This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow counties to allocate housing aid payments towards the costs of administering qualifying aid expenditures. Specifically, it adds a new provision that permits counties to use a portion of the aid received for administrative costs related to qualifying projects, with a stipulation that these costs cannot exceed a specified percentage of the aid. Additionally, it clarifies that while costs incurred in transferring aid payments to a local housing trust fund are not eligible for administrative cost coverage, expenses related to the actual expenditure of those funds are considered qualifying projects.

The bill also updates the definitions of qualifying projects to include various forms of housing assistance, such as emergency rental assistance, support for nonprofit affordable housing providers, and financing for the operations of distressed residential properties. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing affordable housing for low-income households and outlines specific requirements for new construction projects, including accessibility standards. The amendments are set to take effect for aids payable in 2027 and thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 477A.35, 477A.36