Woodbury, Minnesota — January 20, 2026

This month, the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) proudly celebrates its 45th anniversary of service in Washington County, Minnesota. Established in 1981 as the Washington County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the agency evolved into the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) to reflect its expanded services and programs in 2016. Today, the CDA is a comprehensive resource for area residents, businesses, and communities.

Supporting Thousands of Households in Securing Affordable Housing and Related Services

From the start, the CDA has helped low- and moderate-income families, individuals with disabilities, seniors, and veterans to access affordable homes that reflect the thriving and vibrant nature of our communities. The CDA has built and acquired nearly 1,200 affordable rental units and provides a wide range of services including homeownership counseling, rental assistance administration, critical home repair loans, and homebuyer support.

Steering Local Business Development

Recognizing that a strong business climate stimulates a community’s vitality and growth, economic development became a key role in 2016. Since then, the CDA has helped Washington County entrepreneurs and established businesses grow through its business advisory and technical assistance services. The CDA’s workforce development initiative helps local businesses and school systems to forge a skilled talent pool that fits local needs. Brownfield remediation and clean-up assistance make contaminated land safe and ready for redevelopment. The CDA’s Predevelopment Finance Fund assists local municipalities with planning and technical assistance to promote new economic development initiatives.

Strengthening Communities Through Strategic Development

The CDA provides top-notch expertise that connects partners together to build urgently needed housing, public infrastructure, and facilities. The Community Development arm oversees financing for affordable housing developments, providing gap funding and administering Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). In 2025 alone, the department allocated the highest number of LIHTC applications approved in any year by the CDA, leveraging private equity funds for six developments for low-income renters. Since 2014, the CDA has administered the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) on behalf of Washington County. Across the county, partners have used these funds to support accessibility improvements, expand community food shelves, build playgrounds in low‑income neighborhoods, and help maintain affordable owner‑occupied and rental housing.

Melissa Taphorn, Executive Director of the CDA since early 2020, commented that the “Washington County CDA is devoted to stewardship, reflected in our strategic and transparent management of public funds to support a thriving Washington County.”

The Washington County CDA’s 45-year legacy reflects its unwavering commitment to affordable housing, economic growth, and vibrant communities. By fostering partnerships and driving innovation, the agency continues to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for Washington County. To learn about its programs, please see more on our website or contact the CDA directly.

 

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