Housing and Redevelopment Authority Meeting Date: February 17, 2026
To: Members of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
From: Melissa Hanson, Housing Coordinator
Title
Budget Amendment for Emergency Rental Assistance Partnership to Support Housing Stability.
Body
Action Requested:
Authorize a budget amendment for the allocation of an additional $50,000 to the Community Action Center to provide emergency rental assistance services on behalf of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, consistent with adopted Comprehensive Plan and City Strategic Plan goals related to housing stability and displacement prevention.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority’s mission is to be a partner in providing a sufficient supply of affordable, adequate, safe and sanitary dwellings in Northfield. Our goal is to create a community with housing opportunities available throughout the entire housing spectrum: from renters to homeownership, first-time homeowners, to senior living, workforce housing and empty nesters. We strive to create affordable housing opportunities and strengthen our neighborhoods utilizing:
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Partnerships
• Community Input
The impact of recent federal activity has caused many families to stay home. This has impacted attendance at schools and for employees in their place of work. The loss of income from this disruption has created housing instability for some Northfield households. Providing short-term rental assistance is consistent with the HRA’s role in promoting housing stability and responding to emerging community needs.
Staff recommends partnering with the Community Action Center (CAC) to provide additional emergency rental assistance. CAC has the experience, staffing, and systems needed to administer this assistance quickly and responsibly.
Staff recommends a budget amendment allocating $50,000 to CAC to deliver this service on behalf of the HRA. This approach allows the HRA to respond promptly to current needs while using an established provider to reach affected households efficiently.
Of note, the HRA has already budgeted for and allocated $50,000 for general rental assistance to the CAC. This new allocation is in addition to this amount and is in response to the impact of federal actions. The total amount of rental assistance provided by the HRA in 2026 will be $100,000.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
This action directly supports priorities identified in the City’s Comprehensive and Strategic Plans, which emphasize preventing displacement, stabilizing existing households, and using partnerships to deliver housing services efficiently.
Alternative Options:
The HRA Board may choose not to authorize additional rental assistance funds, or to approve funding at a lower or higher amount.
Financial Impacts:
These funds will be drawn from HRA reserves. Estimated HRA reserve fund balance is currently $1,455,329 (unrestricted = $698,119; restricted = $757,210).
Tentative Timelines:
CAC will report on the use of funds as part of their regular and required annual reporting.