Location: At the Minnesota House

a woman speaking into a microphoneDateline: On April 1, 2025

CDA Executive Director Melissa Taphorn testified in front of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee. HF1548 seeks to clarify a gray area: Are HRA-created funds technically local housing trust funds that are eligible for matching state funds and housing aid programs. This bill would modify the definition of “local government” for the purposes of the local housing trust fund statute so that the definition included housing and redevelopment authorities. This is a simple but significant clarification, which would further empower local housing authorities to create and preserve affordable housing, drawing local investment and jobs.

Dateline: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Ms. Taphorn testified in front of the House Capital Investment Committee. HF1489 would authorize Minnesota Management and Budget to issue state general obligation bonds of up to $100,000,000 to fund an appropriation to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for publicly owned housing programs. HF2693 would expand locally controlled affordable housing, providing consistent funding for permanently affordable housing that is self-sustaining and urgently needed at all levels of the affordable scale.

Testifying for the Minnesota Senate

Location: At the Minnesota Senate

Dateline: March 13, 2025

Our own Homeownership Specialist Sheila Hawthorne testified on behalf of Senate File 1750 recently, advocating for critical reforms that enhance transparency, fairness, and consumer protections for homeowners living in communities governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs). These measures are essential to safeguard homeowners’ rights, prevent exploitative practices, and promote accountability within HOA frameworks.

 

A group of people in Washington DCLocation: On the Hill

Dateline: March 12, 2025

Last week, the CDA was in Washington D.C. with the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) to engage with congressional legislators and discuss Washington County’s critical need for affordable housing.

A group of people posing for a photoDuring the visit, the CDA and NAHRO members highlighted the importance of affordable housing initiatives, emphasizing the positive impact that affordable housing programs can have on individuals and families including enhancing overall quality of life, boosting economic stability, and improving educational outcomes.

The discussions with legislators’ staff focused on advocating for increased funding and support for affordable housing development in Washington County. The CDA and NAHRO presented data and success stories to demonstrate the effectiveness of such programs in addressing housing challenges and building stronger, more resilient communities. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing dialogue, the hope is to drive positive change and create more opportunities for affordable housing initiatives to thrive in Washington County and beyond.

 

Minnesota Senate

Location: At the Minnesota Senate

Dateline: March 4, 2025

CDA Executive Director Melissa Taphorn testified before the Senate Committee on Housing and Homelessness Prevention. Bill SF1913 is aimed at establishing a locally controlled housing fund. This would be a powerful tool enabling municipalities, tribal governments and housing corporations, community land trusts, and local housing authorities to create and preserve housing that is permanently affordable, self-sustaining, and affordable.

 

 

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