Sponsor: Community & Economic Development
Title
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Approval of the 2026-27 Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority Budget and the 2026 Property Tax Levy.
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Recommendation
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1. Approve and adopt the 2026 budget of $14,016,819 and the 2027 budget of $14,227,071.
2. Approve and adopt the 2026 Total HRA tax levy of $14,266,482, a 5.02% increase over the 2025 HRA tax levy.
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Background and Rationale
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The proposed 2026 Ramsey County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) budget is $14,016,819. The HRA Board certified a proposed maximum levy of $14,266,482 for 2026 on September 23, 2025, which represents an increase of 5.02% from 2025 and is the maximum allowed under state law.
2026
HRA Total
Budget $14,016,819
Revenues -
Fund Balance + __________
Subtotal $14,016,819
Estimated Tax
Delinquency + $ 249,663
Total Tax Levy $14,266,482
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The 2026 HRA proposed budget and tax levy allows the HRA to implement eligible strategies from Ramsey County’s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan (ECI Plan) by investing in projects and programs that specifically aim to reduce racial disparities in housing and investments in the built environment. These strategies include increasing the supply of deeply affordable rental units and pathways to homeownership.
Ramsey County has significant and persistent racial disparities between residents of color and white residents in accessing housing and homeownership. These disparities include a disproportionate number of African American and American Indian experiencing homelessness compared to white residents. Generally, residents of color are more likely to rent than own their own home and be cost-burdened by hosting costs compared to white residents. To undo these historical and lasting inequities, inclusive investment is needed in communities that have experienced historic wealth extraction.
Community Participation Level and Impact
In preparation for the proposed HRA budget and levy, Ramsey County elected officials and staff engaged cities across the county through presentations and conversations with elected bodies about the opportunities, programming and impact of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority budget. Furthermore, Community and Economic Development staff hosted quarterly Economic Development Summits to increase awareness and gather feedback on programming funded through the HRA budget and outlined in the ECI Plan. The strategies and goals described in the ECI Plan directly respond to the findings of a robust engagement with residents, businesses, non-profits, developers, and city partners.
The purpose of this board action is to inform. This is one action in the larger county process of proposing and approving its budget. The process has involved informing and consulting through community budget conversation, board presentation, and public hearings held in 2025 and will continue through 2026.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority approval and adoption is required for the 2026 HRA proposed budget and the 2027 HRA proposed tax levy.
Last Previous Action
On September 23, 2025, the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved setting the 2026 proposed maximum tax levy of $14,266,482 (Resolution H2025-013).
On September 18, 2025, the Economic Growth and Community Investment Service Team presented the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority 2026-27 budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
On September 2, 2025, the County Manager presented the 2026-27 proposed biennial budget to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Attachments
1. None