The primary focus of the meeting was an ambitious new emergency rental assistance program aimed at intervening before eviction filings occur. This initiative is particularly targeted at the 55106 ZIP code, which has been identified as having one of the highest eviction rates in the city. Unlike existing county programs that provide aid post-filing, this city-led effort seeks to assist tenants immediately upon receiving an eviction notice, allowing them to apply for assistance during the notice period.

A proposed budget of one million dollars was discussed for the pilot program, with plans for implementation possibly by April. Emphasis was placed on the critical role of collaboration with landlords, who will need to engage in the application process. Outreach strategies were a point of discussion, with plans to involve school social workers, resource officers, and community news outlets to ensure maximum awareness among families in crisis. Information will be made accessible in multiple languages, including Spanish and Somali, to reach non-English speaking residents effectively.

Concerns about the potential overlap with existing Ramsey County programs were addressed, with assurances that ongoing communication between the city and county would prevent redundancy and ensure comprehensive service to residents. Commissioners stressed the need for regular updates on the program’s progress and related initiatives, such as a down payment assistance program, to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.

In another major agenda item, the board discussed the tentative selection of Thin See Development Inc. for the Central Station Block’s redevelopment. This site, considered a prime transit-oriented development location, lies between the Mississippi River, Lower Town, and the entertainment district. The project aims to revitalize an area that has seen little high-quality development since the demolition of the Midwest Federal Building in 2011 and the opening of the Green Line in 2014.

Flaherty & Collins, an Indiana-based developer with a history of urban projects, submitted a proposal featuring a $130 million investment in two buildings: a 20-story tower and a 6-story structure connected by a Skyway over the light rail. The development would include approximately 300 market-rate residential units and 10,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Although currently conceptual, the plans highlight the potential for high-density, mixed-use development that aligns with the city’s urban design guidelines adopted in 2017.

The board is set to vote on the recommendation of Flaherty & Collins as the tentative developer in the following week, with further presentations scheduled for the Met Council’s transportation committee and regular board in early 2024. Discussions around affordable housing within the project are ongoing, as the current proposal only outlines market-rate units. The complex nature of urban infill developments and the need for strategic financial planning were acknowledged, with assurances that collaborative efforts with the Met Council and other stakeholders would be essential to the project’s success.

The meeting also provided updates on various housing projects citywide, addressing the challenges posed by inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and supply chain issues. Director Hayden presented an overview of properties under agreement, highlighting both progress and setbacks. Notable projects include the Homes Brewery development, poised to deliver 89 affordable housing units, and a development on Marshall Avenue for six single-family homes.

Funding challenges were a recurrent theme, with commissioners expressing concerns over the competitive nature of securing financial support. Despite these hurdles, over 600 new housing units are projected to be completed by mid-2026, signaling ongoing efforts to address housing needs in the community.