Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting – April 21, 2026

The Northfield Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting covered a presentation on the Rice County Community Land Trust, approval of previous meeting minutes, and a motion affirming that the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan for the Harvest Hills development conforms to the City’s strategic housing goals. All votes were unanimous (6-0), with one board member absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Approved 6-0 (motion by Ness, second by Holmes).
• Approval of February 17, 2026 HRA Meeting Minutes: Approved as part of the consent agenda.
• Approval of March 10, 2026 HRA Work Session Minutes: Approved as part of the consent agenda.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Rice County Community Land Trust Presentation (Item 26-196): Housing Coordinator Melissa Hanson introduced the item. Nort Johnson (Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce) and Laura Hellie (Three Rivers Community Action) presented additional information about the Rice County Community Land Trust model. Hellie and Hanson answered questions from the Board. Community Development Director Scott Wopata added context. The presentation was informational; no action was taken.
• Harvest Hills TIF Plan Affirmation (Item HRA M2026-001): Community Development Director Scott Wopata presented background on the proposed Tax Increment Financing District for the Harvest Hills mixed-income townhome rental development. The board discussed the plan’s alignment with the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan and Northfield 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
• Staff Updates (Item 26-199): Housing Coordinator Melissa Hanson provided an update on housing-related activities.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Agenda and Consent Calendar: All items passed unanimously (6-0).
• Affirmation of Harvest Hills TIF Plan: A motion by Board Member Zweifel, seconded by Vice Chair Beumer, to affirm that the proposed TIF Plan conforms to the City’s strategic housing goals was approved unanimously (6-0).
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 PM by a motion from Board Member Ness (seconded by Vice Chair Beumer), carried 6-0.