Metro Cities News 05/28/21

 

In This Issue:

 

ARPA Funding Update: Non-Entitlement Units of Government

On May 24th, the US Treasury Dept. released further information for ARPA allocations for non-entitlement units of local government (cities under 50,000).

Non-entitlement municipalities will receive funding through the state on a per-capita basis. The Treasury website includes eligible jurisdictions and census data from 2019 but does not include specific allocations. The state Office of MN Management and Budget (MMB) will verify census data to ensure all Minnesota localities are included.

To determine a rough estimate, multiply the 2019 census population estimate from the Treasury spreadsheet by $105. This amount does not account for the 75% budget limitation in the ARP law, but will be able to give an approximation of funding.

Cities are encouraged to review the Treasury pre-submission checklist, which includes basic information for non-entitlement municipalities prior to funding requests.

 

Housing Work Group Discusses Eviction Moratorium, Rental Assistance

Members of the House and Senate Housing Committees convened a work group Wednesday to discuss the state’s RentHelpMN rental assistance program and eviction moratorium.

Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho addressed the state’s new rental assistance program funded through two federal COVID-19 relief packages passed in December 2020 and March 2021. The state opened RentHelpMN in April to assist applicants with registration. Each application is reviewed in concert with tenants and those who will be paid, including utilities and landlords.

The House and Senate have separate proposals for ending the state’s eviction moratorium, on which Metro Cities has previously reported. Both tie an “eviction offramp” to accessing rental assistance but proposals differ in timing. The Senate’s version would take effect once a bill is signed into law whereas the House proposal sets a longer term for the offramp.

Cities may refer residents who are behind on housing costs to the United Way at 211 and https://www.renthelpmn.org. The help is available for past due rent as well as upcoming rent, for a total of 15 months.

 

Metropolitan Council Population and Household Estimates Update

At this time of year, the Metropolitan Council historically releases its population and household estimates for use in various state aid programs. Normally, this year’s estimates (for 2020) would be taken directly from the 2020 Census, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the U.S. Census Bureau to delay the release of its 2020 counts. While there is not yet a firm date for releasing local census data, the Metropolitan Council is preparing to post the new numbers on its website as soon as they are released, and it is working with the Departments of Revenue and Transportation to ensure that any impacts to local funding will be minimal. Please contact [email protected] with any questions about this process or population trends in your community.

 

Metropolitan Council Discusses Pedestrian Safety Action Plan

The Metropolitan Council Transportation Committee heard a presentation this week on a Regional Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The goal of the plan is, “to reduce and ultimately eliminate pedestrian deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes in the region.” Currently, the Twin Cities region has over half of the pedestrian deaths in the state despite averaging around 30% of total traffic fatalities. The presentation explained a “Safe System” framework being used by the Metropolitan Council to spot potential risks and plan for roadway improvements. The next step is to work with the TAC and TAB as well as other stakeholders to refine Regional Solicitation criteria. Policy and programmatic recommendations are expected in Fall of 2021 and a final report in early 2022. Click HERE to view the entire presentation and HERE for a copy of the slide deck that includes additional statistics on the region with respect to pedestrian safety.

 

2021 Metro Cities Policy Committees

Metro Cities is preparing for 2021 policy committees and your participation is encouraged! Meetings will be conducted remotely and will be held in July, August, and September. Committees will recommend legislative policies for 2022 and are open for participation by member city elected officials and staff. Committees and dates are on our website. Additional information, including remote meeting access, will be posted as it becomes available. Please be sure to sign up for the committee(s) you wish to attend. This will help us keep our rosters current and accurate. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

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