Legislature’s investments result in banner year of project selections

By Robert Williams

Editor

Developer Josh Hanson of Vergas was granted funding of $116,232 to develop six new housing units as one of the Minnesota Housing selected funding recommendations announced on Friday, Dec. 15.

Hanson is currently developing the Lawrence Lake Acres project, one that he has called “the biggest residential development in the history of Vergas.”

On Thursday, the Minnesota Housing board of directors selected proposed housing developments totaling nearly $350 million in investments that will create and preserve over 4,700 single-family homes, apartments and manufactured home community lots. 

These selections, the largest slate Minnesota Housing has ever approved, are made possible by the Minnesota Legislature’s investment of $1.3 billion in housing for the 2024-25 biennium, with around half of those resources targeted for development.  

“It’s tremendous to see Minnesota Housing invest in so many projects that will result in more affordable homes for Minnesotans,” said Governor Tim Walz. “Working with partners all across the state, Minnesota Housing is putting a significant amount of the game-changing state commitment for housing from the 2023 Legislature into community projects.”

Otter Tail County was one of 50 greater Minnesota counties that will receive a portion of $3 million recommended to fund Habitat for Humanity of Minnesota, Inc. projects statewide.

Minnesota Housing also recommended funding of $1,712,000 to The Community Development Agency of Otter Tail County for new construction of housing units in Pelican Rapids.

West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc., will be the benefactor of $400,000 to address the affordability gap in the counties of Douglas, Pope, and Otter Tail.

The total funding announcement is a compilation of project selections the Agency made in all types of housing it funds: multifamily housing, single-family homeownership opportunities, and manufactured home communities. 

Between multifamily, single-family and manufactured home communities, Minnesota Housing selected developments in every region of the state. 

“We know how hard it can be for families to find housing they can afford,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “The project selections announced today will soon become safe, stable homes thousands of children will grow up in. Their futures will be brighter because of what we accomplished together.”