City Council Meeting Date: September 23, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Consider Resolution Transitioning Membership of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to the City Council.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a Resolution transitioning membership of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to the City Council.
Summary Report:
The City of Northfield established a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to ensure safe and adequate housing, address housing shortages-particularly for low- and moderate-income residents-and redevelop blighted areas in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Attachment 2).
In the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan (Attachment 3), housing affordability and availability were identified as top concerns by both residents and the Council. In response, the City Council will assume the responsibilities and membership of the HRA to better align its efforts with citywide priorities. Effective January 1, 2026, the City Council will officially serve as the members of the HRA.
While the HRA will remain a separate legal entity, its meetings will be scheduled to coincide with City Council meetings or work sessions. Staff anticipates that HRA meetings will be held on an as-needed basis, rather than on a fixed schedule.
Currently, two members of the Council serve on the HRA. The remaining HRA members will be asked to submit letters of resignation so that the full Council may be appointed to the HRA before the end of 2025.
Financial Impacts:
Staff does not anticipate any significant financial impacts to the Council taking over the HRA, either through savings or extra costs. However, some items currently go through both the HRA and Council, so eliminating the extra step will allow staff to better utilize their time.
Tentative Timelines:
The transition will take effect on January 1, 2026.