Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting Date: July 7, 2026
To: Members of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
From: Melissa Hanson, Housing Coordinator
Title
Consider HRA Resolution Approving Consultant Service Contract with Three Rivers Community Action to continue Mobile (Manufactured) Home Rehabilitation Services and Authorizing a 2026 Budget Amendment.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends the HRA pass a motion approving Resolution Consultant Service Contract with Three Rivers Community Action to continue Mobile (Manufactured) Home Rehabilitation Services and Authorizing a 2026 Budget Amendment.
Summary Report:
The Mobile (Manufactured) Home Rehabilitation Program provides critical repair, health and safety, weatherization, and accessibility improvements to residents of Northfield’s two manufactured home communities.
In the summer of 2024, the City of Northfield Building Department conducted exterior assessments of the homes in the Viking Terrace and Riverside communities. The last time the Building Department conducted exterior assessments was summer 2013. Based on those assessments, the HRA allocated a one-time infusion of $50,000 to assist homeowners with necessary repairs, prioritizing households that had received an Order to Correct from the City.
To quickly launch the program, the HRA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HCI in October 2024. In February 2025, the HRA was notified that HCI had undergone organizational restructuring and that the Mobile (Manufactured) Home Repair program, along with the Mobile Home Coordinator position, had transitioned to Three Rivers Community Action (TRCA). The HRA subsequently entered into an MOU with TRCA in March 2025 to ensure continuity of services.
Since that time, the program has operated under TRCA’s administration. TRCA has leveraged its technical expertise, contractor network, and complementary energy assistance and weatherization programs to efficiently deliver repair services to eligible households. Demand for assistance remains strong, and available program funds are nearing depletion thus calling for this new funding to ensure continuity of this important program.
The proposed contract formalizes the partnership between the HRA and TRCA and provides funding to continue these services through December 31, 2027. Funding will support program administration, including staffing costs for a Program Coordinator, Field Technician, and Administrative Support, as well as direct rehabilitation expenses such as contractor labor, repair materials, and related project costs.
Continued investment in mobile (manufactured) home rehabilitation helps preserve one of Northfield’s most affordable housing options, improves housing quality and safety, and supports the long-term stability of residents and neighborhoods.
The attached resolution authorizes the approval of the Consultant Service Contract with TRCA and approves a budget amendment to authorize $25,000 from HRA Fund 295 for 2026 and also directs staff to include the remaining funds in the budget for 2027.
Under the agreement, TRCA will:
1. Core Rehabilitation Services
• Conduct in-person assessments to identify repair and safety needs.
• Coordinate repairs using licensed contractors, TRCA staff, and volunteers.
• Obtain required permits.
• Maintain a roster of qualified contractors and volunteers.
• Track and report assessment, repair, and outcome data.
2. Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Referrals
• Connect eligible residents to the Energy Squad, Home Energy Squad Plus, Xcel Energy programs, and TRCA’s Weatherization and Energy Assistance Program.
• Document and report all referrals quarterly.
3. Collaboration and Advisory Support
• Collaborate with HRA and City staff.
• Provide advisory input on issues affecting manufactured home communities.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
The TRCA partnership directly advances the following Strategic Plan priorities:
Strategic Priority 2: Increase Housing Availability
• Supports preservation of Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) in manufactured home communities.
• Advances the initiative to implement housing stabilization programs, reducing displacement and maintaining affordability.
• Reinforces the City’s goal to maintain and improve housing quality across all neighborhoods.
Strategic Priority 4: Enhance Service Delivery
• Strengthens the City’s role as a responsive, resident-focused service provider by delivering targeted support to households with the greatest need.
• Improves data collection, reporting, and service coordination across departments.
Strategic Priority 2: Achieve Infrastructure Sustainability
• Promotes energy efficiency, weatherization, and safety upgrades aligned with the City’s climate and resilience goals.
• Helps reduce long-term utility and maintenance costs for vulnerable households.
The partnership advances several Comprehensive Plan goals:
Housing & Neighborhood Stability
• Supports safe, healthy, and stable housing, a core housing objective in the Plan.
• Reinforces reinvestment in Northfield’s existing neighborhoods, consistent with STEP “Strengthen” areas where manufactured home communities are located.
Equity & Access
• Addresses needs in two of the City’s most income-restricted communities.
• Improves access to City services, energy assistance, and housing resources for populations often underrepresented in traditional programs.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
• Aligns with Climate Action Plan priorities of:
o Weatherization
o Energy efficiency
o Reduction of energy burdens on low-income households
Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing
• Manufactured homes represent some of the most affordable unsubsidized housing in Northfield.
• Rehabilitation prevents loss of units, displacement of households, and deterioration of community conditions.
Historically, the HRA administered a Manufactured Home Rehabilitation Program utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The allocated funds through CDBG for the program has been depleted and is no longer available for this purpose. In addition, federal program requirements increased the administrative complexity of delivering timely repairs, often delaying assistance to residents.
The continued partnership with TRCA provides a more flexible and efficient approach to addressing repair needs in Northfield’s manufactured home communities while leveraging TRCA’s expertise, contractor network, and existing housing programs.
Alternative Options:
The HRA could choose not to continue manufactured home rehabilitation services or provide funding at a different level.
Financial Impacts:
Funding for this contract will come from HRA’s reserve fund balance. The HRA reserve fund balance is approximately $1,446,965. The agreement is structured for 18 months. The HRA would provide the first half of funds July 2026 and the second half of funds March 2027 after the HRA has received the annual report from TRCA for 2026.
Tentative Timelines:
July 7, 2026 - HRA approves TRCA contract
July 2026 - First $25,000 of funds to TRCA
July 2026 - 2027 Budget process begins
March 2027 - TRCA to provide 2026 annual report prior to release of remaining funds
March 2027 - Second $25,000 of funds to TRCA
June 2027 - 2028 Budget process begins