HRA/City Council Worksession - April 20, 2026

The City of Richfield held a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and City Council worksession on April 20, 2026, focused on the impacts and potential policy regarding 4D tax classification as a tool for affordable housing preservation and development. The discussion included detailed analysis of geographic distribution of 4D properties, comparisons with peer communities, tax increment financing (TIF) impacts, and the financial implications of 4D on property tax burdens. Council members reviewed priorities for housing, emphasizing maintaining affordability, preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), and diversifying the tax base. The session also covered the use of 4D as a limited, case-by-case tool, particularly for NOAH preservation and special projects like the Hemple development, while balancing concerns about shifting tax burdens to other property owners. The council discussed policy considerations such as subsidy length, mixed-income housing goals, and the relationship between 4D and TIF programs. Action items include drafting a 4D policy, updating the inclusionary housing policy, and revising trust fund priorities, with continued feedback encouraged from council members and stakeholders.