Rural communities take steps on housing development
No-charge Technical Assistance is Helping to Advance Housing Options
A one-person city office. No planning department. Few-to-no dedicated housing staff. For many small towns across northeast Minnesota, that’s the reality and it’s why the Northland Foundation’s Housing Technical Assistance Program came to be.
Just over a year since the program launched, rural communities and Tribal nations are already seeing results.
Delivered at no cost to communities, through a partnership with North Shore Development Co. (NSDC), the program provides confidential consulting services to help local leaders move housing ideas forward.
At Work in 16 Communities
Already, 16 communities and Tribal nations have engaged with the program—12 are currently active, two have completed their technical assistance, and two more are beginning the application process. NSDC has now worked with entities in six of the seven eligible counties.
Leading that work on the ground are NSDC’s Jason Hale and Theresa Bajda, whose technical assistance is funded through the Northland Foundation. Hale describes the approach as hands-on. The two are pictured here meeting with the City of Cook Housing Committee this past July.
“We’re encouraged by how many communities have already taken advantage of this opportunity. Housing development is complicated — zoning, funding, tax incentives — and most of these communities simply don’t have dedicated staff to navigate it. This program helps close that gap,” said Michelle Ufford, Vice President of Grantmaking, who is coordinating the program on Northland Foundation’s end.
Turning Plans into Action
NSDC’s support looks different in every location. Work underway includes rezoning for greater housing density, short-term rental licensing policies, grant application review (not writing), and property condition surveys that build the case for rehab programs.
“We’re trying to be as full service as we can… we want to make sure that rural communities are aware of what their options could be.” —Jason Hale, NSDC
In Floodwood, for example, a property condition assessment gave city leaders the evidence they needed to apply for and win rehab funding. Of their experience with this program, they stated that technical assistance has clarified which housing types are likely most feasible, identified zoning barriers, and is helping the city prioritize steps to take to move closer to its goals.
What the Communities are Saying
Clients have utilized wide-ranging services, and a few have already concluded their 12-month contracts. Comments gathered in post-program surveys highlight both the need for and the value of the program.
- “Theresa and Jason have provided much needed focus, feedback and engagement on housing. NSDC has helped provide data-driven focus.”
- “We as the HRA and community need guidance and direction for addressing zoning and blight needs, as well as for multi-family housing opportunities and funding.”
- “We have a one-person office and are interested in pursuing more housing in our community. It’s difficult to do it all by yourself.”
Ongoing Opportunity: the Application is Open
Added Tony Sertich, President of the Northland Foundation: “We’re grateful to the Minnesota Legislature for the funding that made this program possible, and excited for what two more years of this partnership can accomplish.”
Technical assistance is still available and new clients are welcome to apply. Program funding is slated to end in June 2028. Communities in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties as well as Tribal nations within our service area can apply for up to 12 months of consulting support at northshoredevelopmentco.com/assistance.