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r <br />The Metropolitan Council should evaluate the availability of affordable housing on a sub* <br />regional or cluster basis looking at both the cluster and regional needs. The Metropolitan <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) should play a more significant role in <br />facilitating the availability of affordable housing in areas that currently have a shonage. as <br />well as in the removal of sub-standard housing units in areas of concentrations of poverty. <br />Many communities perceived as having higher value homes also have a substantial <br />inventory of older less expensive homes. The Metropolitan HRA should evaluate a <br />mechanism where it can purchase less expensive homes and make them available to <br />qualified low income fan^s. <br />The Metropolitan Council should work with local governments and housing interest <br />groups to foster the efficient development of housing that reflects the unique geographic, <br />political arxi societal conditions of suburban communities. <br />Develop a variety of models of non-concentrated, low income housing, with an emphasis <br />on suburban locations which include the delivery of social services and access to jobs and <br />transportation. Develop such models through partnerships of regional housing agencies, <br />city officials, advocates for low income residents, foundations and local housing ofHcials. <br />The Metropolitan Council should clearly define its role to include regional planning, issue <br />identification, data collection and dissemination, technical assistance and coordination and <br />facilitation of sub-regional government clusters. These clusters would cooperatively set <br />goals and participate in joint planning and problem solving activities in areas of shared <br />concern. <br />Sub-regions (along with the Metropolitan Council) should develop sub-regional affordable <br />housing strategies to provide practical, affordable housing opportunities on a sub-regional basis. <br />The Metropolitan Council should work with local governments and county housing and <br />redevelopment authorities to facilitate the leveraging of private and public resources at all <br />levels to implement local strategies and housing plans. <br />Government entities which utilize public ^inds for various economic development tools <br />such as tax increment financing and indusuial revenue bonds, should plan and implement <br />strategies to create employment opportunities. The Metropolitan Council should assist in <br />providing affordable housing for those to be c nployed. <br />Urban Strategies Task Force Report