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Purpose

The City of Saint Paul’s Small-Scale Development work aims to support developers interested in completing affordable housing projects on HRA-owned and private lots throughout the City. Previously called the Inspiring Communities Program, the work of the small-scale team is primarily to create new, affordable homeownership opportunities and some rental units on land owned by the HRA. The Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Board originally approved the strategy on October 9, 2013 through Resolution 13-1592 following extensive analysis. See also Resolution 13-1097 and Resolution 22-1072.

Objectives

  • Leverage HRA property to build community wealth
  • Create job opportunities for local residents, including low-income residents, small and emerging businesses, and businesses owned by women and people of color
  • Inspire innovative and environmentally sound design and construction
  • Achieve goals identified in the Housing Chapter of the City of Saint Paul's 2040 Comprehensive Plan

Outcomes to Date

  • Over 280 properties have been sold or are under development.
  • The program has created over 230 affordable homeownership opportunities and over 50 new affordable rental units.
  • Nearly two out of every three homebuyers and more than three out of every four renters served are people of color.
  • Funding has come mostly from state and federal resources.
  • By returning vacant, City, and HRA-owned properties to productive use, maintenance costs to the City have been reduced and tax revenues have increased.