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<br />• Home Repair and Rehabilitation Programs (improving the quality and safety of existing <br />housing stock, this could include grants or low-interest loans for repairs such as roof <br />replacements, plumbing upgrades, or energy efficiency improvements) <br />• Homelessness Prevention (rental assistance programs, rapid rehousing services, or <br />supportive housing programs) <br />• Infrastructure Improvements (upgrading water and sewer systems, expanding public <br />transportation options, streetscape enhancements) <br />• Community Land Trusts (acquire land and hold for developing affordable housing) <br />• Workforce Housing (support development of workforce housing) <br />• Homeownership Education and Counseling (help residents navigate the homebuying <br />process, improve financial literacy, and maintain homeownership stability) <br />• Partnerships and Collaborations (collaborate with organizations, housing agencies, and <br />private sector partners to leverage resources and maximize the impact of housing initiatives <br />within the community) <br /> <br />During the Planning Commission meeting, thorough deliberations were held to determine the most <br />impactful utilization of allocated funds for the benefit of Little Canada residents. The Commission <br />emphasized the importance of maximizing the positive effects of these funds on the entire <br />community. While exploring potential collaborations with existing organizations or agencies, the <br />Commission underscored the necessity of ensuring that funds allocated to Little Canada remain <br />within the city's boundaries to benefit the community as a whole. <br /> <br />Specifically, the Commission expressed keen interest in options aimed at increasing the <br />preservation of affordable housing, facilitating home repair initiatives, and promoting energy <br />efficiency measures. These priorities reflect the Commission's commitment to enhancing the <br />quality of life for all residents of Little Canada by these priority areas addressing: <br />• Housing affordability <br />• Improving housing conditions <br />• Promoting sustainability within the community <br /> <br />Allocation and Distribution: <br />The sales tax revenue is strategically allocated to housing-related programs and developments. <br />Each municipality will have the flexibility to tailor their housing initiatives based on local needs, <br />ensuring that funds are directed towards the most impactful projects. Distribution mechanisms are <br />designed to support a variety of housing solutions, reflecting the diverse requirements of <br />communities across Minnesota. <br /> <br />Several municipalities have either implemented or are in the process of developing a plan for <br />implementation of the new Metro Area Sales and Use Tax for Housing. Here are some examples: <br />• Minneapolis: Minneapolis is using the 0.25% sales tax to fund affordable housing <br />initiatives, including the construction and preservation of affordable housing units, <br />supportive housing programs, and homelessness prevention efforts. <br /> <br />• St. Paul: St. Paul is using the 0.25% sales tax to fund affordable housing, with funds going <br />towards the creation of new affordable housing units, rental assistance programs, and <br />housing stability services.