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AGENDA ITEM - 3C -AXZEEN HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: March 9, 2026 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator FROM: Jake Reilly, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Met Council's Livable Communities Act Fund for Housing Planning and Policy Development Grant Discussion Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: N/A N/A Metropolitan Council Council Should Consider • Council should consider the information provided on opportunities to apply for up to $200,000 in grant funds through the Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Grant Program and provide direction to staff on next steps. Background/Discussion In September 2025, the City Council directed staff to work on several policy and planning initiatives related to housing choice, affordability, and supply in the City Arden Hills. In October, staff started presenting information to address those requests, starting first with conversations about enforceable affordable housing policies. That conversation resulted in a draft affordable housing ordinance that will be considered by the Planning Commission in April. Other Council requests include considering a discussion about Accessory Dwelling Units (Agenda Item 3E), evaluating vacant and/or underutilized land within the City (not including Rice Creek Commons), and identifying other opportunities that would ensure the Housing vision in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to, "Develop and maintain a strong, vital, diverse and stable housing supply for all members of the community " can be achieved. The Housing Chapter identifies the following policies: Promote the development of a variety of housing options by preserving and increasing high - quality housing opportunities that are suitable for a mix of ages, incomes and household types. Encourage the incorporation of affordable and life -cycle housing into new development and redevelopment where feasible. Page 1 of 3