HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/10/22 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Joint
Joint Meeting
St. Louis Park School Board and City Council
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Lenox Community Center
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Agenda
5:30 Dinner/Introductions /Review Agenda (School Board Vice Chair/Mayor) 10 min.
5:45 Focus Topics
● Update on 2020/2021 School Start-End Times
o What measures have or will be taken by district and city staff to prepare for
this change?
o What challenges exist for students to safely access PSI and/or the Middle
School?
● Overview of Housing Policies, Initiatives, and Projects
o What have been recent or possible upcoming changes in the city’s housing
policies?
o What housing projects are slated for or under construction?
o How will SWLRT impact the construction of new housing?
● Community Education
o What is the status of programming for adults and seniors?
o Investing in Lenox - what gaps exist and how can the city and district address
them?
● Vaping
o What measures can the school district, city and community partners take to
discourage young people from using vaping products?
8:30 Q & A regarding written reports provided:
● Student Enrollment – School Dist.
● Construction Update - School Dist.
● Westwood Nature Center Construction Update - City of St Louis Park
8:55 Meeting summary/any next steps?
9:00 Adjourn
St. Louis Park
Public Schools
School Start-End
Times
City Council-School
Board Meeting
October 22, 2019
Charge Statement
The purpose of the School Start/End Times Study is to determine the
optimal schedule to meet the overall health, academic and
social/developmental needs of all K-12 students. This work will
include recommendations for bus routes and pick-up/drop-off times for
all students and will consider the school day as well as before-school and
after-school activities and childcare. Extensive research, best practices,
input from stakeholders, and the parameters of the school district budget
will inform the work.
Project Team: Members
Process Overview & Timeline
●Oct. 2018: Advertising, Recruitment, Application,
Selection of Project Team
●Nov. 2018 - Meeting #1: Develop Group Norms,
Review Academic Research, Best Practices,
Request Additional/Specific Information
●Dec. 2018 - Meeting #2: Review Local Research
& Data, Current Situation
●Jan. 2019 - Input: What should the Project Team
consider as they develop the School Start-End
Time Recommendations
●Feb. 2019 - Meeting #3: Review Input, Develop
Options
Feb. 2019 - Options Feedback: What are the
Benefits, Challenges & Considerations?
●March 4, 2019 - Meeting #4: Review Feedback,
Develop School Board Recommendation
●March 11, 2019 - Project Team Recommendation
to School Board
●March 12-20, 2019 - Stakeholder Feedback on
Recommended Options
●March 25, 2019 - Additional Information
Presented to School Board
●April 8, 2019 - School Board Action
2020-21 Start-End Times
Tier Schools Served AM Bell PM Bell
1st Tier
Aquila
Peter Hobart
Susan Lindgren
Park Spanish Immersion
7:45 AM 2:15 PM
2nd Tier High School 8:25 AM 3:15 PM
3rd Tier Middle School 9:10 AM 3:52 PM
School Board Start Times Action
Maintain the existing School Start-End Times for the 2019-20 school year
Implement during 2020-21 school year
●All Elementary Schools / High School / Middle School
●Now: Middle School / High School & PSI / IB-PYP Elementary Schools
Current School Start-End Times
Tier Schools Served AM Bell PM Bell
1st Tier Middle School 7:33 AM 2:15 PM
2nd Tier
High School 8:20 AM M/W/F
8:40 AM T/TH 3:10 PM
Park Spanish Immersion 8:25 AM 2:55 PM
3rd Tier
Aquila Elementary School
Peter Hobart Elementary School 9:15 AM 3:45 PM
Susan Lindgren Elementary
School 9:20 AM 3:50 PM
Opportunities & Challenges
Opportunities:
●For all K-12 students:
○Increased physical/mental health
○Increased academic achievement
○Increased opportunities for social
development
●After School academic and enrichment
opportunities for elementary students
●Professional development opportunities
for elementary staff to work
collaboratively across all four schools
Challenges:
●Childcare and budget impacts to
elementary families
●Impacts to Middle School and High
School athletics and activities
●Transportation for Middle School
Students to access academic
supports
●Bus stop safety
St. Louis Park
Public Schools
School Start-End
Times
City Council-School
Board Meeting
October 22, 2019
Elementary Out-of-School Time (OST) Taskforce
CHARGE STATEMENT
BACKGROUND:
In alignment with the Strategic Plan, St. Louis Park Public Schools completed a School
Start/End Times Study March 2019. The School Board voted to change the school
start and end times for students beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of the taskforce is to create a more robust menu of out of school time
options to meet the overall health, academic and social/developmental needs of all K-5
students and families.
This work will include recommendations for:
●academic programs
●enrichment and recreation opportunities
●childcare options
Definitions:
1)Out of school time means academic, enrichment, recreation, and childcare
opportunities before and after school (see igniteafterschool.org)
2)Recommendation means a menu of various options for staff to consider when
developing a program
Expectations:
●Extensive research, best practices, and input from stakeholders will inform the
work.
●The taskforce will be mindful of the school district and community education
budgets and the economic impact to families.
●Seek consensus to make one or more recommendation(s) to the administration
by December 2019.
●Team members are expected to talk about the work during their daily routines,
and encourage the engagement, input and feedback of all stakeholders.
COMMUNICATION LINKAGES:
The District will seek input and feedback from all stakeholder groups twice during the
study:
●September 2019: General input on beliefs on the topic
●November 2019: Feedback on proposed recommendations
Monthly updates will be provided to staff via the internal newsletter, FLOW. Parents
and the community will receive updates via presentations at School Board meetings.
Regular communications channels.
All Taskforce documentation will be posted publicly to the school district website
(www.slpschools.org) to allow stakeholders to follow the work and stay informed on
the progress of the taskforce.
TIME REQUIREMENT/MEETING SCHEDULE:
Taskforce members will meet in a series of four (4) meetings and be asked to
participate in seeking input and feedback from stakeholder groups during the process.
Suggested Meeting Schedule:
●August 2019: Recruit & Seek Applications
●Early September 2019: Select Taskforce Members
●September 16: Meeting #1
●September: General Input
●October 7: Meeting #2
●Movember 4: Meeting #3
●November: Feedback on Proposed Recommendations
●December 2: Meeting #4 & Recommendation to the Administration
Each meeting will last for a period of three hours: 4:30 PM - 7:30PM
RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Taskforce members will serve voluntarily with a sincere THANK YOU from the District
and recognition at the completion of the study by the School Board. The District will
support the study and all execution from its general budget.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
The Taskforce includes 30 members who were selected by District Administration to
represent all stakeholder groups and provide multiple perspectives.
Identified stakeholder groups include:
●Grade 5 Students (4; one from each elementary school)
●Parents (8; two from each elementary school)
●Teachers (4; one from each elementary school)
●Kids Place Staff (2)
●Youth Enrichment (1)
●Elementary Principals (up to 4)
●District Administration [3 - Superintendent (co-facilitator), Director of Community
Education (administrative support) & Director of Curriculum & Instruction]
●Other Community Stakeholders (up to 7)
The taskforce will be co-facilitated by Irina Fursman, HueLife (consultant to the school
district) and the Superintendent.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
A menu of options will be presented to the Superintendent in December 2019 of before
and afterschool activities and childcare options to meet the overall health, academic
and social/developmental needs of all K-5 students and families.
GROUP NORMS AND PROTOCOLS
●Clear Communication
○Intentional and concise sharing
○Shared communication
○Clarify our roles and intended
outcomes
○Clear tasks and expectations
(efficiency)
●Inclusiveness and Representation
○Honor diverse racial and
generational perspectives
○Check our biases
○Mindful of various experiences
●Respect
○Welcoming culture
○Assume positive intent
○Speak your truth
○Honor every voice
○Meet people where they are at
●Listen and be Present
○Active listening
○Keeping focus
○Staying on track
○Time for small group processing
○Be present
○Variety of ways to contribute
○Everyone contribute
●Creativity and Openness
○Be curious
○Think outside the box
○Be open to new ideas
●Children First
○Our lens = What is best for
children?
○Focus on kids
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The new schedule and current school start-end times follow:
NEW: 2020-2021 CURRENT: 2019-2020
Start Time End Time Schools Start Time End Time Schools
TIER 1 7:45 a.m. 2:15 p.m. AQ/PSI/
PH/SL
7:33 a.m. 2:15 p.m. Middle School
Elementary
Schools
TIER 2 8:25 a.m.
3:15 p.m. High School 8:20 a.m.
M/W/F
(8:40 a.m.
T/Th)
3:10 p.m. High School
8:25 a.m. 2:55 p.m. PSI
TIER 3 9:10 a.m. 3:52 p.m. Middle
School
9:15 a.m.
(AQ/PH)
9:20 a.m.
(SL)
3:45 p.m.
(AQ/PH)
3:50 p.m.
(SL)
AQ/PH/SL
Elementary
Schools
Upon approval of the new school start-end times, the School Board tasked District
Administration with assembling project teams to prepare for the change.
District Administration has formed an internal project team to address the needs of
Middle School Athletics and Grades 7-12 Combined Athletics, which include:
●Fall: Boys’ & Girls’ Cross County
●Winter: Boys’ & Girls’ Nordic Skiing, Boys’ Swimming, Gymnastics, Girls’
Hockey
●Spring: Softball, Boys’ & Girls’ Golf, Synchro, Boys’ Lacrosse
END
MIddle School Schedule & Student Support Taskforce
CHARGE STATEMENT
BACKGROUND:
In alignment with the Strategic Plan, St. Louis Park Public Schools completed a School
Start/End Times Study March 2019. The School Board voted to change the school
start and end times for students beginning in the 2020-21 school year.
During the 2019-20 school year, several stakeholder groups are planning for the
successful implementation of the start times changes in the areas of Elementary
Out-of-School Time (childcare and enrichment) and High School Schedule.
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:
The purpose of this taskforce is to define the structures and systems of academic
support and enrichment for all Middle School Students and the teacher work day in
alignment with the new Middle School day (9:10 a.m.-3:52 p.m.).
Expectations:
●Extensive research, best practices, and input from stakeholders will inform the
work.
●The taskforce will be mindful of the school district budget and the economic
impact to families.
●The taskforce will seek consensus to make one or more recommendation(s) to
the Superintendent.
●Team members are expected to talk about the work during their daily routines,
and encourage the engagement, input and feedback of all stakeholders.
COMMUNICATION LINKAGES:
The District will seek input and feedback from all stakeholder groups.
Monthly updates will be provided to staff via the internal newsletter, FLOW. Parents
and the community will receive updates via presentations at School Board meetings.
Regular communications channels.
All Taskforce documentation will be posted publicly to the school district website
(www.slpschools.org) to allow stakeholders to follow the work and stay informed on
the progress of the taskforce.
TIME REQUIREMENT/MEETING SCHEDULE:
Taskforce members will meet in a series of four (4) meetings and be asked to
participate in seeking input and feedback from stakeholder groups during the process.
Suggested Meeting Schedule:
●October: Recruit
●November: Meeting #1
●November: Input
●December: Meeting #2
●December: Feedback
●January: Meeting #3
●February: Meeting #4 & Recommendation to the Superintendent
Each meeting will last for a period of up to three hours.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Taskforce members will serve voluntarily with a sincere THANK YOU from the District
and recognition at the completion of the study by the School Board. The District will
support the study and all execution from its general budget.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
The Taskforce will include students, parents, teachers, staff and school and district
administration. The taskforce will be co-facilitated by Irina Fursman, HueLife
(consultant to the school district) and the Superintendent.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
A menu of options will be presented to the Superintendent.
END
High School Schedule Task Force Charge Statement
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES
St. Louis Park High School’s schedule is currently a seven (7) period day. The purpose of the
High School Schedule Task Force is to determine the optimal schedule to meet the academic
and social/developmental needs of all high school students while also allowing staff
collaboration. This work will include recommendations for staff collaboration time, student
intervention and enrichment time, lunches, advisory times, blocks, diploma programs (IB),
classes with college credits (AP), etc.
Extensive research, best practices and input from stakeholders will inform the work.
LEVEL OF AUTHORITY
The team has the authority to develop plans and seek consensus to make one or more
recommendations to be presented to the schools Superintendent.
COMMUNICATION LINKAGES
The District will seek input and feedback from High School stakeholder groups during the
Study:
●October 2019: General input on the topic
●November 2019: Feedback on proposed recommendations
Monthly updates will be provided to staff and parents via the school newsletter. Additionally,
staff will be provided updates at monthly staff meetings. Students will receive updates via the
school newspaper.
All Task Force documentation will be posted publicly to the High School website
(www.slpschools.org) to allow stakeholders to follow the work and stay informed on the
progress of the Task Force.
TIME REQUIREMENT
Task Force Members will meet in a series of four meetings from September 2019 - December
2019. Each meeting will begin at 3:20pm and last for a period of two hours. Meetings are
scheduled at the High School for September 25, October 9 (cancelled), November 6,
December 11, date of 4th meeting TBD.
●Meeting 1: Review data and the "Why?"
●Meeting 2: Share experiences within group; how do we engage them? what is
working/not working? best practices, etc. Dig deeper into what to anticipate if we are to
change. Center on student and staff experiences.
●Meeting 3: Idea Generation (scenario reviews and schedule mockups) will be heaviest
meeting so space out after meeting 2
●Meeting 4: Finesse recommendation!
Team members are encouraged to talk about the work during their daily routines, and
encourage the engagement, input and feedback of all stakeholders.
RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Task Force members will serve voluntarily with a sincere THANK YOU from the
District. The District will support the task force and all execution from its general budget.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
The Task Force includes approximately 35 members (plus 2 facilitators) who were
selected by the task force planning committee to represent all stakeholder groups and provide
multiple perspectives. Identified stakeholder groups include:
Planning Committee:
●Irina Fursman, HueLife
●Astein Osei, Superintendent
●Scott Meyers, High School Principal
●Jessica Busse, High School Assistant Principal
●Flower Krutina, Executive Assistant
●Teachers - Al Wachutka, Mark Miller
●Students - Tobyous Davenport, Rahwa Berhane, Victoria Caraballo
Task Force Members:
●IB Coordinator
●Gifted & Talented Coordinator
●Professional Development Coordinator
●Athletics Director
●High School Assistant Principals
●High School Principal
●Department Leads (one rep/dept total 6)
●Student Service Center Group Rep
●Social Worker
●BARR Coordinator
●School Nurse
●Students (at least 16; 4/grade level)
●Parents
●Director of Curriculum and Instruction
●SPARK employee
ACCOUNTABILITY/EXPECTATIONS
The task force will design what they feel would be best to make a recommendation for a new
or affirmed schedule for the high school schedule. The focus will be on higher level planning
from a student learning and collaboration standpoint and will also discuss programs we want
to move forward and support (and how they will be impacted).
The final recommendation will include:
●An optimal schedule to meet the academic and social/developmental needs of all high
school students
●Time for staff collaboration
●Time for student intervention and enrichment
●Number of lunches
●Advisory times and blocks
●Adjustments to credits for graduation (if needed)
●Consideration for classes with college credits (AP, IB, Articulated, etc.)
GROUP NORMS AND PROTOCOLS
●Respect the Process
○Stay on topic
○Stay focused on task
○Clear purpose and outcomes
○Start and end on time
●Stay Engaged
○Be fully present
○Listen to learn
○No side conversations
●Hear All Voices
○Encourage all voices
○All voices are equal
○Open-minded
○Honoring multiple perspectives
○Respect all contributions
○Include and consider other ideas
●Have Fun
●Speak Your Truth
City of St. Louis Park Affordable Housing Initiatives 2019
In support of the city’s housing goals to promote and facilitate a balanced and enduring housing
stock that offers a continuum of diverse lifecycle housing choices for households in all income
levels including affordable housing, the city has implemented a number of programs to create
affordable housing, support the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH)
and enact tenant protection policies including:
• Inclusionary Housing Policy: The city adopted the Inclusionary Housing Policy in June 2015.
The policy requires market rate multi-family residential developers receiving financial
assistance from the city, requesting land use changes through the use of a planned unit
development (PUD) or requesting a zoning use amendment to the Comp Plan to include a
percentage of affordable units in the development. The units must be affordable to
households whose incomes are at 30%, 50% or 60% area median income, depending on the
option chosen by the developer. Since the policy was adopted, the city has added 54
affordable units in three developments. Another two developments are under construction
that will add additional units and several other developments have been approved or are in
the planning process. The council recently amended the policy to include a one-for-one
replacement requirement of any NOAH units demolished or converted to another use as
part of the development project.
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund: In 2018 the city established an Affordable Housing Trust
Fund. Housing trust funds are distinct funds established by city, county or state
governments that receive ongoing dedicated sources of public funding to support the
preservation and production of affordable housing. Housing trust funds can also be a
repository for private donations. Money in a housing trust fund may only be used to:
1) make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for the development, rehabilitation, or
financing of housing;
2) match other funds from federal, state, or private resources for housing projects; and/or
3) provide down-payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer counseling services.
The city may finance the fund with any money available to a local government, unless
expressly prohibited by state law. The proposed primary source of funding for the city’s
trust fund is an annual budgeted allocation of HRA levy funds, which will be available
beginning in 2020.
• Land Banking/selling public land to facilitate affordable housing development: The city has
acquired several land parcels for the purpose of facilitating mixed use development that will
include affordable housing units. Three recent examples include the Beltline Station area,
the Wooddale station area and the city also acquired two single family foreclosed
properties on Minnetonka Boulevard as a future site for affordable housing.
• 4d tax classification program: The city recently initiated a local program that enables owners
of NOAH properties in St. Louis Park to utilize a state property tax provision called 4d, also
known as the Low-Income Rental Classification (LIRC). Minnesota’s 4d provision reduces
property taxes by approximately 40 percent on rent restricted housing units that are
affordable to households making 60% or less of area median income (AMI). Eligible properties
must meet two conditions: the owner of the property must agree to rent and income
restrictions serving households at 60% AMI or below and they must receive “financial
assistance” from federal, state or local government. This condition allowed the city to create
a “Local 4d” program in which qualifying properties receive the 4d tax break in return for
agreeing to conditions which meet the city’s housing policy goals. Participating owners must
sign a commitment to keep at least 20% of the units in their building affordable for 10 years.
In return, the city pays the state application fee for the first year of 4d certification and $200
per unit for energy improvements with a maximum of $6,000 per building.
• Multi-family rental rehabilitation loan program: The city recently implemented a program
that provides attractive financing to multifamily rental property owners for rehab or major
capital improvements. The program is designed to encourage investments in multifamily
rental properties in exchange for a commitment of units affordable for occupancy by low
and moderate income households. The loan must be used in qualified units or in common
spaces. Rents of the assisted units must be affordable to households with incomes at or
below 60% AMI for the entirety of the 10 year term period of loan.
• Tenant Protection Ordinance: The city enacted an ordinance in 2018 that requires a three
month period following the ownership transfer of a NOAH multi-family residential property
during which the new owner is required to pay relocation benefits to tenants if the new
owner (1) increases the rent, (2) rescreens existing residents, or (3) implements non-
renewals without cause and the tenant chooses to move during this period. NOAH
properties are defined as buildings where at least 18% of the units have rents affordable to
households with incomes at or below 60% Area Medium Income (AMI). This ordinance
would not prohibit a new owner from taking the actions listed above; however, the owner
would be required to pay resident relocation benefits if they do take any of those actions
during the three month tenant protection period. The ordinance will allow for a period of
time for residents to work with housing support resources and seek alternative housing if
they are facing unaffordable rent increases, new screening criteria requirements that would
be problematic for them, or a thirty day non-renewal without cause notice to vacate.
• Legacy Program: This program was generated as an outcome of the NOAH preservation
workgroup discussions held in 2017/18. The workgroup recognized that the majority of
NOAH owners appreciate and care about their residents and that there are owners that
would be interested in creating a “legacy” by preserving their property as affordable
housing. The program is marketed to owners to make them aware of the financial
advantages of transferring their NOAH property to a non-profit preservation buyer. The city
will work with property owners and preservation buyers to assist in facilitating the process
for any interested owners.
• Fair Housing Policy: Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act establishes federal policy for providing
fair housing throughout the United States. The intent of Title VIII is to assure equal housing
opportunities for all citizens. The City of St. Louis Park, as a recipient of federal community
development funds under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974,
is obligated to certify that it will affirmatively further fair housing. This policy’s purpose is to
outline St. Louis Park’s dedication and response to fair housing issues, which includes
designating a fair housing officer to provide referrals to residents and direct them to
appropriate agencies to file a fair housing complaint and track the complaint and resources
given.
Rental Assistance
• Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program: Recognizing that housing instability keeps
students from attending school consistently and diminishes their likelihood of achieving
key measures like reading proficiency, the city implemented of a shallow rent subsidy
program to assist low-income St. Louis Park rental households who have children
attending school in St. Louis Park or their assigned attendance school, to remain in their
current housing. The “Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program” provides rent assistance
to households for up to 48 months. The participants receive a flat monthly rental
assistance amount that decreases annually over the four year period. Eligible households
must have one parent that works a minimum of 28 hours a week, must reside in rental
housing located in St. Louis Park, and be lease compliant. In addition to the rent subsidy,
STEP staff meet with each household to assess their economic and social needs, establish
a plan to address needs, provide referrals, and offer case management, as needed.
Participant households are also required to attend parent-teacher conferences and take
an active role in their children’s educational progress. The Housing Authority (HA) is the
second year of administering the program and is currently serving 14 families on the
program. Two to three additional families will be added in 2020.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program: The St. Louis Park HA administers approx. 323 rental
assistance vouchers. Participants rent a qualifying unit from a private owner/landlord
and the rent paid by the household is based on their income. The difference in the rent
paid by the participant and the market rate rent is paid by the HA. Of the 323 vouchers,
41 are project based at 2 supportive housing developments and at Excelsior and Grand.
The HA also received a HUD allocation of 8 Mainstream Vouchers in 2018 that serve
nonelderly disabled individuals and an allocation of 15 Family Unification Program
vouchers to serve families where housing is needed to reunite child with their
guardians. The HA also assumed the administration of 32 rental assistance vouchers for
residents that transitioned from project based to tenant assistance at a privately
owned- development that opted out of the rental assistance contract. The voucher
programs are federally funded.
• Public Housing Program: The HA owns and manages 157 units of public housing. The
units include a 108 unit low rise apartment complex, 37 single family homes scattered
throughout the city, and in partnership with Project for Pride in Living, 12 units at
Louisiana court. The rent paid by the household is based on their income. This program
is also federally funded.
• Stable Home Rent Subsidy Program: In partnership with Hennepin County, the HA
administers a rent subsidy program to serve persons that have been chronically
homeless. The program provides rent assistance for three years and the rent is based on
the household’s income. Participants must reside in suburban Hennepin County.
There are currently approximately 41 participants on the program.
• Funding provided to STEP for emergency assistance program: The city has provided
$60,000 to assist in funding STEP’s Emergency Assistance Program which is dedicated to
providing rent assistance to families experiencing financial crises. The goal of the
program is to intervene so families do not lose their housing or have an eviction action
on their record.
Promote and Support Responsible Property Management
• SPARC – St. Louis Park’s Landlord Coalition: The city facilitates quarterly meetings with
the city’s landlords and rental owners to discuss topics and issues interest including
topics related to good management practices; one initiative with this group has been to
recruit new landlords to accept Housing Choice Voucher participants.
• Rental Licensing/Crime Free Training: The city requires that rental property staff attend
a crime free training as part of the city’s rental licensing requirements. Topics include
fair housing requirements to best practices for screening applicants. The current crime
free rental ordinance developed to respond to disorderly, criminal and drug related
incidents in rental properties is currently under review for possible modification.
Affordable Homeownership
• West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (Homes Within Reach): Homes Within
Reach is a program of West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust that purchases
properties, rehabilitates and then sells the home to qualified low to moderate income
households. Buyers pay for the cost of the home only and lease the land for 99
years. City funds are leveraged with CDBG, Hennepin County Affordable Housing
Incentive Fund (AHIF) and HOME funds, Metropolitan Council and Minnesota Housing
funds as well as other resources. Using the land trust model means that families can
more easily purchase a home where they work or live, retain it for generations, and not
over burden their incomes in becoming homeowners. There was one purchase of a
home in 2019. That home is the 17th home in St. Louis Park. We are currently partnering
with WHAHLT on our 18th home.
• Affordable homeownership assistance program: The city implemented an enhanced
affordable homeownership program this year that will provide down payment and
closing cost assistance loans to assist first-time homebuyers (or have not owned a home
in the least three years) in purchasing a home in St. Louis Park. Employees of St. Louis
Park businesses would be eligible for an additional loan amount to encourage them to
live where they work.
o The maximum loan amount is $15,000, not to exceed 5% of the purchase price.
o Live where you work loan amount: An additional $5,000 to employees of St.
Louis Park businesses.
o Interest rate and loan terms: 0% interest 20 year deferred loan. 100% of the loan
amount is due if the property is sold, ownership is transferred, or no longer
owner-occupied. Loan is forgiven after 20 years.
Affordable Housing Rehab Programs Technical, Design, and Conservation Services
• Architectural Design Service: This service provides an architectural consultation for
residents to assist with brainstorming remodeling possibilities and to raise the
awareness of design possibilities for expansions. Residents select an approved architect
from a pool developed in conjunction with the MN Chapter of the American Institute of
Architects. All homeowners considering renovations are eligible for this service
regardless of income; however, to ensure committed participants, residents make a $25
co-pay.
• Remodeling/Rehab Advisor: The intention of this service is to help residents improve
their homes (either maintenance or value-added improvements) by providing technical
help before and during the construction process. All homeowners are eligible for this
service regardless of income. The city contracts with the Center for Energy and
Environment (CEE) for this free service to homeowners.
• Home Energy Squad Enhanced Visit and Rebates: Home Energy Squad Enhanced
program is a comprehensive residential energy program designed to help residents save
money and energy and stay comfortable in their homes. The program which began in
March, 2012, is administered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). The city
pays $50 per resident visit which is leveraged with funds from Xcel Energy, Center Point
Energy and CEE. The cost per resident is $50 per enhanced visit. The city also provides a
match of 50% of gas and electric utility rebates for energy efficient furnaces, water
heaters, air conditioners and qualifying air sealing and insulation.
• Annual Home Remodeling Fair: The cities and school district community education
departments of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Golden Valley co-sponsor the
annual home remodeling fair. The fair provides residents an opportunity to attend
seminars, talk with vendors and city staff about permits, zoning, home improvement
loans, and environmental issues related to remodeling. The fair is a self-sustaining event
and vendor registration fees cover the costs.
• Home Remodeling Tour: The annual tour is designed to meet the housing goal to
remodel and expand single-family owner-occupied homes. The self-guided tour of five
to six homes provides a showcase of a variety of home remodeling projects to provide
ideas, information, and inspiration to other residents considering remodeling.
• Discount Loan Program: This program encourages residents to improve their homes by
“discounting” the interest rate on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MN Housing)
home improvement loans. Residents must have a household income of $104,000 or less.
Eligible improvements include most home improvement projects with the exception of
luxury items such as pools and spas. The city contracts with CEE for loan administration.
• Move –Up Transformation Loan: The purpose of this loan is to encourage residents with
incomes at or below 120% of median area income to expand their homes. The program
provides deferred loans for 25% of the applicant’s home expansion project cost, with a
maximum loan of $25,000. The loan has 0% interest and is forgiven after 30 years if
homeowner continues to live in the home.
• The Emergency Home Repair Program: The city offers grants of up to $4,000 to low
income homeowners to cover the cost of immediate emergency repairs such as furnace
replacement, roof repairs, etc. To qualify, a household’s income must be at or below
50% of the area medium income.
• Deferred Loan Program: This loan program assists low income homeowners in funding
basic safety and maintenance improvements. The maximum loan amount is $30,000
and the loan is deferred until sale of the property or forgiven after 15 years. To qualify
a household’s must be at or below 80% of the area medium income.
• Housing Improvement Area (HIA): The HIA is a finance tool to assist with the
preservation of the city’s existing townhome and condominium housing stock. An HIA is
a defined area within a city where housing improvements are made and the cost of the
improvements are paid in whole or in part from fees imposed on the properties within
the area. The Association borrows low interest money from the city, improvements are
completed and unit owners repay the loan through fees imposed on their properties
and collected with property tax payments. To date, seven HIA’s have been established
and over twelve million dollars of improvements has been made to 1100 units.
Additional Housing Programs in Process or Being Explored
Housing
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund Guide: A guide is being drafted to outline the eligible
uses for the affordable housing trust fund and the process for distribution of the funds.
The guide will also indicate primary and potential funding sources. The fund will be
available in 2020 and a draft guide is anticipated to be brought to the council for review
in December.
• Notice of Eviction: Council will be hearing from several industry experts on the impact
of a local policy that would require landlords to provide a notification to tenants prior to
filing an eviction action in court for nonpayment of a financial related obligation.
• Multi-family residential land trust model: The city currently partners with Homes Within
Reach to provide single family affordable homeownership opportunities. There may be
potential to utilize this same model to create affordable multi-family homeownership or
rental opportunities, possibly with the city working in partnership with for-profit or non-
profits developers.
• Nondiscrimination of Rental Assistance: this policy would prohibit owners and
managing agents from discriminating against people in the leasing and renting of
housing based on a person’s receipt of public assistance or any requirements of a public
assistance program, including Section 8 vouchers. An ordinance passed in Minneapolis
faced a court challenge by rental property owners and a legal appeal. The city, like
many other communities, are waiting for the outcome of the legal challenges before
further consideration.
Planning
• Revisiting housing setbacks, FAR, and more to maintain and create more affordable
housing: The city council intends to revisit the city’s regulations relating to the sizes of
single-family houses. In the late-1990s and mid-2000s, the city relaxed its regulations to
promote expansion of single-family houses to encourage residents to stay in the city as
their housing space needs increased as opposed to moving to outer ring suburbs where
larger home stock is typically available (move up housing). In addition, the changes
hoped to reduce variance requests, which they did. The city council will be discussing
ways to stem the loss of affordable single-family homes as builders and private owners
tear down or add onto older, smaller homes and build much larger ones.
• Comprehensive Plan changes: The city increased the housing densities allowed in both
the high density and low-density residential areas. The land use policy changes allow for
future zoning changes to allow accessory housing units and duplexes in low density
residential areas that today are limited to single family houses only. It also increased the
amount of housing that is allowed in high density residential areas with excellent access
to transit, freeways, stores, schools, parks and other amenities and services.
Address Project Type Description
Permit
Value
Neighbor
Letter Ward
3317 Alabama Addition Second story addition and whole house remodel $300,000 1/2/2019 1
3256 Blackstone Addition Second story addition $75,000 1/3/2019 1
1626 Hampshire Ave S Demo.New Construction Demo and build new two story home $240,000 1/9/2019 4
4003 Highwood Rd Addition Rear addition, lower level garage, main level remodel $383,000 1/25/2019 1
3405 Sumter Ave S Addition Second story addition $90,000 1/29/2019 3
5116 W. 40th St Addition Second story and small addition off back, new 2 car garage $319,000 2/1/2019 2
3966 Alabama Ave Addition Addition to rear of house 2/14/2019 2
3901 Sunset Blvd Addition Second story addition $250,000 3/28/2019 1
2821 Raleigh Ave Addition Second story addition, remodel main floor and basement $381,425 3/29/2019 1
2828 Zarthan Ave S Addition Master suite addition above existing attached garage $64,000 3/29/2019 1
3426 Rhode Island Demo.New Construction Demo and build new two story home $306,000 4/17/2019 3
3810 Inglewood Addition Second story addition $325,000 4/23/2019 2
3116 Nevada Addition Single story addition off back of house $154,943 4/25/2019 3
4225 Utica Ave S Addition Two story addition $150,000 5/28/2019 2
2700 Boone New Construction Have not applied for building permit as of 10/15. Sewer, water,
erosion & utility permits issued May and June of 2019 5/20/2019 4
1813 Kentucky Demo.New Construction Demo and build new two story home $360,000 7/16/2019 4
2831 Rhode Island Addition Addition off back and second story addition $145,000 8/2/2019 3
4332 Brookside Demo Demo house and foundation, fill hole with clean fill $9,000 9/9/2019 1
2800 Huntington Demo.New Construction Demo and build new two story home $1,068,241 8/9/2019 1
3750 Inglewood Demo.New Construction Demo and build new two story home $525,000 10/1/2019 2
2019 YTD Single Family Major Remodels, Additions, New Construction
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING CONSTRUCTION 2014-2019 ST. LOUIS PARK
Project Location Developer Planning
Approval Type Total Units Affordable Units Status/
Completion
BUILT LAST 5 YEARS
Millenium at West End West End DLC Residential 2014 Apartments 158 0 Completed 2015
4101 31st St Apts
4101 31st St 31st Street - Triangle Josh Brandsted 2014 Apartments 13 0 Completed 2015
Central Park West Phase 1 Apartment
Building West End DLC Residential 2015 Apartments 119 6 units @ 60% AMI Completed 2017
The Shoreham mixed-use building CSAH 25 and France - Triangle Bader Development 2015 Apartments 148 30 units at 50% AMI Completed 2017
4800 Excelsior Excelsior & Grand Weidner 2015 Apartments 164 18 units at 60% AMI Completed 2017
Parkway 25 CSAH 25 and France - Triangle Paz Sela 2016 Apartments 112 0 Completed 2018
Totals 714 54
Affordable by percent AMI 30 @ 50%
24 @ 60%
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
The Elmwood 36th Street & Hwy 100 36th Street LLC 2017 55+ apartments 70 17 @ 60% AMI Under construction
Elan West End Greystar 2018 Apartments 164 5 @ 50% AMI Under construction
Urban Park Apartments Knollwood North Shore
Development Partners, 2019 Apartments 61 0 Under construction
Totals 295 22
Affordable by percent AMI 5 @ 50%
17 @ 60%
APPROVED, NOT YET BUILT
Arlington Row Apartments West Texas and 394 Melrose Company 2015 Apartments 34 3 units at 80% AMI Approved
Arlington Row Apartments East Texas and 394 Melrose Company 2016 Apartments 27 3 units at 80% AMI Approved
Via Sol (north)Wooddale and 36th Street PLACE 2017 Apartments 217 22 @ 50%
130 @ 80$Approved 2017
Via Luna (south)Wooddale and 36th Street PLACE 2017 Apartments 50 50 @ 60%Approved 2017
Platia Place NW corner of 394 and 169 SLP Park Ventures, LLC 2018 Apartments 149 15 @ 50% AMI Approved 2018
Luxe West End DPRE 2018 Apartments 207 8 @ 60% AMI Approved 2018
Totals 684 231
Affordable by percent AMI
37 @ 50%
58 @ 60%
136 @ 80%
St. Louis Park Community Development 10-16-19 1 of 1
2018 Housing Activity Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to provide city policy makers with an overview of housing program activity during
2018. The report provides information on new initiatives and updates as well as historical trends, program
descriptions, and data on city and federally funded housing programs and activity that are in line with the city’s
housing goals.
1. New Initiatives and updates in 2018
a. Inclusionary Housing Policy – Increased required percentages of affordable units and added a 30%
AMI option (30%, 50% and 60% AMI)
b. Tenant Protection Ordinance approved by council (60% AMI and below)
c. Housing Trust Fund established
d. NOAH preservation strategies approved by council for implementation:
i. 4D tax incentive program (60% AMI and below)
ii. Multifamily rental rehab program (60% AMI and below)
iii. Legacy program (60% AMI and below)
e. Kids in the Park program – increased funding to serve more families (50% AMI and below)
f. Housing Authority awarded new Family Unification Program and Mainstream vouchers (50% AMI and
below)
g. New down payment assistance program for first time homebuyers (120% AMI and below)
2. Remodeling Activity
a. Housing rehab projects (general remodeling) remained strong in 2018. Most projects were financed
without using city loans.
b. The city’s Architect Design Services and Remodeling Advisor Services continued to be great tools for
residents and usage is in line with previous years.
c. Major remodeling projects and home additions continue to be strong. There were 62 additions and 77
major remodels in 2018 with average valuations at $124,150 and $68,085 respectively.
d. The Construction Management Plan program has been in place since November 2014. In 2018 44
neighborhood notification letters were sent for Construction Management (CMP) plan projects: 33
major additions, 7 demo/rebuilds, 2 new builds and 2 demo only. A map is included in the report
showing the location of these projects.
3. Affordable Home Ownership and Public Housing Update
a. Citizens Independent Bank offers $500 to qualified borrowers eligible for the Live Where You Work
(LWYW). There have been a total of 24 buyers under this program, 2 in 2018. The LWYW program
ended in 2018 and effective January 1, 2019 it became part of the new down payment assistance
program.
b. West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust had a purchase agreement for their 17th home in St.
Louis Park.
c. CDBG funds were used to fund the Deferred Loan Program for low income residents in St. Louis Park
and the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) dba Homes Within Reach.
d. The city transitioned the funding for the emergency repair grant from CDBG funds to city funds.
e. Maxfield Research completed their rental study in the end of 2017 and of the 7,000 rental units
surveyed 49.3% are affordable at 60% AMI or below.
f. The 2018 affordable ownership purchase price was $234,500 and 29% of homes in St. Louis Park are
at or below this affordability limit. These homes are comprised of single family, condos and
townhomes.
4. Housing Matrix
a. Owner occupied (no rental license) properties comprise 56% of the housing market with rental
properties (units with a rental license) at 44%.
b. The single family home ownership rate is 94%.
c. The Housing Development Project List is included in the report showing residential projects approved
since 2009 including projects completed, under construction and approved.
5. Foreclosures
a. The foreclosure rate is extremely low with only 19 residential foreclosures in 2018.
6. Federally Funded Housing Programs
a. The St. Louis Park Housing Authority affordable rental housing and rental assistance programs served
approximately 500 households with rental assistance in 2018. (50% AMI for the housing choice
voucher (HCV) program, 80% for public housing although the majority of households in public housing
are below 50% AMI. Both the HCV and public housing programs serve a significant number of
households below 30% AMI)
b. The St. Louis Park Housing Authority, in partnership with Hennepin County, has continued
administering the new Stable HOME rental assistance program for Suburban Hennepin County which
provides housing assistance to homeless or previously homeless individuals and families in Suburban
Hennepin County. 42 households were served in 2017. (50% AMI)
c. 77% of households served by housing authority rental assistance programs are at or below 30% AMI
and 18% are between 31-50% AMI.
Households served by housing authority rental assistance programs as of 12/31/2018
30% AMI 50% AMI 60% AMI 80% AMI 100% AMI
Number of
Households
350 80 15 8 1
Percentage of
Households
77% 18% 3% 2% <1%
7. Program Descriptions: This section gives detailed descriptions of the various housing programs.
1. NEW INITIATIVES
The City of St. Louis Park has undertaken new initiatives and updates to current policies to address affordable
housing needs in the community.
Inclusionary Housing
In June 2015 the city council adopted an Inclusionary Housing Policy that requires the inclusion of affordable
housing units for lower income households in new market rate multi-unit residential developments receiving
financial assistance from the city. The goal of the Inclusionary Housing Policy is to increase the supply of
affordable housing and promote economic and social integration. In May 2017 the city council approved
increasing the percentage of required affordable units and added a requirement that developments covered by
the policy must not discriminate against tenants who pay their rent with government provided Housing Choice
Vouchers or other local rent subsidies. In 2018 the city council approved increasing the percentage of required
affordable units at 60% AMI, adding a 30% AMI option, and changing the ownership to requiring a payment in
lieu.
Table 1: Inclusionary Housing Policy Requirements
Initial Policy 2018 Updated Policy
Rental Projects
• 10 % of units at 60% AMI
• 8% of units at 50% AMI
• 20% of units at 60% AMI
• 10% of units at 50% AMI
• 5% of units at 30% AMI
Ownership Projects 10% of units at 80% AMI Payment in lieu
In 2018 the income limit eligibility for existing tenants was amended to be consistent with the tax credit income
limits.
Table 2: Affordable units created and approved
Development Total
Number
of Units
Total Number
of Affordable
Units
Affordability
Level
O bedroom
Affordable
Units
1 bedroom
Affordable
Units
2 bedroom
Affordable
Units
3 bedroom
Affordable
Units
Completed Projects
Shoreham 148 30** 50% 4 13 13
4800
Excelsior
164 18 60% 1 10 7
Central Park
West Phase 1
199 6* 60% 1 2 2 1
Approved Projects
Luxe
Residential
(approved in
2018)
207 8* 60% 2 3 2 1
Via (PLACE)
(approved)
300 22 @ 50%
58@ 60%
120@ 80%
50%, 60%
and 80%
107 52 21 18
+
2 four bed-
room units
Development Total
Number
of Units
Total Number
of Affordable
Units
Affordability
Level
O bedroom
Affordable
Units
1 bedroom
Affordable
Units
2 bedroom
Affordable
Units
3 bedroom
Affordable
Units
Central Park
West Phase 2
(approved
2018)
164 5* 50% 1 1 2 1
Elmwood
(approved in
2017)
70 17 60%
Platia Place
(approved
2018)
149 15 50%
*Central Park West Phase 1 and Phase 2 and Luxe were not subject to the Inclusionary Housing Policy but
voluntarily included affordable units
**Shoreham is a tax credit property resulting in 20% of units affordable at 50% AMI
Tenant Protection Ordinance: The city council adopted a tenant protection ordinance in 2018. The tenant
protection ordinance requires a three month period following the ownership transfer of a NOAH multifamily
residential property during which the new owner would be required to pay relocation benefits to tenants if the
rent is increased, existing residents are rescreened or non-renewals are implemented without cause. NOAH
properties would be defined as buildings where at least 18% of the units have rents affordable to households with
incomes at or below 60% Area Medium Income (AMI).
The ordinance does not prohibit a new owner from taking the management actions listed above; however, the
owner would be required to provide resident relocation benefits if they do take any of those actions during the
tenant protection period and a tenant decides to move as a result. The three month protection period provides a
period of time for residents to work with housing support resources and seek alternative housing if they are facing
unaffordable rent increases, new screening criteria requirements that would be problematic for them, or a thirty
day non-renewal without cause notice to vacate. The ordinance requires the new owner of a NOAH building to
provide notice of the ordinance protections to tenants of affordable housing units within 30 days of the sale of
the building. The 3 month tenant protection period begins once the notice has been given to the tenants.
Local housing trust fund: The city council approved establishing a local affordable housing trust fund in 2018.
Housing trust funds are distinct funds established by city, county or state governments that receive ongoing
dedicated sources of public funding to support the preservation and production of affordable housing. Housing
trust funds can also be a repository for private donations.
The Minnesota Legislature passed a bill in 2017 that allows local communities to establish housing trust funds.
The housing trust fund may be established by ordinance and administered by the city. Money in a housing trust
fund may only be used to:
• pay for administrative expenses not to exceed 10% of the balance of the fund;
• make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for the development, rehabilitation, or financing of housing;
• match other funds from federal, state, or private resources for housing projects; or
• provide down-payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer counseling services.
The city may finance the fund with any money available to a local government, unless expressly prohibited by
state law. The proposed primary source of funding for the city’s trust fund is an annual budgeted allocation of
HRA Levy funds, which will be available beginning in 2020.
Land banking
Land banking is the practice of aggregating parcels of land for future sale or development. The Economic
Development Authority (EDA) has purchased parcels near the Beltline and Wooddale stations to facilitate future
redevelopment which will include housing. The EDA has also purchased a single family home on Minnetonka Blvd.
and is actively working with a realtor to purchase a second home for future redevelopment purposes.
NOAH Preservation (Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing)
Housing staff continued to participate in a Regional Housing Workgroup to review and discuss strategies for
preservation of NOAH. Additional preservation strategies including the multifamily rental rehab program, Legacy
program and 4D were approved in 2018 to preserve NOAH properties. These new programs go into effect in 2019
and communication and marketing efforts began in 2018 to inform property owners of these programs.
Legacy program – 60% AMI and below
Investors are buying NOAH apartment properties across the Twin Cities, often renovating the properties and
increasing the rents. The City of St. Louis Park created the legacy program to encourage multifamily NOAH property
owners in our community who are thinking about selling their property to consider connecting with a socially driven
investor who will preserve the affordability of their development.
The city created a legacy program brochure outlining how an owner can make a difference by providing a legacy of
affordable housing in St. Louis Park. The brochure was mailed to all B and C class multifamily rental properties.
4d - 60% AMI and below
St. Louis Park’s 4d affordable housing incentive program helps preserve affordable homes in the city by providing
financial incentive to qualify apartment owners for state property tax reductions if they agree to keep 20 percent
or more of their rental units affordable. The program also offers grants to help owners make energy efficiency and
safety improvements to their properties.
This program was developed, approved and marketed in 2018 to preserve affordable housing in St. Louis Park.
Multifamily rental rehab program - 60% AMI and below
The multifamily rental rehab program provides moderate rehabilitation assistance to eligible owners of St. Louis
Park multifamily residential rental properties with 3 or more units. The targeted properties are NOAH properties
that have been maintained, are in good standing, and wish to make improvements to their properties. Buildings
must be at least 30 years old and meet the St. Louis Park definition of a NOAH property. The maximum loan amount
per qualified rent restricted unit is $5,000 with a maximum loan per building/development of $50,000. Loans have
0% interest and are due upon the sale of the property. Owners must restrict the rents for a 10 year term or until
the sale or transfer of the ownership of the property.
The goal of this program is to provide a rehab incentive for NOAH properties to improve their property without
raising rents above the 60% AMI rent level.
Rental Assistance
Kids in the Park Rent Assistance Program – 50% AMI and below
Kids in the Park provides rent assistance to households with school-age children for up to four years. Participants
receive a flat monthly rental assistance subsidy that decreases annually over the four-year period. Eligible
households must have an income at or below 50% of the area median income, a child attending school in St. Louis
Park, one parent or guardian that works a minimum of 28 hours per week, live in rental housing in St. Louis Park
and comply with their lease. Families with disabled and elderly heads of household do not need to comply with
the work requirement. The program was developed in partnership with the St. Louis Park Emergency Program
(STEP) and the St. Louis Park School District. The Kids in the Park program began serving 9 families in December
2017. Funding was increased for 2018 allowing us to serve 14 families as of December 2018.
New vouchers awarded to St. Louis Park Housing Authority – 50% AMI and below
The St. Louis Park Housing Authority applied for two grants in 2018 in order to serve more low income households
in St. Louis Park. Both grant applications were successful adding 23 new vouchers to the HA’s portfolio. These two
voucher programs serve income eligible households that are at or below 50% AMI and voucher holders pay
approximately 30% of their income towards rent.
Family Unification Vouchers (FUP)
The Housing Authority was awarded 15 Family Unification Vouchers (FUP) at the end of 2018. FUP is a program
in which Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) are provided in order to lease decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the
private housing market to:
• Families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in either: the imminent placement of
the family’s child(ren) in out of home care or the delay in the discharge of the child(ren) to the family
from out of home care. There is no time limitation on family FUP vouchers, or
• Youth who are at least 18 years or and not more than 24 years old who: left foster care at age 16 or older
to will leave foster care within 90 days and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. FUP vouchers used by
youth are limited by statute to 36 months of housing assistance.
The HA is partnering with Hennepin County on this program. Applicants are provided through the Coordinated
Entry process and
Mainstream
The Housing Authority was awarded 8 Mainstream vouchers at the end of 2018. These vouchers provide vouchers
to assist non-elderly persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated
settings, at serious risk of institutionalization, homeless, or at serious risk of homelessness. It was designed to
further to the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by helping persons with disabilities live in the
most integrated setting. Families or individuals on with a Mainstream voucher must have a household member at
least 18 years of age and less than 62 years of age with a disability at the time of eligibility determination.
Home ownership - down payment assistance program - 120% AMI and below
The city reviewed and evaluated the Live Where You Work program over the past couple of years and determined
that it is not meeting the goal of the program. $2500 was not enough to assist income eligible first time
homebuyers in purchasing a home in St. Louis Park. After researching other programs staff recommended a new
down payment assistance program which was approved in 2018 to begin January 1, 2019.
The new down payment assistance program provides down payment/closing cost assistance to first-time
homebuyers, or those that have not owned a home in the last three years, for purchasing a home in St. Louis Park.
Employees of St. Louis Park businesses may be eligible for additional funds to encourage them to live where they
work. The loan is a zero percent interest deferred loan up to $15,000, not to exceed 5 percent of the purchase
price. An additional $5,000 is available for employees of St. Louis Park businesses. Income restrictions apply.
2. REMODELING ACTIVITY
Residential permitted activity measures remodeling and maintenance activity. This section shows historical trends
of remodeling activity. Residential properties include apartments.
Permit Trends
• “Alteration Residential” or General Remodeling
General remodeling work includes residential projects with permit valuations less than $37,500. Although
there were fewer permits in 2018, the average value per job in 2018 is $10,200 which is an increase of nearly
$2,000 over 2017. Permits include a wide range of projects including remodeling of existing spaces, window
and door replacement, drain tile, insulation, foundation work, etc.
Chart 1: Trend of General Remodeling Permits valued under $37,500
• Roofing and Siding Activity
Reroofing and residing permits are tracked separately. Almost 60% of the homes in the city had roofs replaced
between 2008 and 2011.
Chart 2: Reroofing and Residing Permits
*Spike in reroofing due to 2008 storms.
797
971
869
1129
1011 1091 1084 1074
1203 1170
983
0
500
1000
1500
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number of Permits IssuedYear
Maintenance & Minor Remodeling Permits
Alteration Residential (Minor)
845
201
761
140 161 131 104 80 107 163
573
332
117117 73 83 70 47 86 62 85
0
500
1000
1500
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number of Permits IssuedYear
Reroofing and Residing Permits
Reroof Reside
• Additions and Major Remodeling
The number of major remodeling permits (valued at more than $37,500) and additions continues to be strong.
The average permit valuation for additions during 2018 is nearly $160,000, an increase in over $35,000 over
2017. The 2018 average valuation for major remodels is $63,300, a decrease of approximately $5,000
compared to 2017.
Chart 3: Number of Addition and Major Remodeling Permits
• Permit Valuation
The following chart shows historical remodeling permit valuation for additions, major remodels, remodeling
and maintenance, garages/decks, reroofs, and siding. Permits with additional valuations were issued for
plumbing, heating, and electrical work (not shown here).
Chart 4: Permitted Residential Remodeling
89
55
40 48
71 67 67 70
59 62
59
46 50 53
46
44 53
69 70
65 77 77
0
40
80
120
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number of Permits IssuedYear
Addition and Major Remodel Permit Activity
Addition Residential Major Remodels
$26
$68.5
$26.6
$17
$26
$16.8
$21 $25 $28
0
20
40
60
80
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Permit Valuation -Million $Year
Residential Remodeling Permit Valuation
$23.1
City Housing Improvement Services, Loans Trends and Program Descriptions
Home Improvement Services.
The city’s architectural design service, remodeling advisor and Home Energy Squad Visits are great programs for
residents who are considering a remodel or energy improvements to take advantage of. The home energy squad
visits peaked in 2014, but residents continue to use the program and benefit from the recommendations and
installation of materials such as door weather stripping, water heater blankets and programmable thermostats.
Chart 5: Technical, Design and Home Energy Visits
Construction Management Plan
Major additions (second story additions or additions of 500 square feet or more), demolitions and new
construction projects need to comply with the Construction Management Plan (CMP). In 2018 the following
neighborhood notifications were sent: 33 major additions, 7 demo/rebuilds, 2 new builds and 2 demo only. The
total permit valuation for CMP projects in 2018 was $9,867,000.
Chart 6: CMP Activity
48
32 30 29 29 37 41
22
31 33 39
130 126
89 82 69 69
95
69 76 76 83
122
153
173
125
170
109
85
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number of VisitsYear
Technical Home Improvement Services
Architect Services Remodeling Advisor Home Energy Visits
32
37
33 33
19
10 10
7
3
6 2 20
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2015 2016 2017 2018
Number of CMP ProjectsYear
Construction Management Plan Activity
Additions Demo/New Build New Build Demo only
• Home Remodeling Fair and Tour
Both the Home Remodeling Fair and Tour continue to be popular events with residents. Approximately 300
residents visited each of the six tour homes in May and over 1,000 visitors attended the Annual Remodeling
Fair in 2018. The city continues to serve as the fiscal agent for the West Metro Home Remodeling Fair.
• City Loans and Rebates
The following chart shows the number of Move Up Loans, Discount Loans and Energy Rebates issued in recent
years. There were three Move Up and five Discount Loans in 2018. The number of Discount Loans is low;
however, CEE notes that discount home improvement loan use is slow in their service area and there are
other loan options that do not have an income limit. Due to the low usage of both the Move Up and discount
loans staff recommended income limit and interest rate changes effective January 1, 2019.
Chart 7: Use of City Financial Incentives
Summary of Move-Up Activity Loan and Service Costs
The ratio of public to private investment in 2018 was 1:5.4 – for every dollar the city invested in the discount
loan and move up in the park deferred loan residents invested roughly $5.41. This estimate does not capture
how many projects were completed by homeowners after having a remodeling advisor or architectural design
consultation or visiting the home remodeling fair or tour. The city invested approximately $87,900 in 2018 in the
discount loan and move-up in the park deferred loan which leveraged $475,465 worth of private investments.
Move-Up in the Park loans are deferred until the sale of the home or forgiven after thirty years.
Table 3: Move-Up Loans Paid off in last five years
Year Number of Loans Paid Off Amount of Loans
2014 2 $23,957
2015 4 $78,246
2016 4 $97,970
2017 3 $80,909
2018 3 $66,432
17 17 8 10 6 6 6 7 10 6 3
55
52 64
22 26 22 17 13 11 6 5
22
42
83 73
113
166
143
108 101
125
0
25
50
75
100
125
150
175
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number Loans -RebatesYear
Loans and Rebates
Move up loans Discount loans Energy Rebates
Table 4: Move-Up Participation and Costs Since 2005
Move-Up Participation and City Costs
YEAR
Move-Up
Loans
Discount
Loans
Architectural
Design
Services
Remodeling
Advisor
Services
Remodeling
Tour & Fair Green Rebates
Home Energy
Squad
Enhanced
Visits
Total City
Cost
2005 7 $182,806 76 $45,636 68 $15,300 221 $28,730 $272,472
2006 27 $591,264 88 $186,205 102 $22,950 157 $20,410 1 $5,000 $825,829
2007 27 $620,000 50 $74,000 62 $12,400 179 $23,270 1 $5,000 $734,670
2008 18 $330,937 55 $114,129 49 $11,025 130 $16,900 1 $5,000 $477,991
2009 17 $329,650 52 $106,000 12 $7,200 126 $16,380 1 $5,000 22 $4,092 $468,322
2010 9 $209,769 64 $86,263 30 $6,750 89 $11,510 1 $5,000 42 $7,820 $327,112
2011 10 $226,877 22 $29,213 29 $6,525 82 $10,250 1 $5,000 83 $15,465 $293,330
2012* 6 $106,232 26 $31,276 29 $6,525 69 $8,970 1 $5,505 73 $13,748 122 $7,320 $179,576
2013 6 $145,071 22 $33,063 37 $8,325 69 $8,970 1 $8,271 113 $26,000 153 $10,650 $240,350
2014 6 $138,740 17 $26,079 41 $9,225 95 $12,350 1 $12,350 166 $37,575 173 $11390 $243,573
2015 7 $173,000 13 $17,577 22 $4,950 69 $15,525 1 $10,084 143 $37,610 125 $6,250 $264,996
2016 10 $231,057 11 $27,001 31 $6,975 76 $17,100 1 $7,585 108 $29,304 170 $8,510 $327,532
2017 6 $137,950 6 $5,907 33 $7,425 76 $17,100 1 $7,710 101 $22,951 109 $5,450 $273,883
2018 3 $75,000 5 $12,904 39 $8,775 83 $18,865 1 $6,784 125 $30,112 85 $4,250 $156,690
Detailed descriptions of each Move-Up Program are listed at the end of the report.
3. AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS
Live Where You Work – Two loans in 2018 (120% AMI)
The Live Where You Work Homebuyer Assistance Program began in spring 2009 to promote home
ownership within the city among employees of St. Louis Park businesses. The city provides a deferred
loan of $2,500 to an eligible employee and an additional $1,000 is provided to employees purchasing
vacant lender-owned foreclosed properties. Employers are invited to contribute a matching or lesser
amount to the city’s contribution. The deferred loan is forgiven after 3 years if the employee continues
to work for the employer and meets other qualification requirements. The city contracts with CEE for
loan administration. Total participation to date is 24. Two Live Where You Work loans were closed in
2018. In 2016 Citizens Independent Bank began offering qualified borrowers $500 off the origination
fee. This program has not been as effective as the city would like. After evaluating the program and
researching other options a new down payment assistance program was approved in 2018 and will be
rolled out January 1, 2019.
Housing Improvement Area (HIA) - No HIAs initiated in 2018, one association is exploring an HIA
The HIA is a finance tool to assist with the preservation of the city’s existing townhome and
condominium housing stock. An HIA is a defined area within a city where housing improvements are
made and the cost of the improvements are paid in whole or in part from fees imposed on the
properties within the area. The Association borrows low interest money from the city, improvements
are completed and unit owners repay the loan through fees imposed on their properties and collected
with property tax payments. To date, seven HIA’s have been established and over twelve million dollars
of improvements has been made to 1100 units. There are no new HIA’s currently in process; however,
one condo association began exploring the possibility of an HIA in 2018.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (80% AMI)
The CDBG calendar year runs from July 1 – June 30th. FY2018 CDBG allocations included:
• $85,335 for the Low-Income Deferred Loan Program administered by Hennepin County
• $30,000 for West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust
The emergency repair grant that had previously been funded using CDBG funds is now funded with
housing rehab dollars.
West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust, dba Homes Within Reach (HWR) - One purchase
agreement in 2018 (80% AMI)
Homes Within Reach is a program of West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust that purchases
properties, rehabilitates and then sells the home to qualified low to moderate income
households. Buyers pay for the cost of the home only and lease the land for 99 years. City funds are
leveraged with CDBG, Hennepin County Affordable Housing Incentive Fund (AHIF), HOME Partnership,
Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Housing and other funds.
Using the land trust model means that families can more easily purchase a home where they work or
live, retain it for generations, not over burden their incomes in becoming homeowners and build
wealth. As a result, both the families and communities can rely on affordable homeownership option,
which expands homeownership, sustains community resources, supports residential stability, preserves
affordable housing and supports a stronger local workforce. There was one purchase agreement for a
home in 2018; however it did not close until 2019. That home is the 17th home in St. Louis Park.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (80% AMI)
The city has partnered with Habitat over the years to acquire nine blighted properties for rehab or tear-
down for new construction. The city last assisted Habitat with the purchase of one property in 2011,
construction was completed in the fall 2012 and the home was sold to a low income family. Twin Cities
is expanding their services to include financing which may serve more St. Louis Park residents than their
traditional program and Habitat met with housing staff in 2018 to discuss their outreach in the
community.
4. HOUSING MATRIX AND DEVELOPMENT
The housing matrix shows the numbers and percentages of housing types, tenure (owner or rental),
affordable units, senior designated units and large single family homes. The matrix is a guide to evaluate
future housing development proposals.
• 10,950 units (44% of units) in St. Louis Park have a rental license.
• The chart shows percentages of rental vs. owner occupied units over time. Prior to 2017 the chart
reflects homestead vs. non-homesteaded properties. In 2017 the chart uses rental licenses to count
the number of rental properties in St. Louis Park since not all non-homesteaded properties are
rental.
• 94% of single family detached homes were owner occupied (did not have a rental license) and 78%
of condos/townhomes were owner occupied (no rental license) in 2018.
• The city hired Maxfield Research to update the city’s comprehensive housing analysis. The report
was completed and presented to council in 2018.
Chart 8: Percentage of Owner Occupied Units
*Rental license data used beginning in 2017
Family size single family homes
One of the city’s housing goals is to increase the number of family size homes available in the city.
“Family size single family homes” are being defined as exceeding 1,500 square feet of living space,
having 3 or more bedrooms, 2 or more baths, and at minimum a 2 car garage. According to the
Assessing Department, 2,329 – or 20% – of SLP single family homes meet this threshold. This is an
increase of 41 homes since 2017 (due to additions and demo/rebuilds). Although this size home is not
considered large when compared to newly constructed housing, in St. Louis Park 74% of single family
homes have a foundation size less than 1,200 square feet and 46% of single family homes have less than
1,200 square feet above ground.
96 93 93 93 91 89 89 90 89 93 948989
80 75 70 67 66 67 67
78 79
0
50
100
2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018*PercentageYEAR
% Owner Occupied Units
Single Family Detached Homes Condos & Townhomes
Affordable Housing
The Metropolitan Council sets the 2018 affordability limits for ownership and rental housing at 80% of
the area median income for both rental and ownership housing. In 2018, the metro area median income
(AMI) for a household of four is $94,300. Under these limits, a family of four can earn up to $71,900 to
qualify for affordable housing.
Below is a chart showing the number of market rate affordable multifamily rental units in St. Louis Park
with affordable levels from 30% AMI to 80% AMI based on the Maxfield Research update.
Among the over 7,000 market rate units that were inventoried by Maxfield Research by unit mix and
monthly rents, only 7.9% of the units are affordable to householders at 50% AMI. However, together
with 41.4% of the units affordable at 60% AMI, 49.3% of the market rate rental housing inventory is
affordable at 50% to 60% AMI.
The St. Louis Park Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has approximately 300 units that can be
utilized in market rate rentals reducing the rents to 30% of a voucher holder’s income and the average
HCV income is below 30% AMI.
Table 5: Multifamily market rate rental units by AMI
# of bedrooms 30% AMI 50% AMI 60% AMI 80% AMI
Efficiency 0 106 204 123
1 bedroom 20 370 2466 807
2 bedroom 19 198 879 929
3 bedroom 6 20 48
Total 39 680 3559 1906
Source: Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC
Owner Occupied
• The 2018 affordable ownership purchase price is $234,500 or less. The housing matrix shows the
number of single family homes, condos and townhomes with an assessed value of $234,500 or less.
The matrix also shows the data for single family homes, condos and townhomes valued at $181,500
or less which is the 60% AMI affordable ownership purchase price.
• In 2018, 4,134 homes are considered affordable at or below 80% AMI based on valuation data from
assessing which is 29% of the single family homes, condos and townhomes in St. Louis Park. This is a
decrease of 1364 affordable units compared to 2017. This decrease is due in part to the increases in
assessed value and a slight decrease in the affordable ownership purchase price which was reduced
due to increases in interest rates. Rising mortgage interest rates have prevented the affordable
purchase price from increasing in tandem with Area Median Income.
Table 6: St. Louis Park Housing Matrix
December 31, 2018
Housing Units by Type Large Single Family Homes, Affordable, and Senior Housing
Housing
Type Housing Units
Net
Units
added
in
2018
Owner
Occupied
(No Rental
License)
Rental
Licenses
Family sized
single family
homes over
1500 square
feet
2018
Affordable
Market Rate
(NOAH) SF,
Condo and
TH Units
60% | 80%
Maxfield
Research
Affordable
Market Rate
(NOAH)
Rental Units
60% | 80%
Public
Subsidized
Affordable
Units,
Includes
Section 8
Housing
Units
Senior
Designated
Single
Family
Detached 11,620 46% 1 10,867 753 2329 195 1550 37
Duplex 430 2% 0 269 161
Condos
and
townhomes 3572 14% 0 2818 754 1565 2584 60
Apartments 9282 37% 112 9282 4278 6184 879 958
COOPs 114 <1% 0 114 106
Totals 25,018 113 14,068 56% 10,950 44% 2329 20%
1760
13%
4134
29%
4278
46%
6184
67% 916 8% 1124 4.5%
% of SF
Homes
% of owner
occupied SF,
Condo & TH
% of
Multifamily % of Rental
% of Total
Housing Units
In 2018, the rental unit numbers are coming directly from the rental licenses through the inspections department. The percentage of owner occupied (no rental license)
units to rental (units with a rental license) units is 56% to 44% of units with a rental license. This is due in part to a change in homestead status of approximately 1,200
condominium and townhouse units since the early 2000s and the addition of new multifamily rental units.
Met Council revised the affordable housing income standards and now considers both rental and owner occupied housing units affordable at 80% AMI. This chart
shows all single family homes, condos and townhomes with an assessed value based on 60% and 80% AMI. The chart also shows multifamily rental units affordable at
60% AMI and 80% AMI based on Maxfield Research data. More data is on the previous page related to affordable rents based on the number of bedrooms in a unit.
Data source: St. Louis Park Community Development, Inspections and Assessing departments, Development Activity in St. Louis Park, and
Maxfield Research & Consulting, LLC. Added one SF homes on previously undeveloped lot. 112 apartment units added at Parkway 25.
Project Developer Planning
Approval Type Total Units Affordable Units Status/ Completion
Richard & Adrienne Harrison (Owner)
2600 Natchez
Creek Hill Custom Homes
(Builder)2008 Single-Family 1 Completed 2009
Ellipse
3920 Excelsior Blvd Bader 2008 Condo 132 Complete 2011
TowerLight
3601 Wooddale Ave S Greco 2008 Senior Apartment 115 Completed 2013
The Flats at West End
5310 16th St West The Excelsior Groups 2010 Apartment 119 Completed 2013
Shaun Smith (Owner)
2005 Louisiana
Andrew Hewey Const.
(Builder) 2010 Single-Family 1 Completed 2011
Hoigaard Village Medley Row & The
Adaigo 5650 W 36th St Frank Dunbar 2011 Apartment &
Rowhomes 22 Rental Rowhomes / 100 unit Apt Completed 2013
36 Park (Park Summit)
3601 Park Center Blvd EJ Plesko 2011 Apartment 192 Unit Apt Completed 2012
Eldridge 1st Addition Rob Eldridge 2011 Single-Family 4 new SF lot
(5 SF lots total) Constructed 2012
Fretham 12th Add Curt Fretham 2011 Single-Family 5 new SF lots
(6 SF lots total)Constructed 2013
Gateway Assisted Living
7115 Wayzata Blvd Viren Gori 2012 Assisted Living 22 Complete 2014
Calhoun Apt Homes
Cty Rd 25 & Inglewood Ave Andrew Brenner 2012 Apartment 7 Completed 2014
E2
3920 Excelsior Blvd Bader 2012 Apartment 58 Completed 2013
Kaiser Subdivision Rob Eldridge 2012 Single-Family 2 Completed 2013
Siena Apartment Homes
6800 Cedar Lake Rd Dan Hunt 2013 Apartment & Single-
Family 138 Apt units / 2 SF Apartments Completed
2015 SF completed 2016
Wooddale Flats
3998 Wooddale Ave S Gatehouse Prop Ltd 2013 Condos 33 Completed
Fretham 14th Addition Curt Fretham 2013 Single-Family 1 new lot created (2 SF lots total)Completed 2014
Millenium at West End
1621 West End Blvd DLC Residential 2014 Apartment 158 Completed 2015
Eldridge 5th Addition
7701 Edgebrook Rob Eldridge 2014 Single-Family 1 Completed 2015
5609 Wood Ln Gavin May 2014 Single-Family 1 Completed 2015
4101 31st St Apts
4101 31st St Josh Brandsted 2014 Apartment 13 Completed 2015
4106 Forest Lane ALTUS Architect/Sunny &
Tiffiny Han 2015 Single-Family 1 Completed 2016
4300 Brookside JP Brooks 2015 Single-Family 1 Completed 2017
Central Park West Phase 1 Apartment
Building DLC Residential 2015 Apartment 119 Units in St. Louis Park 6 units @ 60% AMI Completed 2017
The Shoreham mixed-use building Bader Development 2015 Apartment/comm.148 30 units at 50% AMI Completed 2017
4800 Excelsior Weidner 2015 Apartment 164 18 units at 60% AMI Completed 2017
Arlington Row Apartments West Melrose Company 2015 Apartment 34 3 units at 80% AMI Approved
Arlington Row Apartments East Melrose Company 2016 Apartment 27 3 units at 80% AMI Approved
2915 Maryland Ave Alliance Builders 2016 Single-Family 1 Completed 2017
1404 Louisiana Ave Anton Homchik 2016 Single-Family 1 Completed 2017
2010 Flag Ave JR Hultman Homes 2016 Single-Family 1 Completed 2017
Via PLACE 2017 Mixed Use 299 200 units from 30-80%
AMI Approved 2017
2847 Zarthan Ave Alliance Builders 2017 Single-Family 1 Completed 2017
The Elmwood 36th Street LLC 2017 Mixed Use 70 17 @ 60% AMI Approved 2017
2715 Monterey Alliance Builders 2017 Single-Family 1 Under Construction 2018
Parkway 25 Paz Sela 2016 Apartment 112 Completed 2018
Platia Place SLP Park Ventures, LLC 2018 Apartment 149 15 @ 50% AMI Approved 2018
3216 Xenwood MDH Properties 2018 Single-Family 1 Completed 2018
Central Park West Phase 2 Apartment
Building Greystar 2018 Apartment 164 5 @ 50% AMI Approved 2018
Luxe DPRE 2018 Apartment 207 8 @ 60% AMI Approved 2018
Total Units Approved since 2009
Single Family 26 Total:2490 total units 305 affordable units
Condo 165
Townhome Rental 22
Apartments 2140
Senior Apartments 115
Senior Assisted Living 22
Total Units Added since 2007 2490
Table 7: Housing Development Project List
5. FORECLOSURES
Foreclosures are measured by the number of sheriff sales. The number of residential foreclosures in St.
Louis Park and throughout Hennepin County has been declining since 2010.
Chart 9: St. Louis Park Residential Foreclosures by Year
The trend chart below shows foreclosure by housing type over time.
Chart 10: Residential Foreclosures by Housing Type
*Townhome & DB = Townhome and Double Bungalow/Duplex
133
92
191
163
122
59 54
47
31 36
19
0
40
80
120
160
200
240
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number of Sherrif Sales Year
Residential Foreclosures by Year
93
63
106 109
82
45 39
28 21 25 163027
54
40 30
9 14 15
6 9 2102
31
8 10 5
1
4 4
2 10
40
80
120
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018Number Sherrif SalesYear
Residential Foreclosures by Housing Type
Single Family Detached Condos Townhome & DB
6. ST. LOUIS PARK HUD FEDERALLY FUNDED HOUSING PROGRAMS: UPDATE
The St. Louis Park Housing Authority (HA) administers programs that ensure the availability of safe and
desirable affordable housing options in the St. Louis Park community. These programs include the Public
Housing program, Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program, Continuum of Care rental
assistance program, and TRAILS family self-sufficiency program. The HA currently serves approximately
500 eligible, low-income households through their housing programs.
Public Housing – Restricted to households at or below 80% AMI; however, the majority of public
housing residents have incomes below 50% AMI, with a significant number below 30% AMI
The HA owns Hamilton House, a low-rise apartment building (108 one-bedroom units and 2 two-
bedroom caretaker units) built in 1975, and 37 scattered site single-family units (3 to 5 bedrooms)
acquired or constructed between 1974 and 1996. Hamilton House is designated for general occupancy;
however, priority is given to elderly and disabled applicants. The single-family scattered units house
families with children. The HA also holds the HUD Annual Contributions Contract (ACC) and maintains a
waiting list for 12 two-bedroom Public Housing apartment units located at Louisiana Court.
The average annual income for households at Hamilton House is just over $15,000 which is below 30%
AMI. The average income for the scattered site single family homes is $39,600. Family sizes in the
houses range from 3 to 10 people per home. Approximately 54% of the households in the single family
homes have incomes below 30% AMI and 24% have incomes between 31 and 50% AMI. Annual income
does not count some income that is excluded per HUD regulations. Public housing residents pay 30% of
their income towards rent. The 2018 annual budget for Public Housing was $1,202,950.
Table 8: Public Housing Occupancy
Public Housing Total
Units
1-BR 2-BR 3-BR 4-BR 5-BR December
31, 2018
Hamilton House 108 108 100%
Scattered Site Single Family 37 0 0 17 17 3 100%
Louisiana Court,
Metropolitan Housing
Opportunity (MHOP) Units
12
12
100%
Total (bedroom size) 108 12 17 17 3
Total 157 100%
Continuum of Care (Permanent Rental Assistance)
The Continuum of Care Program (CoC) is designed to link rental assistance with supportive services for
hard-to-reach homeless persons with disabilities (primarily those who are seriously mentally ill or have
chronic problems with alcohol, drugs or both) and their families. Grants are provided to be used for
permanent housing which must be matched with supportive services that are equal in value to the
amount of rental assistance and appropriate to the needs of population to be served. The St. Louis Park
Housing Authority was previously the grant recipient partnering with two sponsor organizations that
administer supportive housing programs with 13 of the units in St. Louis Park and 8 in Minneapolis. The
grant rules used to require a government agency to administer the grant; however, that recently
changed so the Housing Authority has transferred the 8 unit grant at Camden Apartments in
Minneapolis to Project for Pride in Living and the remaining 13 units here in St. Louis Park to
Perspectives. The housing assistance is still in place but the change improves efficiency and removes the
administrative burden from the Housing Authority while increasing the administrative dollars that the
non-profits receive resulting in a win-win for all agencies.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) – 50% AMI or below
The HA is allocated 268 Housing Choice Vouchers from HUD. This rent assistance program provides rent
subsidies for low-income individuals and families in privately owned, existing market rate housing units.
The rent subsidy is paid directly to the owner of the rental property by the HA with funds provided by
HUD. The HA administers both tenant-based and project-based vouchers. 41 vouchers of the HA’s
allocation are designated for use in three privately owned developments (Excelsior & Grand, Vail Place,
and Wayside) and are referred to as project-based vouchers. The average income of voucher holder
households in St. Louis Park is $17,200 which is below 30% AMI. HCV participants pay 30% of their
income towards rent and can choose to pay up to 40%. The 2018 annual budget for HCV was
$1,959,928.
The HA was awarded 15 Family Unification Vouchers (FUP) and 9 Mainstream vouchers in 2018.
Table 9: HCV Lease-Up Report
Housing Choice Voucher – Lease Up Report
December 31, 2018
Units
HUD Allocated Vouchers 291
Vouchers Issued (Executed, Pending, Outstanding and
Leased Project Based)
252
Unleased Project-Based (PB) 0
Vouchers Outstanding 3
Executed St. Louis Park Contracts:
Housing Choice Vouchers 220
Excelsior & Grand 18
Vail Place 8
Wayside Supportive Housing 15
Mainstream 1
FUP 0
262
Port-Ins 36
Port-Outs 69
Pending Port-Outs 2
Executed and Pending 267
Total Administered 262
Summary:
% of Vouchers Utilized
% Utilized, Pending, Outstanding & Unleased PB
89%
91%
Stable HOME Rental Assistance Program – 50% AMI
The Stable HOME program provides rent assistance to low-income singles and families who were
homeless or would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. Rent assistance is limited to three years.
During the three years, participants must establish good rental histories and relationships. They must
also work to improve their earnings enough to where they do not need rental assistance. The program is
administered by the HA, but participants are free to choose a rental unit anywhere in Hennepin County
except Minneapolis. Participants are referred to the program by Hennepin County. This program is
funded with federal HOME funds allocated to the county. 42 families throughout suburban Hennepin
County were served by this program 2018.
7. PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Technical, Design, and Conservation Services
Architectural Design Service – no income restrictions
This service provides an architectural consultation for residents to assist with brainstorming remodeling
possibilities and to raise the awareness of design possibilities for expansions. Residents select an
approved architect from a pool developed in conjunction with the MN Chapter of the American Institute
of Architects. All homeowners considering renovations are eligible for this service; however, to ensure
committed participants, residents make a $25 co-pay.
Remodeling/Rehab Advisor – no income restrictions
The intention of this service is to help residents improve their homes (either maintenance or value
added improvements) by providing technical help before and during the construction process. All
homeowners are eligible for this service regardless of income. Resident surveys indicated that
homeowners valued the service and would recommend it to others. The city contracts with the Center
for Energy and Environment (CEE) for this free service to homeowners.
Home Energy Squad Enhanced Visit – no income restrictions
Home Energy Squad Enhanced program is a comprehensive residential energy program designed to help
residents save money and energy and stay comfortable in their homes. The program which began in
March, 2012, is administered by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE). The city pays $50 per
resident visit which is leveraged with funds from Xcel Energy, Center Point Energy and CEE. The cost per
resident is $50 per enhanced visit. Free home energy visits are available to low income households.
The home energy squad consultant evaluates energy saving opportunities and installs the energy-
efficiency materials the homeowner choses including: door weather stripping, water heater blanket,
programmable thermostat, compact fluorescent light bulbs, high efficiency shower heads and faucet
aerators. They will also perform diagnostic tests including a blower door test to measure the home for
air leaks, complete an insulation inspection, safety check the home’s heating system and water heater
and help with next steps such as finding insulation contractors. All single family and duplex homeowners
are eligible. Renters qualify for the installed visit ($30) without diagnostic tests. The Home Energy Squad
Enhanced visits qualified residents for CEE’s low interest financing and utility rebates and they also
notify residents of the city loan and rebate opportunities.
Annual Home Remodeling Fair
The cities and school district community education departments of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka,
and Golden Valley co-sponsor the annual home remodeling fair. The fair provides residents an
opportunity to attend seminars, talk with vendors and city staff about permits, zoning, home
improvement loans, and environmental issues related to remodeling. The fair is a self-sustaining event
and vendor registration fees cover the costs.
Home Remodeling Tour
The annual tour is designed to meet the housing goal to remodel and expand single family owner
occupied homes. The self-guided tour of six homes provides a showcase of a variety of home remodeling
projects to provide ideas, information, and inspiration to other residents considering remodeling.
Construction Management Plan
The city recognizes that many households are looking for larger homes and supports keeping families in
the city. As a result, significant additions and/or tearing down of existing homes and rebuilding larger
homes is becoming more common. Because St. Louis Park is a fully built community, these major
additions and construction of new homes impacts the surrounding neighbors.
Effective November 15, 2014, major additions (second story additions or additions of 500 square feet or
more), demolitions and new construction need to comply with a Construction Management Plan (CMP)
per City Code 6-71. Major additions, tear downs and new construction are required to send a written
neighborhood notification to neighbors within 200 feet of the property. Demolitions and/or new
construction also require a neighborhood meeting and signage.
Financial Programs
In an effort to encourage growing families to stay in St. Louis Park the city has developed and
implemented a number of programs toward this effort.
Discount Loan Program – serves households with incomes at or below $141,000
This program encourages residents to improve their homes by “discounting” the interest rate on the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MN Housing) home improvement loans. Residents must have a
household income of $141,000 or less. Eligible improvements include most home improvement projects
with the exception of luxury items such as pools and spas. The city contracts with CEE for loan
administration. Implementation of discounting of MHFA loans began in late 1999 as a pilot project.
Move – Up Transformation Loan – 120% AMI
The purpose of this loan is to encourage residents with incomes at or below 120% of median area
income ($113,150 for a family of four) to expand their homes. The program provides deferred loans for
25% of the applicant’s home expansion project cost, with a maximum loan of $25,000. The revolving
loan pool will continue to fund future expansions.
This loan requires significant upfront work by the residents, from deciding on the scope of the project to
selecting contractors. Loan guidelines are:
• Only residents making significant expansions are eligible. The minimum project cost must exceed
$35,000.
• The maximum loan amount is $25,000.
• The loan has 0% interest with a carrying cost fee of 3% paid by the borrower which covers the
lender’s administrative fee.
• Loan is forgiven after 30 years if homeowner continues to live in the home.
Green Remodeling Program & Energy Rebates – no income restrictions
The Green Remodeling Program includes the Home Energy Squad Enhanced home visit program, use of
energy rebates, and access to CEE’s Home Energy Loan. The city provides a match of 50% of gas and
electric utility rebates for energy efficient furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners and qualifying air
sealing and insulation. CEE also provided low interest loans to residents making qualifying energy
improvements and St. Louis Park residents can take advantage of this loan. This energy improvement
loan has no income restrictions and there is no cost to the city.
Number of 3 BR apartment units
This number of units is based on a survey conducted by Maxfield Research as part of the 2018 SLP
Comprehensive Housing Analysis. The survey included all market rate multi-family residential rental
properties with 8 or more units.
Unit Type Total Units % of Total
Studio 490 6.3%
1 BR 4,024 51.8%
2 BR 3,132 40.3%
3 BR 119 1.5%
Total 7765 100%
Community Education
Adult Programs
October 22, 2019
Lisa Greene, Angie Martinez Grande
Community Education
Adult Programs
● Senior Program
● Adult Enrichment
● Volunteer Program
● Adult Options in Education - ABE/GED and ESL
● Project SOAR - Adult with Disabilities
www.slpcommunityed.com
St. Louis Park Public Schools Mission Statement:
. . . we will ensure all students attain their highest level of achievement; prepare all
students to contribute to society; offer high quality opportunities for lifelong
learning . . .
St. Louis Park Community Education Mission Statement:
. . .enhance the quality of life through lifelong learning and empowerment of
people.
Education is for everyone!
Education is for Everyone!
St. Louis Park Culture Statement
We believe our public service makes a difference.
Workplace values
● Responsive – We are highly responsive to the needs of the community and to one another.
● Collaborative – We are collaborative with one another as a team and the community as a partner.
● Quality – We are committed to providing programs and services of the highest quality that fulfill the
needs of residents in an innovative, effective and respectful way.
Education is for everyone!
Adult programs create connections between community members, the school
district, the City, local businesses and other partners.
● 78% of SLP households do not have school-aged children
● 81% of voters approved the Nov. 2016 referendum
● 70% of households in SLP make less than $100k annually
www.slpcommunityed.com
Senior Program Offerings
Offerings,
partnerships,
groups,
volunteers,
etc
● Approx.
240
volunteer
s last
year
● Over
6,475
hours in
22
programs
and
special
events
● Over
$159,000
worth of
service
● Arts and Crafts: Painting and art;
Crochet; Embroidery; Beading; Woodworking; Mosaic;
Pottery; Knitting; Spinning; etc.
● Health and Wellness/Fitness: Yoga; Zumba; T’ai Chi; Ayurveda; Enhanced
Fitness; Interval Circuit; Qi Gong; Lawn Bowling; Golf; wellness classes; etc.
● Dance: Argentine Tango; Satin Dolls Tap Dance; Ballroom Dance; etc.
● Computers/Technology: Open Lab; Android Phone & Tablet; Twitter; Uber;
Facebook; LinkedIn; iPhone; iPad; Computer Buddy Club; etc.
Senior Program Offerings
● Lifelong Learning: History Classes; Movies/documentaries;
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; Native American Studies; Self-help;
Civic Engagement; Navigating Retirement/Medicare/Social Security; etc.
● Trips and Tours; Lunch Bunch; Day Trips & Extended Travel
● Games: Bingo; 500; Cribbage; Scrabble; Mah-jongg, etc.
● Monthly: Birthday party; Country Music Jam
Partnerships
● OLLI with the University of MN
● Local Businesses & sponsors:
○ Mexico City Cafe
○ local health and rehab centers
○ Towerlight, Cedars at St. Louis Park, Hopkins Health Services, Sholom, Jewish Community
Center, Jones Harrison, The Glenn, The Villa
● Programming
○ Aquila Commons, Cheers Audiology, Defensive Driving
○ Police Department for Senior Safety Days, Fire Department with hands only CPR, City for
Recycling, Drug/Prescription collection, BBB about Senior Scams
Engagement
Senior Advisory Council
● Made up of Senior Program members
● Works with staff to advise the direction of programming
Lenox Foundation
● Raises funds to promote the mission of the SLP Senior Program
● Donations to Senior Program are now over $13,000 a year
Volunteers
● Approx. 240 volunteers last year
● Over 6,475 hours in 22 programs and special events
● Over $159,000 worth of service
Mind * Body * Spirit * Community
“Upon retirement, my social
circle diminished. Like many
without community interests
and activities, I was soon
abandoned. My decision to
become a member of the St,
Louis Park Senior Program
opened a new world.
Educational opportunities,
dance, exercise, Tai Chi, social
discourse and involvement
brought a fresh and needed
perspective.” Gerald M.
Investing in Lenox Community Center
● Two years ago, Senior Program participation jumped up 17%
○ Enrollment has held steady at this increased level
○ 2018-19 enrollment increased over 6%
○ Increase in exercise such as Yoga, T’ai Chi and Enhance Fitness
○ Increase in trips and tours
○ Increase in history and other liberal arts classes
○ Strong partnership with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U of M
www.slpcommunityed.com
I love Lenox. I have been coming for 18 years; it’s my home. ~Gretchen B.
(84 years old, drives 50 miles round trip to participate almost every day)
Investing in Lenox
Tuition $ 59,883.00
Membership $ 16,710.00
Sponsorships $ 3,000.00
fundraisers $ 10,000.00
Foundations $ 18,750.00
City $ 111,900.00
Ad sales $ 13,000.00
$ 233,243.00
Staff - front office,
37% management
salaries/benefits
$ 149,472.00
printing/postage $ 18,900.00
contracted svcs:
Instructors
fees/tickets
$ 42,100.00
overhead $ 20,000.00
misc.$ 7,105.00
$ 231,877.00
Budgeted Senior Pgm
Revenues 2019-20
Budgeted Senior Pgm
Expenditures 2019-20
Other investments:
Building upgrades:
$1.3 million in last 2 years
Custodial Services:
Two full-time custodians:
Lead custodian (20%)
$124,000/year salary & benefits
Community Assessment & Engagement
● New framework for engagement
● Engaging with underserved community groups
● Formation of a CEAC subcommittee to assess Adult Programs
Looking Ahead
www.slpcommunityed.com
I simply love being here. Everyone made me feel welcome from day
one! The staff is great; they care for everybody! ~Dorothy C.
Community Connections through Lifelong Learning
“I personally have met so many
wonderful people and shared
conversations, coffee and
opportunities with them. I always
had a problem doing activities by
myself. This senior program is
inviting and when I attend an
activity alone, I soon meet others
and enjoy myself.”
Diane E.
www.slpcommunityed.com
Vaping
Outlined below is a summary of the ordinance changes approved by the city council in 2017
relating to the sale of tobacco/vaping products.
• Only persons 21 years and older can be sold tobacco products. No flavored products are
allowed to be sold in SLP. “Flavored product” “means any tobacco product, tobacco-
related device, electronic delivery device, or nicotine or lobelia delivery product that
contains a taste or smell, other than the taste or smell of tobacco, menthol, mint or
wintergreen that is distinguishable by an ordinary customer either prior to or during the
consumption of the tobacco product, electronic delivery device, or nicotine or lobelia
delivery product, including, but not limited to, any taste or smell relating to chocolate,
cocoa, vanilla, honey, or any candy, dessert, alcoholic beverage, fruit, herb, or spice.
• Vaping delivery mechanisms or electronic delivery devices cannot be sold to anyone
under 21. “Electronic delivery device” “means any product containing or delivering
nicotine, lobelia, or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be
used by a person to simulate smoking in the delivery of nicotine or any other substance
through inhalation of vapor from the product.
• City code does not allow the sampling of tobacco products.
From an enforcement perspective, the SLP PD undertakes compliance checks twice a year.
State statute requires one compliance check per year.
Student Enrollment
Overall enrollment in the district has been relatively flat over the past couple of years. Since the
2013-14 school year St. Louis Park Public Schools has had over 4550 students enrolled at the
October 1 enrollment count each year. This year there were 4,638 students enrolled at the
October 1 enrollment count. Our open enrollment numbers remain steady at 16.7% of our overall
enrollment.
Here are some highlights of the 2019 October 1 data:
1.Enrollment is up by 83 (1.8%) students over projections. This tells us that this year's
capture and survival have improved over previous years' patterns.
2.Enrollment is up by 61 students (1.3%) over last year's October 1 number.
3.Kindergarten is currently at 404 students. The largest class in the system. The next
largest class is 380 students at 10th and 11th grades.
4.The K capture rate of Hennepin County births 5 years ago is 2.4%. This is the highest
capture rate in several years. Last year's capture rate was 1.9%
For the past couple of school years, we have seen shifts in enrollment at individual elementary
sites. We recognize that birth patterns, housing patterns, and school choice play a role in our
enrollment numbers. We have started to engage families that live in St. Louis Park and choose
other public school districts in the area. Specifically, we have started a process where we are
reaching out to residents that attend school in Hopkins, Edina, Minneapolis and Minnetonka.
This is strategic priority work for us this school year. We have a results statement that states, we
will implement a marketing plan to increase enrollment of resident students in St. Louis Park
Public Schools with a focus on kindergarten.
Proposed Construction Timeline 2018-2021
St. Louis Park Public Schools, 6311 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Modified: September 12, 2019 12:05 PM
AQ .....................Aquila Elementary
C ....................................Central
DO ..................................District Office
HS ....................................High School
MS .................................Middle School
PH ................Peter Hobart Elementary
PSI@CM .........Park Spanish Immersion
at Cedar Manor
SL ...........Susan Lindgren Elementary
CHART KEY
2018 2019 2020 2021
SUMMER 2018 WINTER 2018-19 SPRING 2019 SUMMER 2019 FALL2019 WINTER 2019-20 SPRING 2020 SUMMER 2020 FALL 2020 WINTER 2020-21 SPRING 2021 SUMMER 2021 FALL 2021
COMPLETED PROJECTS CURRENT PROJECTS UPCOMING PROJECTS
DO
Move District Office to
Leased Space
PSI@CM
PH SL
Install Air
Conditioning at Elementary Schools
AQ Install Air Conditioning
in Aquila Gym
AQ PH
SL
Two pilot classrooms
completed at each school
PSI@CM
Renovations at Cedar
Manor site begin for PSI move
HS
Remodeling of former
District Office for High School
Offices begins
HS
Renovations of High School
locker rooms, weight room/
fitness center, tennis courts begin
AQ
Renovations of Aquila kitchen,
media center, and all classrooms begin and are
completed
PSI@CM Cedar Manor
site renovations completed;Park Spanish
Immersion moves in
MS
Middle School media center renovations and first floor classroom additions begin
HS
Remodeling of former District
Office for High School Offices completed
HS
High School locker rooms and tennis
courts completed
MS
Renovations of Middle School
media center and first floor classroom
additions continue
HS
Renovations of High School weight room/
fitness center continue
MS
Middle School media center
renovations and first floor classrooms
completed
HS
Renovations of High School weight room/ fitness center completed
MS
Construction of second floor
Middle School classrooms begins
MS
Construction of
Middle School front entry and front offices
begins
MS
Construction of Performing Arts
Center and music classrooms at Middle School
begins
MS
Renovations of Middle School kitchen and
cafeteria begins
C
Remodeling of former PSI for Early Learning
Programs begins
PH SL Renovation of two
elementary school kitchens, media
centers, and all classrooms begins
MS
Construction of
Middle School front entry, front offices, second
floor classrooms, Performing Arts Center, music
classrooms, kitchen, and cafeteria
continues
C
Remodeling of former PSI for Early Learning
Programs begins
MS
Construction of second floor
Middle School classrooms completed
MS
Construction of
Middle School front entry, front offices,
second floor classrooms, Performing Arts
Center, music classrooms, kitchen, and
cafeteria continues
C
Remodeling of former PSI for
Early Childhood programs completed
MS
Construction of Middle
School front entry and front offices
completed
MS
Construction of Performing
Arts Center and music classrooms at
Middle School completed
MS
Renovations of Middle
School kitchen and cafeteria completed
HS
Renovations of High School
classrooms begin
HS
Construction of High School Link
& Learning Commons, Dining
Commons, and Central Kitchen
begins
C
Remodeling of
former Central East Side for new District
Office begins
HS
Renovations of High School classrooms
continue
HS
Construction of
High School Link & Learning Commons, Dining Commons,
and Central Kitchen continues
C
Remodeling of former Central East Side for new District Office
continues
HS
Construction of High School Link &
Learning Commons, Dining Commons, and Central Kitchen
completed
C
Remodeling of former Central East Side for new
District Office completed
Learning Designed for Student Success
Joint Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2019
Learning Designed for Student Success
Overview
The following slides contain images of projects that were completed during the
summer of 2019. These slides also contain information regarding the upcoming
Parade of Schools (Saturday, October 26) and a revised construction timeline.
As a team we felt it would be helpful to show images of the renovated spaces
instead of providing a written report about the renovated spaces. We will be
prepared to answer questions about process, budget and timeline during the
meeting.
Learning Designed for Student Success
2019 summer construction projects
Site/Project Scheduled Completion Date
High School
Locker Room
Offices
August 16 (certificate of occupancy August 16)
August 19 (certificate of occupancy August 19)
Middle School
Nurse’s Office, Science Classrooms
and Temp. Media Center
August 23 (certificate of occupancy August 23)
Aquila
Classrooms and Kitchen August 23 (certificate of occupancy August 21)
Park Spanish Immersion
Site Renovations August 19 (certificate of occupancy August 19)
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
New Main Entrance Front Office
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Cafeteria
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Media Center Makerspace
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Next-Century Classrooms
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Next-Century Classrooms
Learning Designed for Student Success
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School
Playground Bus Loop
Learning Designed for Student Success
Aquila Elementary School
Kitchen
Learning Designed for Student Success
Aquila Elementary School
Media Center
Learning Designed for Student Success
Aquila Elementary School
Next-Century Classrooms
Learning Designed for Student Success
St. Louis Park High School
New Main Entry Main Office
Learning Designed for Student Success
St. Louis Park High School
Main Office Conference Room Main Office Visitor Seating
Learning Designed for Student Success
St. Louis Park High School
New Tennis Courts Athletic Training Room
Learning Designed for Student Success
St. Louis Park High School
Coaches Meeting Room Locker Rooms
Learning Designed for Student Success
●Saturday, October 26
●9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
●Public invited to tour renovated
spaces at Aquila Elementary, Park
Spanish Immersion Elementary
and the High School Offices
●Locker Rooms and other Athletic
spaces will be part of a future
Parade of Schools
Learning Designed for Student Success
Construction Timeline
Learning Designed for Student Success
Joint Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2019
Update on Construction of Westwood Hills Nature Center Building
The Westwood Hills Nature Center project is progressing slowly in spite of the rain delays. The
geothermal system under the parking lot has been installed. The first lift of asphalt for the
parking lot has been paved, and the concrete slab for the building has been poured. Currently,
the wall supports and glue-lam beams are being installed. And while progress is being made,
the completion date has been pushed back. At this point we expect the building being turned
over to the city on May 1 with the opening day for public use by June 1. In the meantime, staff
will continue to operate out of the existing building.