Housing and Redevelopment Authority Services
Questions on Housing Programs? Contact the HRA Division by email or at (763) 572-3591.
Origin of Fridley HRA
In 1947, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota Housing and Redevelopment Authority Act, which authorized cities to create Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRAs) charged with improving "substandard conditions" characterized by "dilapidation, obsolescence, overcrowding and faulty arrangement or design of buildings and improvements."
Fridley's HRA was established in 1965 and today plays an active role in developing and redeveloping the city. HRA projects are designed to enlarge the tax base, create jobs, and create vital, attractive businesses in blighted or underdeveloped areas of the City.
Development and Housing Initiatives
The HRA is empowered to carry out housing rehabilitation programs and redevelopment projects that create new housing opportunities. The HRA also makes use of State and Federal programs to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to those that qualify. State programs include the First Time Home Buyer Program, the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund, and the Home Energy Fund. The Federal programs include the Community Development Block Grant Program and the HOME program.
All of the single- and multiple- family loan programs are administered under contract by the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE),a non-profit agency based in Minneapolis.
Who manages the HRA?
According to State law, the Mayor with the consent of the City Council, appoints the members of the HRA for staggered five-year terms. The HRA is composed of five residents who volunteer their time. The members attend a regular monthly meeting on the first Thursday of the month as well as other meetings as needed.
- Chairperson: Elizabeth Showalter
- Vice Chairperson: Kyle Mulrooney
- Member: Gordon Backlund
- Member: Troy Brueggemeier
- Member: Rachel Schwankl
The following city staff members prepare the documentation and reports for HRA consideration:
- Executive Director, HRA: Wally Wysopal, City Manager
- Assistant Executive Director, HRA: Paul Bolin, AICP
- Community Development Director: Scott Hickok, AICP
- Finance Director: Joe Starks
Foreclosure Awareness
Did you know? Foreclosures affect us all. As home mortgage foreclosures continue throughout the nation, the City of Fridley is also experiencing foreclosures in its neighborhoods. Not only do the property owners suffer from foreclosure, but renters, neighbors and the community are also harmed. The impact of foreclosure often begins before the actual foreclosure process begins. Property owners having financial difficulties may not be able to maintain the property in accordance with city codes. Foreclosed properties may be vacant for several months, becoming targets for vandalism and health and safety hazards.
What Is Foreclosure? Foreclosure is a process where a lender (usually a mortgage company) takes possession of a property to recover the amount owed on a loan by the borrower (property owner). The foreclosure process generally takes months and may end as follows:
- The borrower may pay the defaulted loan amount or negotiate with the lender to reinstate the loan during the grace period, or pre-foreclosure period, prior to the Sheriff's sale.
- The borrower may sell the property to a third party during the pre-foreclosure period, pay off the loan and avoid having a foreclosure on the credit history. A third party may buy the property at a public auction.
- The lender may buy and take ownership of the property, often to re-sell it. The lender may retrieve the property from the borrower during pre-foreclosure or buy back the property at the public auction. Mortgage companies may have a real estate or property preservation company manage the property until the property is re-sold.
You Can Help Prevent Foreclosures
Get assistance or help right away if you are having financial difficulties. Delaying decisions or response to money troubles will leave you with fewer choices. Contact your mortgage company to discuss loan and/or payment options.