Title
Recommendation for City Council Approval of Healthy Homes (HH) & Power of Home (POH) Program Guidelines, Citywide.
Body
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota (“HRA”) is a public body corporate and politic organized, existing, and operating under the laws of the State of Minnesota, Minn. Stat. Sec. 469.001, et seq. (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the HRA has the power to engage in development and redevelopment activities under the Act, and is authorized to create redevelopment projects as defined in the Act, and said activities include but are not limited to: (a) providing adequate, safe and sanitary dwellings, remedying housing shortages for low and moderate income residents, and providing housing for persons of all incomes through housing projects and development, (b) removing and preventing blight or deterioration, (c) bringing substandard buildings and improvements into compliance with public standards, (d) performing duties according to the comprehensive plan, (e) disposing of land for private redevelopment, and (f) improving the tax base and the financial stability of the community; and
WHEREAS, there is little to no assistance available for low-income Saint Paul residents who need substantial or specific home repairs before they can access weatherization services;
WHEREAS, the existing weatherization assistance programs are oversubscribed; and
WHEREAS, there are no assistance programs available for the most energy burdened Saint Paul residents to electrify their homes; and
WHEREAS, lower income households are more likely to adopt weatherization and electrification later due to high upfront costs; and
WHEREAS, lower income households are at risk of paying higher natural gas costs in the future as higher income residents electrify their homes; and
WHEREAS, the HRA seeks to reduce energy costs and improve health & comfort for all residents; and
WHEREAS, the Healthy Homes program will provide financial assistance to low- households to address health & safety repairs necessary to weatherize their homes and subsequent weatherization measures; and
WHEREAS, the Power of Home program will provide financial assistance to the most energy-burdened households to electrify their homes; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the HRA Board of Commissioners takes the following action:
1. Recommends the City Council approve the Healthy Homes program guidelines and budget; and
2. Recommends the City Council approve the Power of Home program guidelines and budget; and
3. Recommends the City Council authorizes the staff in the Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) to implement and administer the programs according to the adopted program guidelines; and
4. Recommends the City Council authorizes the PED Director to enter into contract agreements with the Center for Energy and Environment and relevant trades contractors as needed for the implementation of these programs according to the adopted program guidelines; and
5. Recommends the City Council further directs and authorizes the PED Director, staff, and legal counsel for the City to take all actions necessary to implement this Resolution.