09-11-1995 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Metropi m C * 1M » , iwa ^^onvmu^nclc^ Indivklual communities, woridng in partnership with the Metropolitan Council. An investment in the health and vitality of the region. The Legislature established a fund for communities to invest in local economic revitalization and affordable housing initiatives. The fund has three separate accounts dedicated to cleaning up polluted land; revitalizing communities and promoting efficient development; and providing housing that ’s affordable to people living on low and moderate incomes. The new law is cited as unique in the nation. Its benefits are clean ■ cities and towns are eligible for dollars to improve communities, and, ■ local units of government are in the driver ’s seat to guide local planning and decision-making. Communities choose whether to participate and help determine how to use the resources available. To be eligible for funding, communities, by Nov. 15, must declare their intent to participate in the housing program. Communities in the Twin Cities metro area. The -Uvable Communities Acf is an investment in the region. It will contribute to the economic well-being of the central cities and surrounding suburbs. It will expand affordable and life-cycle housing opportunities where job growth is highest. And. it will encourage communities to be creative about development and redevelopment efforts and promote growth that is more co.Tipact and transit-oriented. The emphasis is on cooperation and incentives to achieve regional goals. Local units of government are best suited to make decisions about how their cities and towns will grow and develop. However, the law recognizes it will take partnerships and shared responsibility in the j'egion to continue our economic successes. Communities are encouraged to include housing diversity and choice among their primary objectives. Priority for infrastmcture investments is given to communities that choose to participate and further their commitment to providing housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income families, families just starting out. single people and elderly residents. These basic principles championed in the Livable Communities Act are also supported by the Council ’s Regional Bluepnnt ^cyy-aav-te You might ask, “How will housing that ’s more affordable improve my community?" Affordable and life-cyde housing is an economic investment we make in communities and their residents. It is a commitment to young families, single people and older residents that they can afford a home