Ensure Affordability

Dedicate Funds for Housing

While all viable steps should be taken to lower the cost of producing affordable housing, the shortage of public funding is the major barrier to assisting the 200,000 Minnesota families paying over one-half their income for housing, and for the several thousand additional lower income families projected to reside here over the next ten years. This solution group will discuss the action other states have taken to raise funds for housing as well as propose steps to secure additional housing funding that can be taken by Congress, the state legislature, and local governments. Speakers: Jodi Nelson (moderator), Lead Congregational Organizer, Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH); Rebecca Cohen, Policy Analyst, Minnesota Housing Partnership; Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative;  Warren Hanson, President and Chief Executive Officer; Greater Minnesota Housing Fund,

Expand Employer Assisted Housing

An adequate supply of affordable housing helps employers recruit and retain a productive workforce, and allows employees to live in the communities where they work. The solution group will highlight the experience of companies that have achieved success in implementing employer-assisted housing programs, and discuss a plan for introducing employer-assisted housing legislation in Minnesota. Speakers: Chip Halbach (moderator), Executive Director, Minnesota Housing Partnership; Sue Elkins, Community Lending Coordinator, Bremer Bank; Randy Gegelman, Partner, Faegre & Benson LLP; Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative; Dawn Stockmo, Senior Director of National Initiatives, Fannie Mae Foundation; Stephanie Omersa Vergin, Program Officer, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund

Lower Production and Land Costs

Recent increases in home prices can be attributed, in part, to the growing cost of land, construction materials, and development. The manner in which these costs are determined is seldom questioned; however, there is an array of tools for achieving cost savings throughout the development process. The solution group will share resources for lowering housing development costs, including land use strategies to reduce the per-unit cost of construction. Speakers: Karl Batalden  (moderator), Government & Community Relations, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Denise Holter, Multifamily Portfolio Manager, Minnesota Housing; Michael Noonan, Minnesota Division President, Toll Brothers; Ryan Raleigh, Operations Specialist, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Tom Schirber, Community Housing Liaison Project Advisor, Wilder Foundation

Preserve Affordable Rental Housing

Rental housing provides a home for many families in need of affordable housing. The supply of affordable federally subsidized and private rental housing is diminishing as a result of mortgage prepayments and contract expiration for federally assisted units, redevelopment, condo conversion and manufactured home park closures. This solution group will review these preservation challenges, and propose ways to get involved in preservation initiatives. Speakers: Tim Thompson (moderator), Senior Staff Attorney, Housing Preservation Project; Chris Goepfert, Attorney, Housing Preservation Project; Beth Kodluboy, Executive Director, HOME Line; Julie LaSota, Housing Development Specialist, Minnesota Housing; Ned Moore, Lead Organizer, All Parks Alliance for Change; Susan Reyes, Board of Directors Chair, HOME Line, and Steering Committee Member, Minnesota Tenants Alliance

Promote Affordable Homeownership

There are many models of affordable homeownership, including community land trusts, cooperatives, Section 8 homeownership programs and Habitat for Humanity. The solution group will review these models and introduce avenues for civic engagement around affordable homeowner housing advocacy. Speakers: Jeff Washburne (moderator), Director, City of Lakes Community Land Trust; Susan Haigh, President, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Margaret Lund, Executive Director, Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund

Promote Homebuyer Education and Innovative Financing

Minnesota leads the nation in its homeownership rate; nevertheless, the cost of purchasing a home through conventional means is still too high for many low and moderate income households. The solution group will describe a variety of education, counseling and financing strategies that have been developed to make homeownership more accessible to lower-income households, and help families retain their housing during periods of financial hardship. Speakers: Mike Haley (moderator), Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Housing; Randy Cullen, Bloomington Branch Manager, Summit Mortgage; Karen Duggleby, Research and Evaluations Director, Home Ownership Center

Save Public Housing                                                  

Public housing provides a home for thousands of households in over 200 Minnesota communities, and it is a resource of critical importance to seniors, those with disabilities, and low-paid workers. Due to a series of federal budget decisions the agencies administering this housing face a fiscal crisis. The solution group will provide an overview of public housing and the Section 8 program in Minnesota, review the financial crisis, and propose steps that should be take to ensure the ongoing viability of this housing. Speakers: Al Hester (moderator), Housing Policy Director, St. Paul Public Housing Agency; Jon Ford, Executive Director, Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority; Jon Gutzmann, Executive Director, St. Paul Public Housing Agency; Cora McCorvey, Executive Director, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority; Carol Schultz, Special Projects Administrator, Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority

 End homelessness

Understand Homelessness in Minnesota

On a given night in Minnesota over 20,000 people lack housing or are precariously housed, with families and children making up the fastest-growing segment of this population. This solution group will provide attendees with an overview of homelessness in Minnesota, and present challenges that must be overcome in order to end homelessness. This session will feature a panel of people who have experienced homelessness. Coming from a range of backgrounds, these individuals will share their stories and discuss how their lives have been impacted. Speaker: Greg Owen, Director, Statewide Homeless Study, Wilder Research, Panel of individuals who have experienced homelessness

End Homelessness: "Heading Home" Strategies in State and Local Plans

The state and a growing number of local communities are in the midst of a major shift in addressing homelessness, moving from management strategies to plans to end homelessness. The solution group will explain the differences between these two approaches, and identify the components necessary to keep people stably housed. The solution group will also explore urban, rural and statewide initiatives to end homelessness, with an emphasis on ways people can get involved in their implementation. Speakers: Cathy ten Broeke (moderator), Coordinator, Minneapolis/Hennepin County Commission to End Homelessness; Mary Ulland Evans, CoC/Resource Development Coordinator, Three Rivers Community Action; Jennifer Ho, Chair, St. Paul-Ramsey Homeless Advisory Board, and Executive Director, Hearth Connection; Laura Kadwell, Director of Ending Long-Term Homelessness, State of Minnesota

Build better communities

Connect Housing to Opportunity: Transportation, Jobs, Education

Affordable housing that is located in proximity to employment, amenities, and public transit allows residents to benefit from a wider range of opportunities. With an expanding public transit system in the Twin Cities and increased employment opportunities in Greater Minnesota there are many possibilities for building linkages between affordable housing, jobs, and transit. The solution group will identify housing strategies that community groups and municipalities can use to ensure new affordable development is linked to the surrounding community. Speakers Andy Schlack (moderator), Programs Officer, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; Toni Carter, Ramsey County Commissioner; Guy Peterson, Acting Director, Community Development, Twin Cities Metropolitan Council; Kevin Ringwald, Director of Planning and Development, City of Chaska

Create Welcoming (Diverse) Communities             

State and federal fair housing laws provide some protection for individuals and families that find themselves shut out of desired housing or communities. But there are also legal means that end up excluding low-income families, intentionally or not. The solution group will investigate both situations, and provide resources that can be used to protect legal rights. The solution group will also discuss examples of best practices that communities use to welcome those who are often excluded and help existing residents understand the value of community diversity. Speakers: George Stone (moderator), Program Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing; Ed Goldsmith, Principal Housing Consultant, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and Executive Director, South Central Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority; Laura Jelinek, Supervising Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services; Don Rasmussen, Mayor of Long Prairie

Produce Green/Healthy Housing                                

“Green” building is being talked about a lot currently. The solution group will describe what it means to build green, and what this growing movement means for the environment and long-term building performance. The solution group will also discuss communities that are development green goals and building standards, and resources for local developers. Speakers: Tom Schirber (moderator), Community Housing Liaison Project Advisor, Wilder Foundation; Janne Flisrand, Program Coordinator, Minnesota Green Communities; Pat Huelman, Coordinator, University of Minnesota Cold Climate Housing Program; Billy Weber, Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Building Research

Promote Homeownership for Emerging Markets        

Minnesota has the highest rate of homeownership in the country, yet the rate for communities of color lags far behind the state average. The solution group will discuss possible reasons for this disparity, and introduce initiatives currently underway to extend the benefits of homeownership to all Minnesotans. Speakers: Patrick Ruble (moderator), Government Affairs Director, Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS; Sean Allen, Executive Director, First Homes; Dr. Beverly Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer, Model Cities Inc.; Maritza Mariani, Housing Program Manager, Neighborhood Development Alliance

Ensure Affordability

Dedicate Funds for Housing

While all viable steps should be taken to lower the cost of producing affordable housing, the shortage of public funding is the major barrier to assisting the 200,000 Minnesota families paying over one-half their income for housing, and for the several thousand additional lower income families projected to reside here over the next ten years. This solution group will discuss the action other states have taken to raise funds for housing as well as propose steps to secure additional housing funding that can be taken by Congress, the state legislature, and local governments. Speakers: Jodi Nelson (moderator), Lead Congregational Organizer, Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing (MICAH); Rebecca Cohen, Policy Analyst, Minnesota Housing Partnership; Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative;  Warren Hanson, President and Chief Executive Officer; Greater Minnesota Housing Fund,

Expand Employer Assisted Housing

An adequate supply of affordable housing helps employers recruit and retain a productive workforce, and allows employees to live in the communities where they work. The solution group will highlight the experience of companies that have achieved success in implementing employer-assisted housing programs, and discuss a plan for introducing employer-assisted housing legislation in Minnesota. Speakers: Chip Halbach (moderator), Executive Director, Minnesota Housing Partnership; Sue Elkins, Community Lending Coordinator, Bremer Bank; Randy Gegelman, Partner, Faegre & Benson LLP; Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative; Dawn Stockmo, Senior Director of National Initiatives, Fannie Mae Foundation; Stephanie Omersa Vergin, Program Officer, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund

Lower Production and Land Costs

Recent increases in home prices can be attributed, in part, to the growing cost of land, construction materials, and development. The manner in which these costs are determined is seldom questioned; however, there is an array of tools for achieving cost savings throughout the development process. The solution group will share resources for lowering housing development costs, including land use strategies to reduce the per-unit cost of construction. Speakers: Karl Batalden  (moderator), Government & Community Relations, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Denise Holter, Multifamily Portfolio Manager, Minnesota Housing; Michael Noonan, Minnesota Division President, Toll Brothers; Ryan Raleigh, Operations Specialist, Department of Housing and Urban Development; Tom Schirber, Community Housing Liaison Project Advisor, Wilder Foundation

Preserve Affordable Rental Housing

Rental housing provides a home for many families in need of affordable housing. The supply of affordable federally subsidized and private rental housing is diminishing as a result of mortgage prepayments and contract expiration for federally assisted units, redevelopment, condo conversion and manufactured home park closures. This solution group will review these preservation challenges, and propose ways to get involved in preservation initiatives. Speakers: Tim Thompson (moderator), Senior Staff Attorney, Housing Preservation Project; Chris Goepfert, Attorney, Housing Preservation Project; Beth Kodluboy, Executive Director, HOME Line; Julie LaSota, Housing Development Specialist, Minnesota Housing; Ned Moore, Lead Organizer, All Parks Alliance for Change; Susan Reyes, Board of Directors Chair, HOME Line, and Steering Committee Member, Minnesota Tenants Alliance

Promote Affordable Homeownership

There are many models of affordable homeownership, including community land trusts, cooperatives, Section 8 homeownership programs and Habitat for Humanity. The solution group will review these models and introduce avenues for civic engagement around affordable homeowner housing advocacy. Speakers: Jeff Washburne (moderator), Director, City of Lakes Community Land Trust; Susan Haigh, President, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Margaret Lund, Executive Director, Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund

Promote Homebuyer Education and Innovative Financing

Minnesota leads the nation in its homeownership rate; nevertheless, the cost of purchasing a home through conventional means is still too high for many low and moderate income households. The solution group will describe a variety of education, counseling and financing strategies that have been developed to make homeownership more accessible to lower-income households, and help families retain their housing during periods of financial hardship. Speakers: Mike Haley (moderator), Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Housing; Randy Cullen, Bloomington Branch Manager, Summit Mortgage; Karen Duggleby, Research and Evaluations Director, Home Ownership Center

Save Public Housing                                                  

Public housing provides a home for thousands of households in over 200 Minnesota communities, and it is a resource of critical importance to seniors, those with disabilities, and low-paid workers. Due to a series of federal budget decisions the agencies administering this housing face a fiscal crisis. The solution group will provide an overview of public housing and the Section 8 program in Minnesota, review the financial crisis, and propose steps that should be take to ensure the ongoing viability of this housing. Speakers: Al Hester (moderator), Housing Policy Director, St. Paul Public Housing Agency; Jon Ford, Executive Director, Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority; Jon Gutzmann, Executive Director, St. Paul Public Housing Agency; Cora McCorvey, Executive Director, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority; Carol Schultz, Special Projects Administrator, Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority

 End homelessness

Understand Homelessness in Minnesota

On a given night in Minnesota over 20,000 people lack housing or are precariously housed, with families and children making up the fastest-growing segment of this population. This solution group will provide attendees with an overview of homelessness in Minnesota, and present challenges that must be overcome in order to end homelessness. This session will feature a panel of people who have experienced homelessness. Coming from a range of backgrounds, these individuals will share their stories and discuss how their lives have been impacted. Speaker: Greg Owen, Director, Statewide Homeless Study, Wilder Research, Panel of individuals who have experienced homelessness

End Homelessness: "Heading Home" Strategies in State and Local Plans

The state and a growing number of local communities are in the midst of a major shift in addressing homelessness, moving from management strategies to plans to end homelessness. The solution group will explain the differences between these two approaches, and identify the components necessary to keep people stably housed. The solution group will also explore urban, rural and statewide initiatives to end homelessness, with an emphasis on ways people can get involved in their implementation. Speakers: Cathy ten Broeke (moderator), Coordinator, Minneapolis/Hennepin County Commission to End Homelessness; Mary Ulland Evans, CoC/Resource Development Coordinator, Three Rivers Community Action; Jennifer Ho, Chair, St. Paul-Ramsey Homeless Advisory Board, and Executive Director, Hearth Connection; Laura Kadwell, Director of Ending Long-Term Homelessness, State of Minnesota

Build better communities

Connect Housing to Opportunity: Transportation, Jobs, Education

Affordable housing that is located in proximity to employment, amenities, and public transit allows residents to benefit from a wider range of opportunities. With an expanding public transit system in the Twin Cities and increased employment opportunities in Greater Minnesota there are many possibilities for building linkages between affordable housing, jobs, and transit. The solution group will identify housing strategies that community groups and municipalities can use to ensure new affordable development is linked to the surrounding community. Speakers Andy Schlack (moderator), Programs Officer, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; Toni Carter, Ramsey County Commissioner; Guy Peterson, Acting Director, Community Development, Twin Cities Metropolitan Council; Kevin Ringwald, Director of Planning and Development, City of Chaska

Create Welcoming (Diverse) Communities             

State and federal fair housing laws provide some protection for individuals and families that find themselves shut out of desired housing or communities. But there are also legal means that end up excluding low-income families, intentionally or not. The solution group will investigate both situations, and provide resources that can be used to protect legal rights. The solution group will also discuss examples of best practices that communities use to welcome those who are often excluded and help existing residents understand the value of community diversity. Speakers: George Stone (moderator), Program Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing; Ed Goldsmith, Principal Housing Consultant, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and Executive Director, South Central Minnesota Multi-County Housing & Redevelopment Authority; Laura Jelinek, Supervising Attorney, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services; Don Rasmussen, Mayor of Long Prairie

Produce Green/Healthy Housing                                

“Green” building is being talked about a lot currently. The solution group will describe what it means to build green, and what this growing movement means for the environment and long-term building performance. The solution group will also discuss communities that are development green goals and building standards, and resources for local developers. Speakers: Tom Schirber (moderator), Community Housing Liaison Project Advisor, Wilder Foundation; Janne Flisrand, Program Coordinator, Minnesota Green Communities; Pat Huelman, Coordinator, University of Minnesota Cold Climate Housing Program; Billy Weber, Research Fellow, Center for Sustainable Building Research

Promote Homeownership for Emerging Markets         Solution Session A, Room 2

Minnesota has the highest rate of homeownership in the country, yet the rate for communities of color lags far behind the state average. The solution group will discuss possible reasons for this disparity, and introduce initiatives currently underway to extend the benefits of homeownership to all Minnesotans. Speakers: Patrick Ruble (moderator), Government Affairs Director, Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS; Sean Allen, Executive Director, First Homes; Dr. Beverly Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer, Model Cities Inc.; Maritza Mariani, Housing Program Manager, Neighborhood Development Alliance

Ensure Affordability

Promote Affordable Homeownership

There are many models of affordable homeownership, including community land trusts, cooperatives, Section 8 homeownership programs and Habitat for Humanity. This solution group will review these models and introduce ways to get involved in affordable homeowner housing advocacy. Speakers: Susan Haigh, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, President; Margaret Lund, Cooperative Development Fund, Executive Director; Jeff Washburne, City of Lakes Community Land Trust, Director

Save Public Housing

Public housing provides a home for thousands of households in over 200 Minnesota communities, and is a resource of critical importance to seniors, those with disabilities, and low-paid workers. Due to a series of federal budget decisions the agencies administering this housing face a fiscal crisis. This solution group will provide an overview of public housing in Minnesota, review the financial crisis, and propose steps that should be taken to ensure the ongoing viability of this housing. Speakers: DeeAnna Bakken, Jackson Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Executive Director; Jon Gutzmann, St. Paul Public Housing Agency, Executive Director; Al Hester, St. Paul Public Housing Agency, Housing Policy Director; Cora McCorvey, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Executive Director Carol Schultz, Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Special Projects Administrator; and Tom Streitz, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Deputy Executive Director

Dedicate Funds for Housing

While all viable steps should be taken to lower the cost of producing affordable housing, the shortage of public funding is the major barrier to assisting the 200,000 Minnesota families paying over one-half their income for housing, and for the several thousand additional lower income families projected to reside here over the next ten years. This solution group will discuss the action other states have taken to raise funds for housing as well as propose steps to secure additional housing funding that can be taken by Congress, the state legislature and local governments. Speakers: Rebecca Cohen, Minnesota Housing Partnership, Policy Analyst; Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative; Jodi Nelson, Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, Lead Congregational Organizer; Warren Hanson, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, President and Chief Executive Officer

Promote Homebuyer Education and Innovative Financing

Minnesota leads the nation in its homeownership rate; nevertheless, the cost of purchasing a home through conventional means is still too high for many low and moderate income households. This solution group will describe a variety of education, counseling and financing strategies that have been developed to make homeownership more accessible to lower income households, and help families retain their housing during periods of financial hardship. Speakers: Randy Cullen, Summit Mortgage Corporation, Bloomington Branch Manager; Karen Duggleby, Home Ownership Center, Research and Evaluations Director; Michael Haley, Minnesota Housing, Assistant Commissioner  

Lower Production and Land Costs

Recent increases in home prices can be attributed, in part, to the growing cost of land, construction materials, and development. The manner in which these costs are determined is seldom questioned; however, there is an array of tools for achieving cost savings throughout the development process. This solution group will share resources for lowering housing development costs, including land use strategies to reduce the per-unit cost of construction. Speakers: Karl Batalden, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Government and Community Relations; Denise Holter, Minnesota  Housing, Manager, Multifamily Loan Portfolio; Michael Noonan, Toll Brothers, Minnesota Division President; Tom Schirber, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, Community Housing Liaison

Expand Employer Assisted Housing

An adequate supply of affordable housing helps employers recruit and retain a productive workforce, and allows employees to live in the communities where they work. This solution group will highlight the experience of companies that have achieved success in implementing employer-assisted housing programs, and introduce legislation to encourage employer assisted housing.  Speakers: Stephanie Morrie Lanning, Minnesota State Representative; Dawn Stockmo, Fannie Mae Foundation, Senior Director of National Initiatives; Omersa Vergin,  Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, Program Officer

Preserve Affordable Rental Housing

Rental housing provides a home for many families in need of affordable housing. The supply of affordable federally subsidized and private rental housing is diminishing as a result of mortgage prepayments and contract expiration for federally assisted units, redevelopment, condo conversion and manufactured home park closures. This solution group will review these preservation challenges, and propose ways to get involved in preservation initiatives. Speakers: Chris Goepfert, Housing Preservation Project, Attorney; Beth Kodluboy, HOME Line, Executive Director; Julie LaSota, Minnesota Housing, Housing Development Specialist; Susan Reyes, HOME Line, Board of Directors Chair and Minnesota Tenants Alliance, Steering Committee Member; Tim Thompson, Housing Preservation Project, Senior Staff Attorney

 End homelessness

Understand Homelessness in Minnesota

On a given night in Minnesota over 20,000 people lack housing or are precariously housed, with families and children making up the fastest-growing segment of this population. This solution group will provide attendees with an overview of homelessness in Minnesota, and present challenges that must be overcome in order to end homelessness. This session will feature a panel of people who have experienced homelessness. Coming from a range of backgrounds, these individuals will share their stories and discuss how their lives have been impacted. Speaker: Greg Owen, Wilder Research, Director, Statewide Homeless Study; Panel of youth and adults (names TBA) who have, or are currently, experiencing homelessness

End Homelessness: "Heading Home" Strategies in State and Local Plans

The state and a growing number of local communities are in the midst of a major shift in addressing homelessness, moving from management strategies to plans to end homelessness. The solution group will explain the differences between these two approaches, and identify the components necessary to keep people stably housed. This solution group will also explore state and local initiatives to end homelessness, with an emphasis on ways people can get involved in their implementation. Speakers: Mary Ulland Evans, Three Rivers Community Action; Jennifer Ho, St. Paul/Ramsey County Homeless Advisory Board, Chair, and Hearth Connection, Executive Director;  Laura Kadwell, State of Minnesota, Director of Ending Long-Term Homelessness; Cathy ten Broeke, Minneapolis/Hennepin County Commission to End Homelessness

Build better communities

Connect Housing to Opportunity: Transportation, Jobs, Education

Affordable housing that is located in proximity to employment, amenities, and public transit allows residents to benefit from a wider range of opportunities. With an expanding public transit system in the Twin Cities and increased employment opportunities in Greater Minnesota there are many possibilities for building linkages between affordable housing, jobs, and transit. This solution group will identify housing strategies that community groups and municipalities can use to ensure new affordable development is linked to the surrounding community. Speakers: Toni Carter, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners; Kevin Ringwald, City of Chaska, Director of Planning and Development; Guy Peterson, Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, Housing Director; Andy Schlack, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, Programs Officer

Produce Green/Healthy Housing

“Green” building is being talked about a lot currently. The solution group will describe what it means to build green, and what this growing movement means for the environment and long-term building performance. This solution group will also discuss communities that are adopting green goals and building standards, and resources for local developers. Speakers: Janne Flisrand, Minnesota Green Communities, Program Coordinator; Tom Schirber, Wilder Foundation, Community Housing Liaison; Pat Huelman, University of Minnesota Cold Climate Housing Program, Coordinator; Billy Weber, Center for Sustainable Building Research, Research Fellow

Promote Homeownership for Emerging Markets

Minnesota has the highest rate of homeownership in the country, yet the rate for communities of color lags far behind the state average. This solution group will discuss possible reasons for this disparity, and introduce initiatives currently under way to extend the benefits of homeownership to all Minnesotans. Speakers: Sean Allen, First Homes, Executive Director; Dr. Beverly Hawkins, Model Cities, Inc., Chief Executive Officer; Maritza Mariani, Neighborhood Development Alliance, Housing Program Manager

Create Welcoming (Diverse) Communities

State and federal fair housing laws provide some protection for individuals and families that find themselves shut out of desired housing or communities. In addition, practices and policies which may seem neutral often have the effect of excluding protected class populations.  This solution group will investigate both situations, and provide resources that can be used to protect legal rights. This solution group will also discuss examples of best practices that communities use to welcome those who are often excluded and help existing residents understand the value of community diversity. Speakers: Ed Goldsmith, South Central Minnesota Multi-County HRA, Executive Director; Margot Imdieke, State Council on Disabilities, Accessibility Specialist; Laura Jelinek, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Supervising Attorney; Don Rasmussen, Mayor of Long Prairie