SF2792

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to modify the Minnesota housing challenge program by expanding the types of schools that are eligible to receive grant funding for housing-related projects. This aims to increase cooperation between educational institutions and housing development.

Main Provisions

• The bill expands who can receive grants or loans under the housing challenge program. Now, eligible recipients can include:

  • Cities and American Indian Tribes in Minnesota.
  • Tribal housing corporations and private developers.
  • Nonprofit organizations and school districts.
  • Cooperative units, charter schools, contract alternative schools, and Tribal contract schools.
  • Owners of housing, including individuals.

• The funding aims to ensure a balanced distribution of housing units financed in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• More schools are now eligible for small grants under the housing challenge program, including cooperative units and various types of alternative and Tribal schools.
• Grants can be given, but the amount is limited to less than $100,000 for projects.
• Schools that use these grants to build homes for owner occupancy must ensure that the future occupant participates in a homeownership education, counseling, and training program.

Relevant Terms

• Housing challenge program
• Eligible recipients
• Grant funding
• School districts
• Charter schools
• Tribal contract schools
• Homeownership education