelesscoalition.org.) HousingMinnesota Receives Grant to Increase Work on Section 8 HousingMinnesota wishes to recognize the Minneapolis Foundation for its support of the campaign's new federal advocacy effort. Under its "Minnesota: Where Are We Going?" initiative, the foundation is funding an 18 month HousingMinnesota project responding to the Bush Administration's harmful Section 8 funding and policy proposals. HousingMinnesota is now recruiting a project coordinator, details are available at www.mhponline.org/Jobs/jobs2.htm. HousingMinnesota Launches Housing Communicators Discussion Group In an effort to better insert housing issues into the public dialogue, housing communicators will meet monthly to share ideas and agendas and brainstorm how to get these issues into the media. The discussions will enable us to combine our resources to effectively communicate housing messages in a more powerful and provoking way. The first meeting will be noon Tuesday, February 22 at the Minnesota Housing Partnership, 1821 University Avenue West, S-137, St. Paul. Please contact Josh Krohn at (651) 649-1710 ext. 117 or jkrohn@mhponline.org for more information or to RSVP. Duluth Launches Initiative to Increase Development of Affordable Housing Duluth Housing 1000 is an initiative of the Duluth Affordable Housing Coalition to create 1000 additional housing units by the year 2010 with the stipulation that 33 percent of these units be classified as affordable. The primary tasks of Duluth Housing 1000 are to gain support for affordable housing throughout Duluth and to monitor the progress of the development of affordable housing. For more information about Duluth Housing 100 go to http://www.housing1000.org/. For more information about the Duluth Affordable Housing Coalition go to http://www.housing1000.org/ahc.html. Minneapolis Announces New RFP Housing, Community Works and Transit (HCWT), Human Services and the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) announce the availability of funds through Coordinated Housing, Support Services and Transit Request for Proposals (CRFP). Eligible applicants include municipalities, other government and nonprofit housing developers. Proposals are due March 1. For more information go to http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/vgn/portal/internet/hcdetailmaster/0,2300,1273_1746_120209844,00.html. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading Public Housing Reform and Voucher Success: Progress and Challenges This paper reviews the progress of the important federal housing reforms since 1998, including the latest actions reflected in the FY 2005 appropriations bill. It examines the extent to which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and its local partners have implemented changes to transform the physical, social and economic setting of public housing, improve its overall management, and enhance the voucher program. The paper also identifies outstanding concerns and ways in which HUD, Congress and public housing authorities can ensure that the full intent of the act is carried out. For a complete copy of the report go to: . (Source: HousingLink HousingNews, 2/4/05) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events Town Hall Meetings with Local Legislators Take this opportunity to speak with your legislators about the important role housing plays in maintaining a healthy community. February 11 * Sen. Carrie Rudd (4) 1:30 p.m., Bemidji State University February 12 * Sen. Brian LeClair (56) and Rep. Karen Klinzing (56B) 9a.m., Woodbury City Hall Council Chambers * Sen. Sharon Marko (57), 9 a.m., TBA South St. Paul * Sen. Sharon Marko (57), 1 p.m., TBA Newport February 14 * Sen. Jane Ranum (63), 9:30-11:30 a.m., Mayflower Church - 35W and Diamond Lake Road - Minneapolis February 19 * Rep. Paul Gazelka (12A), 9 a.m., Crosby City Hall -- Crosby * 11 a.m., Brainerd City Hall - Brainerd * 1 p.m., Baxter City Hall -- Baxter * 3 p.m., Nisswa Elementary School - Nisswa * Sen. Carrie Rudd (4), 9 a.m., Cuyuna City Hall * 10:30 a.m., Emily City Hall * 11:30 a.m., Outing City Hall * 1 p.m., Remer City Hall * 2:30 p.m., Deer River City Hall March 12 * Sen. Linda Berglin (61), 10 a.m.-noon, Walker Community Church - 31st Street and 16th Avenue South - Minneapolis, MN February 16 MHFA'S Housing Trust Fund Informational Session. 2:00 pm, Anoka County Government Center, 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Housing Trust Fund including the uses to end Long Term Homelessness and the application process. Applications will be released this spring/summer. Funds can be used for such things as construction and rental assistance (tenant based, sponsor based and project based), security deposits and administrative fees for tenant based and sponsor based rental assistance. For more information, contact Kate Thunstrom at (763) 323-5714. February 22 HousingLink 101: How to Help People with Housing Needs. 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, Sumner Public Library. HousingLink 101 is designed primarily for service agency and other organization staff who would like assistance in helping their clients find affordable housing. HousingLink 101 provides an overview of HousingLink, provides a basic overview of public housing, Section 8 Vouchers, and project-based housing, and explains how you can access and use HousingLink's resources to help clients. Because there is often heavy interest in HousingLink 101 and space is limited, we suggest you send only 1-3 staff persons per department or organization. For larger groups, contact HousingLink about hosting a workshop on-site. For more information visit . To register for HousingLink 101, call 612-520-9234 or email info@housinglink.org. Please register by February 18, 2005. March 10 Lobby Day at the State Capitol 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., State Capitol. Join HousingMinnesota and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless at the state Capitol as we continue to push the Homes for All campaign. Meet with your legislators, talk to other elected officials and help shape the important decisions necessary to maintain adequate state funding for vital housing programs. Please register online at http://www.housingminnesota.org/lobbydayFor more information contact Tom Goldstein at (651) 649-1710 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org. Through March 27 Home Sweet Home Again: A Visual Art Presentation Focusing on Affordable Housing Shortages, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis. To raise awareness and consciousness regarding affordable housing, Intermedia Arts and the Family Housing Fund are partnering to present Home Sweet Home Again. This exhibition stems from the successful 2000 Home Sweet Home exhibit. Home Sweet Home Again includes more than 75 pieces of visual artwork and 28 poems by local artists and poets on homelessness, affordable housing and the meaning of home. For more information about Home Sweet Home Again or the Family Housing Fund, please contact Shawna Nelsen Tobechukwu at 612-375-9644, ext. 13 or by e-mail at shawna@fhfund.org. April 2 Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund's Annual Cooperative Housing Conference. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Center, 2540 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis. There will be a keynote speaker and panel discussion about cooperation among cooperatives. Breakout sessions include challenges to the board of directors, finance, co-op purchasing, the changing face of cooperative members and converting leasehold cooperatives to equity cooperatives. For more information contact Candace Dow at (612) 767-2120 or candace@ncdf.coop. April 4 Housing First: A Strategy for Ending Homelessness, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Continuing Education and Conference Center on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus (1890 Buford Ave, St. Paul). The conference is sponsored by Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing and the Corporation for Supportive Housing and costs $20 per person, including breakfast and lunch. For more information contact Christy Snow-Kaster, Executive Director, Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing at (612) 278-1165 or via email at meshsnow@cpinternet.com. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin? Archived issues are available online at: For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events to include in future issues, contact Joanna Dornfeld at (651) 649-1710 ext. 108, email jdornfeld@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org . From housingminnesota at mhponline.org Wed Feb 23 16:43:30 2005 From: housingminnesota at mhponline.org (HousingMN Communications ) Date: Wed Feb 23 16:44:14 2005 Subject: HousingMinnesota Bulletin - Volume 4, Issue 4 2-23-05 Message-ID: <91CE81A8B5C57940AA99ECF1E2A160600A6B16@mhpserver.mhponline.org> HousingMinnesota Homes for All by 2012! The Bulletin February 23, 2005 Volume 4, Issue 4 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. Don't hesitate to contact us with items to include in future issues. The Bulletin is also available on MHP's website at . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * News/Announcements Lobby Day March 10 - Register Today Register today to participate in HousingMinnesota and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homleless' Lobby Day 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 10 at the state Capitol. Tell your elected officials that housing is a priority to Minnesotans. It is important to register in advance so we can schedule a meeting for you with your legislators. For more information or to register contact Tom Goldstein at (651) 649-1710 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org or go to www.housingminnesota.org/lobbyday . >From the Capitol Bonding. Progress is being made on the capital investment (bonding) bills. The governor announced his bonding priorities in January; his requests totaled $816 million and included his request for $20 million for supportive housing to kick off the plan to end long-term homelessness. The Senate passed their bill (SF 1) on Jan. 24th with a total of $1.038 billion. The Senate bill includes the $20 million in bonding for permanent supportive housing requested by the governor. The Senate's bill also includes $4.25 million in bonding to build 64 units of supportive and affordable housing in Minneapolis that would be owned by Hennepin County HRA and operated by Lutheran Social Services. The House bill (HF 3) includes a total of $817 million and designates $10 million for the supportive housing initiative. It passed off the floor February 22nd on a vote of 121-12. Differences between the bills will be ironed out in conference committee in the next month. The goal is to pass a final bonding bill for the governor to sign by mid-March so that construction on certain projects can begin this spring. Budget. Housing advocates convened to discuss strategy on the governor's proposed cuts to MHFA programs, particularly focusing on the 60% cut to the Challenge program. The Challenge program is the "bread and butter" affordable and workforce housing program in the state and has been successful in leveraging private resources to accomplish our state's workforce housing goals. In support of the strategy to demonstrate the successfulness of the program Warren Hanson, President of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, testified in the House Jobs and Economic Opportunity committee on February 16th. He provided specific examples of projects in Greater Minnesota that have provided a boost to local economies and provided much-needed housing for workers. The governor's budget would cut back by 50% the number of projects funded under the Challenge program. The House and Senate have yet to unveil their budgets. Both bodies will wait until after the release of the February economic forecast on the 28th. (Details of the February forecast will be provided on the Dept. of Finance web site Feb. 28th at .) Tax Issues. A number of critical tax issues will impact affordable housing this session. The issue of rising property taxes for low-income rental housing is a top priority for HousingMinnesota. Several strategies for addressing the dramatic rise in property taxes for these properties were proposed in the Senate omnibus tax bill last session. That bill passed the Senate floor but was not conferenced due to the legislative gridlock. To save committee time and resources, the Senate Tax Committee has decided to use that bill as their starting point for their omnibus tax bill this session. The options for providing property tax relief to low-income rental properties are still viable in the Senate's bill without reintroducing legislation this session. HousingMinnesota's lobbyists are working with Rep. Vandeveer, new Chair of the House Property Tax committee, to work out some language for the House side. Another critical tax issue is the governor's proposed cut to the renter's credit. New fact sheets were recently released by the Minnesota Budget Project and may be found at www.mncn.org/bp . The Senate's 2004 omnibus tax bill also included a $10 million cut to the renter's credit-that provision remains in the omnibus bill as part of the Senate's starting point this year. A broad range of advocates have joined forces around the goal of protecting against any cut to the renter's credit. (Rachel Callanan, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless policy advocate and former HousingMinnesota policy director, will contribute bi-weekly updates from the Capitol. She may be reached at callanan@mnhomelesscoalition.org .) Take Action - Challenge Grant HousingMinnesota is working to maintain funding for the Housing Challenge Grant program that provides resources for the production and rehab of workforce housing. Governor Pawlenty proposed to cut the Challenge Grant by 60 percent or $13 million in his budget. Please write a letter to Governor Pawlenty requesting that he maintain funding for the program. For more information about the Challenge Program go to: www.housingminnesota.org/policy . Contact Governor Pawlenty at Office of the Governor, 130 State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. Take Action - Federal Housing Budget Call your U.S. representative and senators February 23 and 24 to urge them to reject President Bush's FY06 proposed budget. The Administration has proposed significant cuts to housing programs that would harm Minnesotans. For more information about President Bush's proposed budget and information about how to contact your members of Congress go to www.housingminnesota.org . Section 8 in the News The Minneapolis Star Tribune and Albert Lea Tribune published articles about the impact of President Bush's proposed budget on the Section 8 program. To read the articles go to: or . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Reading Low-Income Housing Vouchers Could Be Cut Significantly Under Administration Budget Proposal. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report Friday detailing the impact of the Administration's proposed Budget on the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. The report includes specific information about the number of vouchers each housing authority in the nation will be able to fund in 2005, 2006 and 2010. For a complete copy of the report and links to the state data go to: . Regional Equity and Smart Growth This paper discusses the emergence and evolution of the regional equity concept, including: living near regional opportunity; linking to regional opportunity; promoting equitable public investment; and making all neighborhoods stable, healthy and livable. It concludes with a survey of resources needed to deepen and strengthen regional equity, a movement that seeks to ensure that individuals and families in all communities can participate in and benefit from economic growth and activity throughout the metropolitan region--including access to high-performing schools, decent affordable housing located in attractive neighborhoods, living wage jobs, and proximity to public transit and important amenities, such as supermarkets and parks. For a complete copy of the report go to: . * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Upcoming Events February 25 Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Briefing and Strategy Session on the Governor's Budget. 9-11:30 a.m. Lakes and Plains Regional Council of Carpenters and Joiners, 700 Olive Street, St. Paul. The Minnesota Budget Project and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits will lead a discussion about Governor Pawlenty's Budget and a strategy session addressing the role of nonprofits in this debate. The agenda for the workshop includes: analysis of the values and priorities of the Governor's 2006-07 Budget Proposal, how did we get here and how do we fix it, the Legislative budget process in 2005, and nonprofit strategy session - how to be part of the budget debate. To guarantee handouts, please RSVP by e-mailing josh@mncn.org , or call 651-642-1904 x223 and include your name, organization, address, phone, and e-mail address. Town Hall Meetings with Local Legislators Take this opportunity to speak with your legislators about the important role housing plays in maintaining a healthy community. February 24 St. Joseph Area, 7-9 p.m., St. Joseph Fire Hall, 323 4th Street Northeast March 2 Rochester Area, 7-8:45 p.m., Rochester Public Library, 101-2nd Street Southeast March 12 Sen. Linda Berglin (61), 10 a.m.-noon, Walker Community Church - 31st Street and 16th Avenue South - Minneapolis March 10 Lobby Day at the State Capitol 9 a.m.-3 p.m., State Capitol. Join HousingMinnesota and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless at the state Capitol as we continue to push the Homes for All campaign. Meet with your legislators, talk to other elected officials and help shape the important decisions necessary to maintain adequate state funding for vital housing programs. Please register online at http://www.housingminnesota.org/lobbyday . For more information contact Tom Goldstein at (651) 649-1710 ext. 106 or tgoldstein@mhponline.org . March 18 Benefit for the Bridge for Runaway Youth 5 p.m. all ages show with ICollide, Clair de Lune, and 24 Reasons Why ($5), 6 p.m. 21+ show with Battle at Sea, Clpd Beaks, Incommunicado and Passions ($6) at Triple Rock Social Club, 629 Cedar Ave on the West Bank of Minneapolis. Through March 27 Home Sweet Home Again: A Visual Art Presentation Focusing on Affordable Housing Shortages, Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis. To raise awareness and consciousness regarding affordable housing, Intermedia Arts and the Family Housing Fund are partnering to present Home Sweet Home Again. This exhibition stems from the successful 2000 Home Sweet Home exhibit. Home Sweet Home Again includes more than 75 pieces of visual artwork and 28 poems by local artists and poets on homelessness, affordable housing and the meaning of home. For more information about Home Sweet Home Again or the Family Housing Fund, please contact Shawna Nelsen Tobechukwu at 612-375-9644, ext. 13 or by e-mail at shawna@fhfund.org . April 2 Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund's Annual Cooperative Housing Conference. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Center, 2540 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis. There will be a keynote speaker and panel discussion about cooperation among cooperatives. Breakout sessions include challenges to the board of directors, finance, co-op purchasing, the changing face of cooperative members and converting leasehold cooperatives to equity cooperatives. For more information contact Candace Dow at (612) 767-2120 or candace@ncdf.coop . April 4 Housing First: A Strategy for Ending Homelessness, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Continuing Education and Conference Center on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus (1890 Buford Ave, St. Paul). The conference is sponsored by Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing and the Corporation for Supportive Housing and costs $20 per person, including breakfast and lunch. For more information contact Christy Snow-Kaster, Executive Director, Metro-wide Engagement on Shelter and Housing at (612) 278-1165 or via email at meshsnow@cpinternet.com . April 26 Achieving Long Term Affordability Seminar. 8 a.m.-noon. Four Points Sheraton, 400 Hamline Ave N. St. Paul. Please join Twin Cities LISC, MCCD and the St. Paul Coalition of CDCs as we look at the challenges and opportunities of five different models for achieving long-term/perpetually affordable ownership, including: Community Land Trusts, Deed Restrictions, Soft Second Mortgages, Limited Equity Co-ops, and the Habitat for Humanity model. This seminar assumes a base level of knowledge. It is targeted to community development practitioners interested in doing long-term/perpetually affordable development, though anyone is welcome. There is no cost to attend. To pre-register, contact Susie Bern at 612-789-7337 x15, or email sbern@mccdmn.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Looking for something from the last Bulletin? Archived issues are available online at: For more information on affordable housing, the content of this document, or if you have news or events to include in future issues, contact Joanna Dornfeld at (651) 649-1710 ext. 108, email jdornfeld@mhponline.org or see HousingMinnesota's website at www.housingminnesota.org .