Commissioners unanimously elected Jennifer Mueller as chair, Commissioner Wooten as vice chair, and Commissioner Dolinger as secretary, each by 6-0 roll call vote. New officers preside starting at the next meeting on February 24, 2026.
Staff proposed moving HRA meetings from a twice-monthly to a once-monthly (second Tuesday) cadence for 2026, citing a lighter workload thanks to the new consent-agenda process; August's meeting shifts to the fourth Tuesday due to elections. Commissioner Eay raised concerns about losing flexibility to address issues quickly, but staff noted bylaws allow emergency/special meetings if needed. The 2026 calendar passed 6-0.
The board approved its 2026 work plan (6-0) after a staff presentation recapping 2025 accomplishments, including strong progress toward the city's 2030 affordable-housing unit goal under the opportunity housing ordinance, the Heights housing improvement area construction start, and a $3.2 million Minnesota Housing grant supporting the Bloomington Affordable Home Ownership program. Staff also noted three households purchased homes this year through the rental-homes-for-future-homebuyers program and a still-open waitlist of roughly 5,000 households.
Following a $350,000 allocation of local affordable housing aid (LAA) approved by city council on January 26 for emergency rental assistance, staff recommended (and the board approved 6-0) directing up to $215,000 to five nonprofits — Oasis for Youth, Bloomington Community Resource, VEP (Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, $125,000), and two smaller church-affiliated groups — based on a shortened letter-of-interest process. Commissioners voiced concern the funding only delays evictions rather than solving underlying instability, with Commissioner Wooten questioning why there isn't an eviction moratorium and Commissioner Hooim raising the need for future mortgage-assistance options; staff will now negotiate formal contracts.
Staff announced the Roslin, a 128-unit, 100%-affordable senior housing development, received 194 applications for just 8 available spots during its month-long waitlist opening; a grand opening is set for March 24. Staff also reported Minnesota Housing awarded AEON $16.7 million (of a requested ~$18-20 million) in community stabilization funds toward a larger rehab/refinance project.
