With only three weeks left in the legislative session, long hours and marathon floor sessions have become the norm. 

Housing advocacy efforts continue at full speed. Thank you to all who responded to our campaign to send messages to lawmakers in support of the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404/HF1156). Together, we sent almost 650 messages! With more than 157,000 impressions on Facebook, the effort helped bring major visibility to a proven tool to address our housing need! 

The Senate Tax omnibus bill was released this week, and it did not include the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404). However, the bill did include funds for affordable homeownership, an effort endorsed by Homes for All coalition. The measure directs annual growth in the mortgage registry and deed taxes – up to $4 million annually – to an affordable home ownership program. The Senate bill also adjusted the classification rate for 4d properties to 0.25 percent.

Both the House and Senate are debating omnibus bills in long floor sessions, with the House taking up the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance omnibus bill this morning. Speeding legislators along are new deadlines set through an agreement by the Governor and leadership from the House and Senate. These include:  

• By May 1, the House and Senate will pass all major finance bills off of their respective floors and leadership will appoint conference committees. 
• By May 6, the governor, Senate majority leader and House speaker will provide fiscal targets to the chairs of conference committees on major finance bills. 
• By May 13, conference committee chairs shall provide completed conference committee reports to the house of origin. 

Follow the progress of conference committees here. 

Finally, we hope you will join us for the Homes for All rally on May 6 at 2pm in the Capitol Rotunda. This will be an important opportunity to show lawmakers the strength of housing advocates! Register here!

Follow us on Twitter to stay in-the-loop!

The Minnesota Housing November board meeting covered several recent developments, including new sources of funds, new programs, and innovation for the Agency. From multi-family development to preservation of federally assisted housing, to rehab of ownership housing, new ideas are percolating. The meeting ended with a program review for 2013, including highlights and performance areas to monitor.

New capital sources for housing

In her opening remarks, Commissioner Tingerthal paid tribute to new capital sources for affordable housing from United Health Group and the Minnesota Equity Fund. The public introduction of these sources was made at the ribbon cutting for The Seasons Townhomes in Ramsey, sponsored by Podawiltz Development Corporation. This fifty unit development, reflecting the investment priorities for the new funds, is connected to the Northstar Commuter Rail line and in an area of job growth.

United Health Group purchased the low income housing tax credits for the Ramsey development through the Minnesota Equity Fund. Tingerthal said that the Equity Fund, a recently created subsidiary of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, will be very important in generating stronger tax credit bids for rural and supportive housing developments, housing types that do not command as high a level of tax credit pricing as do other affordable housing developments.

New ownership rehab program to launch

The board approved a new ownership rehab program pilot intended to serve Minnesotans with incomes too high for the Agency’s rehab loan program, but not high enough for the Fix Up Program loan product. The program, Targeted Home Improvement Pilot (THIP), has a goal of serving 200 households. The program income limit of 80% of the Metro area median will apply statewide (currently $66,000), but households with incomes between $20,000 and $49,500 will be targeted for participation. The Agency expects a 3% interest rate for the loans; the interest will be subsidized by $500,000 from Agency Foundation resources. Local program administrators will be selected through an RFP process with a February program award.

PINES Preservation Pilot Program to begin in January

Background information was provided to the board on a new initiative to preserve federally assisted housing. The Agency intends to launch Preservation: Identifying Needs, Exploring Strategies (PINES) Proactive Preservation Pilot in 2014 to preserve affordability and the physical condition of highest priority federally assisted developments. Minnesota has 11,000 developments with more than 40,000 Section 8 and USDA Rental Assistance units. Staff explained that preserving the entire inventory is not possible with the available resources, so investment prioritization strategies are critical.

The intent of the PINES pilot is to provide incentives for properties to remain in a subsidy program when there is likelihood of conversion to market rate apartments, and to meet capital improvement needs of properties which have not received Agency funding within the last 15 years. PINES will direct $12 million in state PARIF and federal HOME funds towards these high priority developments before their loans mature or rent subsidy contracts expire. Project selection will follow priorities established for preservation in the Qualified Allocation Plan for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Funding amounts will be set aside for the Twin Cities and for Greater Minnesota. Agency staff will reach out to owners of priority developments and seek to negotiate long term commitments to affordability.

The pilot will launch in January 2014 with an intent to commit the funding by September. This timing will enable the Agency to learn from the program investments and decide next steps prior to adopting the 2015 Affordable Housing Plan. The staff expects that five to eight properties will be funded though the pilot.

Board member Gloria Bostrom asked whether community groups had been apprised of the new approach to preservation. Agency staff responded that the Interagency Stabilization Group and fellow participants of the MacArthur Foundation-funded Preservation Plus Initiative had been informed and were supportive. Bostrom encouraged the staff to reach more broadly into the housing community with its proposal.

Other new

Tingerthal informed the board that the multifamily staff was doing a major revision of the rental housing loan programs offered by the Agency. The kick-off for these programs will occur in January, she added.

Year end review: rental construction benchmark exceeded; loan delinquencies high

Finally, Planning, Research and Evaluation Director John Patterson provided the board with a 2013 program year-end review. The Agency met most benchmarks established for the year. The Agency significantly exceeded its benchmark for funding new rental construction, with 870 rental units under construction. Patterson told the board that challenges existed in making home repair loans, but the entire market was down for this type of lending. Also troubling were single family loan delinquencies and foreclosures. The delinquency rate was 6.69% (where the industry benchmark was 3.57%), and foreclosures were at 1.64% (where the benchmark was 1.01%). Patterson said while the Agency expects its rates to be above industry benchmarks in difficult economic times, staff is concerned about these higher actuals in an improved economy.

With only three weeks left in the legislative session, long hours and marathon floor sessions have become the norm. 

Housing advocacy efforts continue at full speed. Thank you to all who responded to our campaign to send messages to lawmakers in support of the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404/HF1156). Together, we sent almost 650 messages! With more than 157,000 impressions on Facebook, the effort helped bring major visibility to a proven tool to address our housing need! 

Photo: In a recent meeting organized by Rice County Habitat for Humanity Executive Director and HRA Chair for the City of Northfield Dayna Norvold, MHP Director of Strategic Initiatives & Policy Elizabeth Glidden (right) met with Northfield leaders including Housing Coordinator Janine Atchison (left) to discuss data from MHP’s State of the State’s Housing report and the benefits of Local Housing Trust Funds. Thanks to attendees for engaging with the presentation including Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell and Northfield City Council Member Suzie Nakasian!

The Senate Tax omnibus bill was released this week, and it did not include the affordable #HousingTaxCredit (SF404). However, the bill did include funds for affordable homeownership, an effort endorsed by Homes for All coalition. The measure directs annual growth in the mortgage registry and deed taxes – up to $4 million annually – to an affordable home ownership program. The Senate bill also adjusted the classification rate for 4d properties to 0.25 percent. 

Both the House and Senate are debating omnibus bills in long floor sessions, with the House taking up the Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance omnibus bill this morning. Speeding legislators along are new deadlines set through an agreement by the Governor and leadership from the House and Senate. These include:  

• By May 1, the House and Senate will pass all major finance bills off their respective floors and leadership will appoint conference committees. 
• By May 6, the governor, Senate majority leader and House speaker will provide fiscal targets to the chairs of conference committees on major finance bills. 
• By May 13, conference committee chairs shall provide completed conference committee reports to the house of origin. 

Follow the progress of conference committees here.

Finally, we hope you will join us for the Homes for All rally on May 6 at 2pm in the Capitol Rotunda. This will be an important opportunity to show lawmakers the strength of housing advocates! Register here!

Follow us on Twitter to stay in-the-loop!

The Office and Finance Associate provides financial, human resources and administrative support for the organization. This includes office management and coordination of supplies and equipment, to serve all departments. They assist the Finance and Human Resources Director in ensuring Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) is fiscally responsible. They also maintain financial records that comply with generally accepted accounting principles. Finally, they help facilitate board meetings, other events and special projects.

This is a very exciting full-time position with a lot of responsibility. The right candidate will enjoy working closely with the leadership team and employees as we continue to strengthen the organization together.

About MHP:

A trusted expert and leading advocate, Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) has played a key role in advancing affordable housing and community development for more than three decades. Our team consists of community developers, researchers, communicators, and policy advocates. 

Department:

Central Services

Reports to:                                                        

Finance and Human Resources Director

Job Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Office Management 20%
  • Serve as main point of contact for all incoming visitors and phone calls.
  • Perform general office duties, including incoming mail and ordering office supplies.
  • Manage vendor relations; oversee and coordinate equipment maintenance.
  • Ensure office is organized, including set-up and clean-up of conference rooms for meetings.
  • Maintain permanent agency records and files.
  • Other duties as assigned.

• Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable Management 30%
  • Process weekly accounts payable (A/P) entry and prepare A/P checks.
  • Support Federal billing (A/R) process.
  • Manage vendor onboarding and assist with regulatory compliance.
  • Prepare weekly bank deposits.
  • Assist with annual financial audit preparation.
  • Generate financial reports from QuickBooks as needed.
  • Support staff with procurement of commodities and services.

• Human Resources Administration 20%
  • Assist with new hire orientation, training and preparation for onboarding new staff; and partner with department heads to create onboarding schedules to welcome new team members.
  • Employee benefits enrollment: Ensure that all eligible associates complete their enrollment forms and are forwarded to the responsible person for payroll entry.
  • Employee benefits maintenance: Process employee benefit changes and terminations including offering of continuation of benefits as required by law.
  • Assists with administrative procedures such as creating new employee mailboxes, track all parking passes, etc.
  • Oversee employee files and database records.
  • Assist with other needs as determined by Finance and Human Resources Director.
    • Co-facilitate completion of payroll.
    • Conduct employment and Background Check verifications.
    • Facilitate Bi-annual Employee Engagement survey.
    • Manage new recruitment activity.

• General Administrative and Board Support 30%
  • Facilitate communication between the Board and Executive Director as required.
  • Manage all-staff calendar and scheduled meetings for the Board and Leadership team with meeting reminders and updates as needed.
  • Arrange and coordinate event logistics for meetings, trainings and retreats for Board and staff.
  • Assist with preparation and dissemination of materials to support Board and committee meetings.
  • Assist Executive Director with preparation for travel plans for meetings and other scheduled work activities. 
  • Participate in agency strategic planning activities.
  • Be an active participant on the Central Service departmental planning and meetings as required.

Qualifications:                                 

• Basic knowledge of accounting and QuickBooks is preferred
• Must undergo and pass a background check
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Demonstrated experience with bookkeeping procedures
• Experience in office management
• Communications experience in a business environment
• Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree. Minimum Education: High School diploma or GED with 3 years or more relevant on the job experience.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Reliable transportation

KSA:      

• Ability to multitask and stay self-motivated with limited supervision
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to balance multiple deadlines
• Ability to self-audit, checking for accuracy, identifying errors and reconciling discrepancies
• Professional interpersonal skills with colleagues, partners, clients and vendors
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking/problem solving; strong math skills
• Punctuality and attendance is an essential function of employment. Normal work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with 30 minutes’ lunch break during weekdays. Occasionally participate in work meetings outside of normal business hours for board and other special meetings as needed.
• Exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality of critical and sensitive information, records and reports.

Specific software or equipment

• MS Office 365 Systems (2016) and SharePoint
• Google Suite Products
• Adobe Suite & Pro
• QuickBooks

Physical Demands (reasonable accommodations may be considered)

• Involves sitting/standing for extended periods of time, in order to work at a computer screen
• Lifting up to 20-25 pounds for occasional filing, event and meeting management

Licenses and/ or Certifications:                

N/A

Direct Reports:

No direct reports.

Work Environment

Office environment, noise level – quiet

Good air quality and lighting

Occasional local travel for work related duties

APPLY NOW!

MHP offers a dynamic, collaborative and flexible work environment, where we value work – life balance, and offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Candidates are invited to apply to [email protected]. Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing how your skills and experience will contribute to MHP’s work and organization.

Minnesota Housing Partnership is committed to social, racial, gender and economic justice. We strongly encourage persons of color, women, LGBT individuals, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.

April is Fair Housing month! It’s been 51 years since the Fair Housing Act was signed into law on April 11, 1968. Fair housing remains a critically important issue in communities nationwide, with racial disparities and discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities a major and persistent issue preventing families from fairly accessing housing.

Fair housing is important issue all year long, and this month is an opportunity to:

1. Learn more about the history of the Fair Housing Act.
2. Understand your rights with information from HUD and videos, flyers, and brochures from the Fair Housing Resource Center.
3. Explore ways in which state laws may interfere with Fair Housing using this tool from the National Fair Housing Alliance.
4. Dig into discriminatory practices illuminated by the Mapping Prejudice Project.
5. Follow a proposed Minnesota law addressing racist deeds.
6. Engage with events by following the Racism, Rent and Real Estate: Fair Housing Reframed Facebook page.
7. Learn about a Fair Housing Class Action fought for by tenants displaced from the complex formerly known as Crossroads at Penn in Richfield.
8. Read a statement from Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) referencing recent threats to the Fair Housing Act by the Trump Administration, including suspension of the enforcement of the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule.

This spring we’re energized by sunshine and two fantastic additions to the MHP team: Tasha Byers and Kate Ingersoll. As Membership and Development Officer, Tasha works to grow and strengthen MHP’s Investors Council, a cross-sector network of affordable housing leaders who support MHP’s work. As IT Lead, Kate will help MHP meet our goals by improving technology systems and building IT skills among staff.

“I know Tasha and Kate will play integral roles as we work hard to continue growing our impact,” said Executive Director Anne Mavity. “I am excited to welcome them to the team and to celebrate all the ways in which they will make us a better, more effective organization.”

Tasha Byers, Membership & Development Officer

As Membership & Development Officer, Tasha works with companies and individuals who generously support MHP’s work strengthening communities through affordable housing and capacity building.

“I am thrilled to lead MHP’s Investors Council,” Byers said. For more than five years, the Investors Council has grown in membership, funding support, and engagement in affordable housing advocacy. “I am so excited to work with this group, which has potential to make an even greater impact,” Byers continued. “I am also energized to engage current and future Investor Council members. I’d love to diversify the growing member base and introduce possible new programming.”

Tasha is motivated by a strong commitment to racial equity, advocacy, collaboration, cross-sector partnerships, and data. She is pleased to work with such an excellent and talented group of individuals at MHP.

Tasha came to MHP from U.S. Bank in mortgage marketing strategy and previously the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce/GREATER MSP working in memberships, sponsorships, and workforce development. Tasha has a background in non-profit, government, and politics. She is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science and the University of St. Thomas. Tasha loves to travel and explore speakeasies.

Kate Ingersoll, IT Lead

Kate supports Minnesota Housing Partnership staff in the role of IT Lead, administrating MHP’s technology systems and services, leading IT training efforts, and acting as point person for new technology projects.

“I’m very passionate about using technology to empower the work of small, mission-driven organizations like MHP,” Ingersoll said. “It’s very energizing to be working for an organization that is thinking so strategically about its internal processes, and I am really happy to be working with this team of people. I’m very excited to see what we’ll accomplish in the coming months!”

Kate graduated from Grinnell College in 2013 with a BA in computer science, and has 5 years’ experience in IT helpdesk support and project management. Prior to MHP, she did IT and operations work at the ACLU of Minnesota. Kate is passionate about empowering nonprofit organizations with usable systems, policies, and technology, and will be furthering her career in nonprofit IT/strategic consulting as part of the Carlson School’s MBA class of 2021.