August 26, 2026 - Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting

The City of Saint Paul's Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) held a budget presentation meeting on August 26, 2026, focusing on the proposed 2027 budget for the Planning and Economic Development (PED) department. Key procurement-related discussions included the proposed elimination of the commercial corridor program, a $1 million economic development funding cut, and the reallocation of funds within various special funds such as the Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) and the Housing Trust Fund. The meeting addressed budget reductions in travel and training, the use of multi-year special funds, and the management of competitive grant programs like Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR. There was also discussion about the proposed $100,000 contract for a rental assistance hotline, which would be awarded through an RFP process to ensure fair competition, replacing a previous direct appropriation. Board members requested more detailed financial reporting, including fund balances, carryover amounts, and clarity on transfers between funds and departments. Staffing and ongoing funding for programs such as Healthy Homes and ADU subsidies were also reviewed. The meeting concluded with a brief update on tax increment financing (TIF) districts, including plans for descertification of certain districts and their role in affordable housing financing, with a more detailed TIF discussion planned for a future meeting.