The proposal to use the HRA Business Assistance Fund highlighted the need to support businesses forced to relocate on short notice. On March 10th, tenants were informed by Madison Equities that they had only 48 hours to vacate the premises, leading to immediate intervention by the mayor and other city officials. The city managed to negotiate with utility providers to extend services until March 31st, giving tenants more time to plan their move. This intervention underscored the severe impact of utility non-payment on the viability of the building and the livelihoods of its tenants.

The resolution proposes a grant of up to $5,000 per tenant to cover moving expenses and costs associated with establishing new locations. To ensure accountability and effective use of funds, tenants must submit a letter of intent to remain in Saint Paul and provide invoices by June 30th to qualify for assistance.

The meeting also saw a presentation on housing policy trends, revealing a marked decline in multi-family construction starts, with a 14% drop in 2023 alone. Policy Link, a national research and advocacy group, provided insights into how local and state governments are responding to the housing affordability crisis amidst rising costs and supply chain disruptions. The presentation highlighted the challenges developers face, including high interest rates, labor shortages, and the high cost of building materials. These factors contribute to a cautious investment approach, further complicating efforts to address housing shortages.

The discussion extended to the role of local governments in developing affordable housing through public funding mechanisms. Seattle’s social housing developer, funded by an excess gains tax, and Chicago’s bond-based revolving loan funds were cited as innovative models for financing housing development without relying solely on private investment.

Tenant protection policies were another focal point, with a notable increase in advocacy and legislation aimed at safeguarding renters. Measures such as “right to counsel” and “just cause” eviction laws have gained traction. Rent stabilization, now implemented in 194 jurisdictions, was discussed as a means to protect tenants without necessarily hindering new construction, as evidenced by long-term studies from New Jersey and unique cases like Portland, Maine.

The meeting also addressed the impact of corporate influence in the housing market, particularly in areas like California and New York, where algorithmic rent-setting and the acquisition of single-family homes by corporate entities have raised concerns. A Harvard Business Review piece was cited, advocating for comprehensive housing reform that confronts landlord power and emphasizes the dual role of local governments in tenant protection and housing production.

Discussions on the implications of eviction notices emphasized the value of advance notice in helping families plan for relocation, with a focus on the ongoing housing policy evaluation study in Saint Paul. Commissioners expressed a desire for comparative insights from other municipalities to enhance local policy discussions and stressed the necessity of innovative financing mechanisms for housing development.