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Overview

The 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program preserves the affordability of unsubsidized naturally occurring rental units in the City of Saint Paul by providing rental property owners an avenue to receive the 4d (or “Low income rental classification”/LIRC) tax classification and one-time administrative grant assistance. These benefits can help stabilize a property owner’s finances and ensure that low- and moderate-income residents of the City have housing options that suit their needs. To date, 3,000 units have been preserved for households earning up to 50 or 60% of the Area Median Income.

The 4d (or “LIRC” as it’s called by Minnesota Housing, the State’s housing finance agency) has historically been reserved for subsidized affordable housing properties. By applying to the City of Saint Paul’s local 4d Program, property owners of unsubsidized affordable housing can see an annual reduction of up to 80% of the assessed tax rate on the units designated for 4d status in their buildings.

According to State legislation passed in 2023, beginning with Assessment Year 2024 (for taxes payable in 2025), 4d property owners will be required to invest any savings from their reduced tax rate into updating and maintaining the quality of their naturally occurring affordable rental units so that low- and moderate-income households are provided additional safe and stable housing options at a time when rents continue to rise across the Twin Cities.

View the 2024 4d program guidelines

Multifamily housing in the Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul

For New Applicants

Find information on eligibility requirements, the application process and when to enroll in the 4d program.

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Rondo neighborhood from drone

For Existing 4D Participants

To retain 4d status, property owners must submit annual recertifications attesting to the property’s compliance with the program requirements.

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Apartment building in Rondo

Selling a 4d Property

Learn more about the process and details for selling a 4d property.

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Houses in Saint Paul

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The 4d team has put together a list of common questions and answers.

View the FAQs

Results

The 4d Affordable Housing Incentive Program was first administered in 2019 to preserve affordable rental units for the City of Saint Paul's low-income residents. Following the 2023 enrollment cycle, Saint Paul has one of the largest 4d programs in the state of Minnesota, with over 3,000 preserved units across 374 properties.  

View the 4d Program Results Report (2019 - 2023)

Last Edited: October 29, 2024