26 local emerging and diverse developers were recognized by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
26 local emerging and diverse developers were recognized by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12 for completing the county's Emerging and Diverse Developer (EDD) Program. They received official Certificates of Completion signed by the County Board Chair in recognition of their achievement.
Dana and Alex both graduates of the program, shared a part of their journey.
“When we submitted our solicitation on Ramsey County, I definitely felt this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” said Dana. “And I wouldn’t have known that without the EDD program."
“Without community programs, I probably wouldn’t be here today,” said Alex. “I’m a coach and a few of the kids I coach still deal with unstable homes and housing, so this program definitely helped me and Dana continue to provide housing to those individuals.”
Ramsey County's EDD program is designed to promote the active involvement of emerging and diverse developers in the affordable housing development community and address racial disparities within the real estate industry. The program aims to provide emerging developers with equitable opportunities to thrive in the early stages of the development process.
“To have a safe place to live, that you can afford, everything else comes from that,” said Ramsey County Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt. “We thank all of you for what you are doing.”
Throughout the cohort, EDD participants engaged in peer and cohort learning sessions and have received one-on-one coaching from technical assistance providers including: NEOO Partners and Baker Tilly - Minnesota. This level of support is intended to assist developers that own between zero and five housing properties in navigating the complexities of housing development and equip them with the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully seek and secure public funding for affordable housing projects.
The EDD program aligns with the county's strategic priorities and Economic Competitiveness & Inclusion Plan, which seeks to foster economic prosperity, invest in neighborhoods with high financial poverty concentrations and enhance access to opportunity and mobility for all residents and businesses.