DEPARTMENT: Social Services-Housing & Community Resources
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Update On Housing Business Plan And Affordable Housing Aid Spending Options And Authorization To Accept State And Local Affordable Housing Aid Funds
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the Housing Business Plan and Affordable Housing Aid spending options and authorize acceptance of State and Local Affordable Housing Aid funds.
SUMMARY
In 2021, the Dakota County Board of Commissioners reconvened the Housing Leadership Workgroup to assess the outcomes of the County's Housing Business Plan and make recommendations for future housing initiatives and investments in Dakota County.
The workgroup was made up of faith leaders, law enforcement, people who have experienced homelessness, nonprofit partners, Dakota County Commissioners, and staff from the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the County. The workgroup recommended investments in three main areas to support the next phase of the Dakota County Housing Business Plan: shelter, homelessness prevention, and affordable housing. Staff presented these recommendations to the County Board on October 19, 2021. Staff returned to the County Board throughout 2022 and 2023 with additional information and further defined recommendations in each of the three investment areas.
The 2024 County Budget included initial investments utilizing the new State and Local Affordable Housing Aid, including Emergency Rental Assistance, Apartment Services, Prevention and Navigation Services, Family Voucher Program, and Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing Services.
On March 27, 2024, Community Services and the CDA proposed an expanded set of Affordable Housing Aid investments during a Board Workshop. The County Board requested that additional eligible activities that can be launched quickly be brought back for formal consideration.
On April 16, 2024, Community Services proposed expansion of the Em...
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