Emerging and Diverse Developers (EDD) Program
Ramsey County offers one-on-one technical assistance and cohort group learning to emerging and diverse developers interested in affordable housing development, in partnership with NEOO Partners and Baker Tilly. Investing in emerging and diverse developers and providing them with opportunities that promote growth and learning will help shape the future of housing development and create vibrant communities that inspire and empower.
Program participants can expect:
- Mentorship from industry experts.
- Tailored educational training.
- Opportunities to network.
- Access to funding resources.
Program eligibility
The program is available to individuals or entities interested in affordable housing development or who have owned and/or developed no more than 25 housing units or 15,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in Minnesota in the last 10 years as a sole proprietor or under other business entities.
An attestation form must be signed which should list any projects that a participant of the program has owned or been affiliated with.
Program goals
Ramsey County aims to address racial barriers in real estate, providing emerging and diverse developers with a fair and equal opportunity to thrive in the early stages of the development process. To achieve this goal, Ramsey County seeks to:
Create an inclusive space where innovative ideas can flourish.
Cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration, mentorship and the exploration of fresh perspectives and ideas.
Celebrate commitment to making a positive impact on the local housing industry.
Cohort group learning
Applications are open for the 2024 Emerging and Diverse Developer Program Cohort for housing development. Eight sessions are offered to eligible applicants. Topics include:
- Development 101.
- Understanding Site Potential.
- Intro to Proforma Essentials.
- Building Connections.
- Sustainable and Affordable Development.
- Community-centered Development and Funding Sources.
- Proforma Essentials.
- Pathways to Success.
Cohort group classes will be offered in-person and hosted by Ramsey County partners NEOO and Baker Tilly. The deadline to apply for the 2024 cohort is July 25. Classes will begin the first week of September and will be held on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Technical assistance
Technical assistance is being offered this fall to eligible projects that need guidance in determining funding eligibility and help identifying resources to take their project to the next level. One-on-one project support will be provided by Ramsey County partners NEOO and Baker Tilly.
Ramsey County will offer application-specific technical assistance services for the following solicitations:
- 2024 Emerging Developers
- 2024 Critical Corridors
- Environmental Response Fund
- Site Assessment Grants
Please note: Receiving technical assistance does not give preference in any upcoming solicitation, but it can provide the support needed in order to obtain funding through Ramsey County's competitive solicitation processes.
Funding opportunities
Ramsey County is accepting applications for the 2024 Emerging and Diverse Developers Solicitation on Sept. 5 for the acquisition, rehabilitation and construction of affordable housing units. The solicitation will remain open through Oct. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Applications must be submitted via ZoomGrants by the deadline and contain all required components to be eligible for review. Awarded projects will be announced following the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board approval in December 2024.
Please note: Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Before applying, potential applicants are encouraged to receive technical assistance. Technical assistance is not required, but highly recommended to ensure eligibility.
Past Awards
2023
The following projects were approved for funding for Statewide Affordable Housing Aid funding at the County Board meeting on Dec.19, 2023:
|
Recipient |
Project |
Location |
Housing units | 30% AMI |
Investment |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New Verticals Development |
Grotto Street Acquisition |
Saint Paul |
3 (preserved) | 0 |
$320,000 |
|||
|
Midway Property Development LLC |
992 Iglehart Acquisition |
Saint Paul |
2 (preserved) | 0 |
$274,054 |
|||
| GRO LLC | 796 Coliving Little Mod | Saint Paul | 12 | 0 | $127,891 | |||
| Total | 17 | 0 | $721,945 | |||||
The following projects were approved 2023 HRA Levy funding during the HRA board meeting on Dec. 12, 2023:
|
Recipient |
Project |
Location |
Housing units | 30% AMI |
Investment |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reign Development |
Hazelwood Acquisition |
Saint Paul |
48 (preserved) | 1 |
$500,000 |
|||
|
Face to Face Health and Counseling |
F2F @ 1170 Arcade |
Saint Paul |
20 | 20 |
$432,152 |
|||
| Gloryville LLC | GloryVille | Saint Paul | 87 | 0 | $432,152 | |||
| GRO LLC | 796 Coliving Little Mod | Saint Paul | 12 | 0 | $305,696 | |||
| Thoj Group | Woodbridge Street Duplex | Saint Paul | 2 (preserved) | 0 | $20,000 | |||
| Outlaw Development LLC | 1698 Lafond Duplex | Saint Paul | 2 (ownership) | 0 | $20,000 | |||
| Outlaw Development LLC | 750 Chatsworth Lofts | Saint Paul | 3 | 0 | $20,000 | |||
| Hourglass Homes LLC | Youngman Flats | Saint Paul | 3 | 1 | $20,000 | |||
| Reallocated funds from 2022 Housing Development Solicitation | ||||||||
| Buhl Investors | Amber Flats | Falcon Heights |
100 |
3 | $500,000 | |||
| Total | 275 | 25 | $2,250,000 | |||||