Affordable Housing Infrastructure Investments
Private developers, nonprofits and local cities entities have an opportunity to apply for funding for new or existing housing projects that aim to increase and/or preserve affordable units for residents across Ramsey County. Local and federal funds are offered in a consolidated application through a competitive solicitation process. Priority is given to projects that include deeply affordable units at 30% Area Median Income (AMI) and commit to long-term affordability.
Goals
- Reduce the number of cost-burdened households.
- Increase access to affordable housing in racially and ethnically diverse communities.
- Enhance resources and outcomes to support communities in achieving a wide variety of housing affordability.
Eligible projects
Eligible projects should align with the Ramsey County's strategic priorities and aim to acquire, create, preserve or rehabilitate affordable multi-family rental housing units.
Requirements
Projects must be permanent general occupancy rental housing with a minimum of five rental units and/or permanent supportive housing for extremely low-to-moderate income renters.
See the closed 2023 Housing Development Solicitation Notice (PDF) for an understanding of past requirements.
How to apply
Interested developers or entities can gain access to the online funding application (ZoomGrants) when the funding solicitation opens in February 2024. An official solicitation notice will be posted and will contain information regarding the project selection process and scoring criteria. Staff will match eligible projects and applicants with the most appropriate and available funding source:
- Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Levy.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
- Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
- American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
- Other sources as available
Applications are typically accepted once per year to align with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) funding calendar. However, additional affordable housing funding solicitations may be offered throughout the year.