The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) met in regular session on June 23, 2026. The meeting was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (per agenda) but convened at 10:18 a.m. (per minutes) in Council Chambers. Chair Xiong presided, with Commissioners Jebens-Singh, McGuire, McMurtrey, Miller, Moran, and Ortega present. The meeting adjourned at 10:41 a.m. Two administrative items were discussed and approved unanimously: an Environmental Response Fund grant award and the obligation of the 2026 HRA levy for housing development projects.
Ella Mitchell, Redevelopment Program Manager, presented the recommendation to award $250,000 in Environmental Response Funds to JB Vang for the Hamm’s West End Development. The funding supports asbestos remediation at the historic Hamm’s Brewery site on Lower Payne Avenue, which will be redeveloped into 70 units of affordable housing. Commissioner McMurtry expressed strong support for the fund, noting its importance for redevelopment and highlighting the extension of the mortgage and deed tax from the legislative session as a win. Commissioner Miller asked about total remediation costs (upwards of $1.6 million) and whether further applications were anticipated; Mitchell replied that the developer is seeking other funders (Met Council, DEED) and no further applications are expected. Commissioner McGuire praised the program and suggested notifying city managers of awards to increase local awareness; Mitchell confirmed that awardees are posted on the program webpage and included in the newsletter, and agreed to share information via email to the board. The motion passed unanimously (7 ayes, Resolution H2026-010).
Max Holdhusen, Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development, presented the recommendation to obligate $6,400,000 in 2026 HRA levy funds for affordable housing. This is the first of five board actions from the annual consolidated solicitation, which received 45 applications requesting over $72 million. The five recommended projects (one in Roseville, one in Falcon Heights, three in St. Paul) are all new construction, creating 305 units total, with over 20% affordable at 30% Area Median Income (AMI). The funding represents approximately 45% of the $11 million levied. Holdhusen explained that these early awards help leverage state dollars from Minnesota Housing (application due mid-July). He also noted that funds from prior years are being reallocated from projects that stalled due to financing or construction cost issues.
Commissioners discussed deeply affordable housing. Commissioner Moran asked how the county incentivizes developers to include more units at 30% AMI; Holdhusen replied that the scoring criteria (in place since 2022) award points for at least 10% of units at 30% AMI, with bonuses for exceeding that or doing so without other subsidies. Commissioner Jebens-Singh inquired about stalled projects; Holdhusen explained that developers sometimes pull out due to costs, and funds are reallocated to other projects. Commissioner McGuire again emphasized communicating awards to cities; Holdhusen noted that prioritization conversations occur with cities, especially St. Paul. The motion passed unanimously (7 ayes, Resolution H2026-011).
Meeting to order roll call, please. Sorry about that. Maguire. Here. McMurtry. Here. Miller. Here. Moran? Ortega. And John. Here. The um uh agenda is presented for approval. So moved. Second. Did I hear a second? Okay, all uh see no for their discussion. Um roll call, please. Chev and sing. Aye. McGuire. Aye. McMurtry. Aye. Miller. Aye. Moran. Ortega. And John. Hi. Item number three. The environmental response. We do have minutes. Oh, did I miss this? Oh, okay. Um item number two. The minutes from April 28th, 2026 are presented for approval. So moved to the case. Second. All right. Roll call, please. Chev and sing. Aye. McGuire. Hi. Mick Murtry. Aye. Miller. Aye. Moran.