Bill > SF2745

This bill establishes a comprehensive regional housing navigator program designed to support families receiving rental vouchers across Minnesota. The program will create a statewide network of at least five regional housing navigators in different parts of the state, whose primary responsibilities include helping families locate suitable housing, communicate with housing providers, connect with additional resources, arrange inspections, and coordinate move-in procedures. The navigators will also serve as a resource for affordable housing providers and will convene local and statewide meetings to discuss housing challenges and potential improvements. Additionally, the bill creates a Housing Choice Voucher Account within the housing development fund, which can provide financial incentives to rental housing providers, such as signing bonuses, lease initiation cost coverage, unit holding compensation, and repair reimbursements. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency is required to work with these navigators to identify and report on potential improvements to rental voucher programs, including policies on voucher portability, administrative streamlining, inspection consistency, and program enhancements. The bill includes appropriations for funding the program in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, with transfers from the general fund to support the housing navigator program and the housing choice voucher account.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2745&ssn=0&y=2025