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<br />City of Gem Lake Comprehensive Plan GEMLK 140643 <br />Page 88 <br />They may also be used for activities related <br />to homebuyer assistance or tenant-based <br />rental assistance. The activities must benefit <br />households with incomes at 80% AMI or <br />below. Funding is granted on an annual <br />basis through a competitive process. The <br />HRA administers the HOME program on <br />behalf of Ramsey County as pass-through <br />funds from the U.S. Department of Housing <br />and Urban Development. The City will <br />promote the program for those who qualify <br />when appropriate. <br />Low Income <br />Housing Tax Credits <br />The HRA is a sub-collector of housing tax <br />credits to raise private equity for affordable <br />housing projects. The City will continue to <br />partner with the HRA to find opportunities <br />within the community. <br />Minnesota City <br />Participation <br />Program <br />The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency’s <br />Minnesota City Participation Program allows <br />for MHFA to sell mortgage bonds on behalf <br />of the City to meet locally identified housing <br />needs. The proceeds are used to provide <br />below market rate mortgages for low- <br />moderate income first time home buyers. <br />The City will continue to participate in this <br />program. <br />Effective Referrals One of the simplest and most cost-effective <br />ways to support housing broadly, and in <br />particular to serve households in need of <br />affordable housing, is by making effective <br />referrals. Being aware of programs and <br />services that are available to existing or <br />future residents requires limited time and <br />budget but it can be difficult to keep that <br />information current. City Staff will strive to <br />remain familiar with the relevant programs <br />and will provide effective referrals. <br />Community Land <br />Trust <br />The Community Land Trust provides secure, <br />affordable access to land and housing for our <br />local workforce. This program helps potential <br />home buyers with low to moderate incomes <br />purchase a home on property that is leased <br />from the land trust through a long-term (99 <br />year), renewable ground lease. The City will <br />continue to encourage qualifying people to <br />utilize this program. <br />Participation in <br />housing-related <br />organizations, <br />partnerships, and <br />initiatives <br />Connecting with others around meeting <br />housing needs in our communities creates <br />opportunities for cities, counties, the <br />Metropolitan Council and other stakeholders <br />to learn from one another. Staff are members <br />of various professional organizations which <br />provide resources and educational <br />opportunities related to housing. <br />Consolidated RFP The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency <br />provides a request for proposal (RFP) once