10/14/2020 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AGENDA ITEM 7B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director P & Z MEETING DATE: October 14, 2020 TOPIC: Livable Communities Act Reenrollment REQUEST: Discussion BACKGROUND The Livable Communities Act (LCA) was adopted by the Minnesota Legislature in 1995. The Metropolitan Council administers the Livable Communities program. The LCA provides funding for communities to invest in local economic revitalization, work force housing initiatives, and development or redevelopment that connects different land uses and transportation. The program is a voluntary, incentive -based approach to help communities grow and redevelop, and to address the region's affordable and lifecycle housing needs. From 1996 through 2018, the Metropolitan Council awarded 1,086 grants totaling about $401 million in Livable Community funds. To participate in the program, communities must agree to long-term affordable and lifecycle housing goals and develop a Housing Action Plan. Participation is also required for certain grant opportunities from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The City of Lino Lakes has participated in this program since 1996 and has benefited from four grants totaling $1,645,000 in funding for past projects. Reenrollment is now necessary for participation in the program from 2021 through 2030. Participation has three primary requirements: 1. Establish a Housing Action Plan 2. Spend an affordable and life -cycle housing opportunity amount (ALHOA) 3. Adopt Affordable and life -cycle housing goals Additionally, the community must adopt its 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update to participate. Housing Action Plan The City currently has a Housing Action Plan, put in place with the last LCA reenrollment in 2011. The plan is based predominately on the goals, policies, and implementation strategies outlined in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. This plan would need to be updated to reflect policies outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan which are nearly identical.