City Council

HOPKINS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA Tuesday, February 8, 2022 6:30 pm Hopkins City Hall – Council Chambers 6:30 p.m. Planning and Zoning Activities Update; Lindahl 8:00 p.m. 2022 Legislative Priorities; Mornson Other Adjournment DUE TO THE COVID-19 HEALTH PANDEMIC, THE CITY COUNCIL’S REGULAR MEETING PLACE IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO DESIRE TO VIEW THE MEETING REMOTELY OR GIVE INPUT OR TESTIMONY DURING THE MEETING CAN FIND INSTRUCTIONS AT www.hopkinsmn.com/virtualmeetings OR BY CALLING CITY HALL AT 952-548-6302 (DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS 8 AM TO 4:30 PM.) To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Jason Lindahl, City Planner Date: February 8, 2022 Subject: Planning & Zoning Activities Update Proposed Action During the work session, staff will present the Planning & Zoning Commission Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan and update the City Council on the Zoning Regulations Update Project. Overview Planning & Zoning Commission Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan. Planning & Zoning Commissioner Chair Sam Stiele and City Planner Jason Lindahl will present to the City Council the Planning & Zoning Commission Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan. The work plan is intended to allow the City Council to better communicate with and monitor the activities of the Planning & Zoning Commission. In 2022 the work plan includes completion of the zoning regulations update, training opportunities and the process to work with the City Council to develop the 2023 work plan. Following the presentation, Chair Stiele and City Planner Lindahl will take questions and comments from the City Council. Zoning Regulations Update Project. The Zoning Regulation Update Working Group is nearing the end of its work to update Hopkins’ zoning regulation. This work includes a comprehensive review and update of zoning code and an equity audit of the draft regulations. During the work session, staff will provide an update on the zoning update process, summarize the recommendations from the equity subcommittee (see attached) and take questions and comments from the City Council. Based on feedback from the City Council, staff will work to prepare a final draft of the zoning regulation for community review and comment. Attachments • Planning & Zoning Commission Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan • Zoning Equity Subcommittee Recommendations Planning & Zoning Commission 2022 Annual Work Plan Proposal - DRAFT Complete each section with a white background & designate it initiative is new or a continuation from the previous year Initiative ☐ New Initiative Target Budget Staff Support Required Council ☒ Continued Initiative Completion Date Required Approval ☐ On-Going Initiative Zoning Ordinance Update July/August 2023 $97,750 Staff and the consultant allocated in team will provide a staff 2020 report Progress Report: The Zoning Update Working Group has reviewed 2 of 3 modules. This group is scheduled to review the 3rd and final module in February. A Working Draft of the new zoning code is anticipated for March/April with community open house in April. The full review schedule for the Planning & Zoning Commission is detailed in the attached calendar. Initiative ☒ New Initiative Target Budget Staff Support Required Council ☐ Continued Initiative Completion Date Required Approval ☐ On-Going Initiative Planning & Zoning Commission Training On-going $349 paid in None 2021 Progress Report: For the last several years, City staff and the City Attorney have provided basic legal training to the Planning & Zoning Commissioners in late summer or early fall as the schedule allows. Staff has identified a number of training videos to supplement the annual legal training and will discuss with Commissioners how best to work this additional training into their schedule. Ongoing Responsibilities Review and conduct public hearings for development applications and make recommendations to the City Council Complete Zoning Code update process Planning & Zoning Commission 2022 Annual Work Plan Proposal - DRAFT Other Work Plan Ideas Considered for Current Year or Future Years Community education and implementation of new zoning code Proposed Month for Work Session: October 2022 Staff Comments: Staff will present the draft 2022 Annual Work Plan to the Commission during their regular January meeting. Based on feedback from the Commission, staff will update the draft work plan and present it to the City Council at their February 8th work session for further discussion and comment. Council Comments: PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION ANNUAL CALENDAR - DRAFT January • Review Advisory Board Handbook • Review and Discuss Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training February • Zoning Update Working Group Module 3 Meeting (February 2) • Chair and City Planner to Present Draft 2022 Annual Work Plan at City Council Work Session (February 8th) • Annual Meeting & Election of Chair and Vice Chair for 2022-2023 (February 22) • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training March • Zoning Working Group Wrap-Up Meeting • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training April • Zoning Update Community Open House • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training May • Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance Update • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training June • Public Hearing for Zoning Ordinance Update (If Necessary) • New Commissioners for 2022-2023 Invited to Observe Meeting • Begin Discussion of 2023 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training July • New Commissioners for 2022-2023 Sworn In and Begin Term • Zoning Ordinance Update to City Council for Action – Planning & Zoning Commissioners Encouraged to Attend City Council Meeting • Continue Discussion of 2023 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training August • Continue Discussion of 2023 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training September • Final Draft of 2023 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training October • Chair and City Planner to Present 2023 Draft Annual Work Plan at City Council Work Session • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training November • City Council Takes Action of 2023 Annual Work Plan • Planning & Zoning Commissioner Training December • Regular Planning & Zoning Commission Scheduled for December 27th Subject to Change. Please Hold December 13th as Alternative Date Zoning Equity Working Group Members of the Zoning Equity Working Group include members of the Zoning Update Working Group and several members of the community at large. The work of this group was completed over four months in 2021, and this document encompasses the consensus of the group. Several items previously existed in the draft version of the code or have been modified to include this groups recommendations. The group discussed several topics which need further consideration by the City Council. Methodology Comprehensive Plan Review Topic Area Literature Review Current and Proposed Code Review Recommendations City Council Review Goals related to equity, which were Staff reviewed related studies and The Zoning Equity Working Group The Zoning Equity Working Group The City Council may decide which also addressed by the zoning code, best practices across the United reviewed best practices within each offered recommendations for areas or topics they would like to from the comprehensive plan were States to outline how communities topic area in addition to the City’s changes to the proposed zoning review during this process or at a sorted into topic areas are approaching this work to reduce current and proposed zoning code as well as recommendations later date disparities in each topic area standards which should be reviewed by the City Council Recommendations for City Council Where appropriate, Staff has integrated the Zoning Equity Working Group’s recommendations into the draft code. Many items discussed by the group, however, are more appropriately reviewed and decided on by the City Council. Below Staff has aggregated the items which should be reviewed by the Council and also appear in each topic area on pages 2-7. • BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS: Bike parking should be a priority throughout the community and the City should not rely solely on developments to provide this. The committee recommends that the City Council also consider ways to increase the availability of parking on City-owned land and explore how to fund bike and pedestrian infrastructure in advance of increased use of these modalities with LRT opening. • BUILDING MATERIALS: The City Council should consider the creation of a policy which requires a sustainability or healthy building certificate for buildings when a development receives City financial assistance, such as LEED or another certification. While there may be some cost involved, members of the committee feel that this provides a good educational opportunity and gives peace of mind regarding the sustainability of new developments. • FORM-BASED CODE DESIGN: The City Council should consider the development of a tool such as an Equity Impact Analysis, Displacement Analysis, or other tool which staff and developers can use to understand the effects a project may have on the community. • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SOLAR REQUIREMENTS: The City Council should consider the creation of sustainable development policy to be applied when a development seeks City financial assistance. • STANDARDS IN SINGLE FAMILY HOME NEIGHBORHOODS: The City Council should consider if neighborhoods with larger lot sizes, N-1, N-2A & N2-B, should also be allowed to have two-unit homes as they have significantly larger lots sizes could easily accommodate them. • INCLUSIONARY HOUSING POLICY: The City Council should explore the risks and benefits of having an Inclusionary Housing Policy that is tailored to the City of Hopkins. Members were especially curious about how market conditions, such as the appreciation of land values, increase in population due to pending developments and SWLRT have changed in the last few years and how these change might create market conditions which are conducive to such a policy. Members feel that it is important to remember that creation of housing is only one tool in the toolbox for ensuring the affordability of housing in the community. Many measures outside of the zoning code can preserve the existing affordable housing stock in Hopkins, and the group would encourage the City Council to consider policies which would prevent displacement due increasing rental costs throughout the region and development of the SWLRT. Members would also like to see increased opportunities for ownership of single-unit homes and homes within multi-unit buildings, such as condos. 1 Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Bike and Pedestrian Infrastructure Requirements Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Historically, access to safe infrastructure for biking and walking has been Hopkins currently has a number of policies and standards which promote a Staff is interested in increasing the requirement for bike parking in all inequitably distributed throughout communities. high-quality experience for biking and walking. Development is currently districts, especially around LRT station areas. Additional standards will be are required to provide sidewalks. included in Module 3, and may be amended per any recommendations of this Numerous studies have shown that enhancing the ability of traditionally • City of Hopkins Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan group. underserved populations to travel via non-motorized modes can potentially • Complete Streets Policy lead to improved outcomes in public health, safety, and economic • Mixed Use District – Bicycle Parking development; promote economic development and resource efficiency; strengthen inclusive neighborhood relations; and bolster public transit services. Benefits of an equitable transportation system positively impact the entire community. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • Module 3 should include clear standards for including bicycle parking in all multi-family, commercial, and industrial developments, both exterior to buildings and interior to buildings. Standards should be clear and easy to follow for developers, and staff and the consultant should work to explore if directional signage and “bike fix-it” stations could be required in Master Planned Developments (MPDs). Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • Bike parking should be a priority throughout the community and the City should not rely solely on developments to provide this. The committee recommends that the City Council also consider ways to increase the availability of parking on City-owned land and explore how to fund bike and pedestrian infrastructure in advance of increased use of these modalities with LRT opening. Staff Next Steps: • Staff will review module 3 based on the recommendation of the zoning equity committee and propose changes to bike parking requirements as needed. • Staff will continue to explore ways to increase public bike infrastructure and availability of bike amenities in MPDs. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Building Materials Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Building materials can refer to interior or exterior materials. Choice of Exterior materials standards are detailed in several different sections of the • Façade materials start on page 12 of the draft module 2 building materials can have economic impacts to projects. Low quality interior City Code • The proposed code does not include any regulations for healthy materials can impact indoor air quality and create pollutant concerns for Site Plan Review. The current code does not include any regulations on building materials. residents. healthy building materials. • Section 102-128(4.c) • Business Park – Sec. 102-276 • Mixed Use – Sec. 102-370 Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): None. Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • The City Council should consider the creation of a policy which requires a sustainability or healthy building certificate for buildings when a development receives City financial assistance, such as LEED or another certification. While there may be some cost involved, members of the committee feel that this provides a good educational opportunity and gives peace of mind regarding the sustainability of new developments. Staff Next Steps: None. 2 Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Form-Based Code Design Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Where traditional zoning separates areas strictly based on uses, the impact of Modified Conventional Zoning The proposed code is a hybrid of Modern Conventional and Form-Based these regulations often result in the separation and segregation of people by codes which focuses on creating a mix of commercial and residential uses in income, race, and ethnicity leading to disparities in outcomes such as wealth, areas which are planned for redevelopment and managing sustainable health, education, access to jobs and transportation. growth. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • A transition to hybrid form-based code is supported given the opportunity to advance equity through its ability to create compact, diverse, and transit supported development, while maintaining areas of traditional low-density and industrial uses. In Module 3, the committee would like special attention paid to the ways in which developments are approved so that there is still ability for neighborhood participation and input on proposed developments as to prevent potential gentrification that could occur through “by-right” development. Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • The City Council should consider the development of a tool such as an Equity Impact Analysis, Displacement Analysis, or other tool which staff and developers can use to understand the effects a project may have on the community. Staff Next Steps: None. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Sustainable Development and Solar Requirements Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard The effects of climate change disproportionately affect BIPOC members of The city currently regulates solar development through the zoning code, but CodaMetrics has offered a list of Sustainability options which can be included our community and BIPOC residents often spend a higher percentage of their does not have any incentives for sustainable development. in the code. income on energy. Increased requirements for sustainable development such as requiring or incentivizing solar panels as well as ensuring a city’s code is supports solar uses and sustainable development practices, can reduce the cost burden of electricity, and help meet climate goals. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • The new code should incorporate the recommendations of the consultant regarding increasing sustainability requirements, particularly items which are difficult to retrofit at a later date such as stormwater design and building materials. • Incentives for sustainable development, such as increased density or reduced parking, when developments exceed sustainability requirements set by the code should also be considered. • The new code should include a requirement for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging for all new developments. Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • The City Council should consider the creation of sustainable development policy to be applied when a development seeks City financial assistance. Staff Next Steps: • Staff will continue working with the consultant team to include any best practices for sustainability in the draft version of the code. • Staff recommends looking at model example ordinances which require EV charging and adopting a policy similar to neighboring communities. 3 Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Increased Notification Standards Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Many communities rely on notifying the property owner on file for sending • Currently the City Code requires notification of land use applications Staff is currently reviewing the best ways to increase notification of letters about public hearings and development based on the requirement by be sent to property owners within 350 feet of the proposed development, and formal recommendations will be included with Module 3. state statute. Cities can create more opportunities and awareness of projects development, however staff regularly increases this distance to 500 Staff is interested in codifying the following changes, which staff has already by ensuring not just property owners are made aware of development and feet. begun piloting: providing more opportunities for resident feedback and input. • A neighborhood meeting held by the developer is required for CUPs • Increased distance for notification adjacent to a residential property and for rezoning of property, within • Sending notification not to just the property owner but all rental units 7 days of the Planning Commission review. and/or tenants in a commercial property • A public hearing is held by the Planning Commission and residents • Adding a “Proposed Development” sign to the property may provide comment at the meeting or prior to the meeting in • Adding public hearing information to city communications writing. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • Notification of rental tenants and commercial property owners and their tenants should be codified within the new code to ensure notification of development projects. • Notification distance should be formally codified to a distance between 500 and 1000 feet rather than 350 feet. • It should be codified that upon staff determination, the developer should pay for interpretation and translation services for public hearing notices and public meetings from the escrow of an application. Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • Staff should encourage developers to continue to offer an online meeting option in addition to in-person meetings even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over in an effort to offer more options for participation. Staff should also continue to work with developers to determine the most appropriate time and location for public meetings based on community customs or norms. Staff Next Steps: • Staff will work with the consultant to update the draft code to reflect the recommendations of the zoning equity committee in terms of notification of rental tenants and commercial property owners. • Staff will explore a policy which clearly outlines the requirements and cost to developers for translation/interpretation services. • Staff recommends that the new distance for notification for mailings be set to a 500 foot minimum, which may be increased in certain circumstances (project size, ROW constraints) at the discretion of the Zoning Administrator. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Streetscaping, Landscaping and Lighting Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Well-designed streetscapes, landscaping and lighting can create urban forms Currently the city only has standards for streetscapes and landscaping in the Streetscape design is located in Module Two of the zoning code. which feel safe, inviting, and welcoming as well as produce economic benefits Mixed-Use District and requirements mainly focus on trees and other for the community. By balancing the needs of multiple modes of landscaping. transportation and making public spaces accessible to all users, cities can have improved access and equity. Areas of excessive heat are also areas of high populations of BIPOC residents. Incorporation of items like street trees, pervious pavers and other climate resiliency strategies can improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • Landscaping and streetscaping requirements should be required in all districts, where appropriate, as a means to increasing climate resiliency. • Staff and the consultant should explore ways to require native and low water need plantings to reduce heavy water demand. • In Module 2, where parking stalls in parking lots are currently prioritized over landscape islands, landscape islands should take precedent over parking stalls. 4 Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • Staff should evaluate areas of significant climate concern, particularly areas which are not resilient to heat island effects, and determine how the code may be modified in the future to add increased requirements to these areas. Staff Next Steps: • Staff will work with the consultant team to incorporate the recommendations of the zoning committee related to landscaping and streetscaping. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Accessory Dwelling Units Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs can be internal or external housing units Currently, the city does not allow accessory dwelling units. The Zoning Update proposes to add ADUs – called Backyard Cottages to all which are constructed on single-unit or two-unit dwelling lots. Sometimes Neighborhood Districts. These units can be up to 800sq ft, subject to district called a “granny flat” or ‘mother-in-law” suite, these units provide a fully regulations, and do not have any increased parking requirements. independent living situation from the primary dwelling unit(s). The addition of ADUs is often seen as a way to create needed housing stock in areas which are either not suited for significantly higher density housing or have access to schools, jobs, and transit. ADUs can also provide a community with much needed life-cycle housing for an aging population. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • Adding ADUs throughout the community is supported and as one of several strategies the City should pursue to increase housing choices and access to neighborhoods Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • Staff should continue to explore how to ensure fair and equitable access to ADUs can be ensure and apply rental standards as applicable. Staff Next Steps: None. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Standards in Single Family Home Neighborhoods Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Single family neighborhoods are a direct result of racist and exclusionary The current standards for residential districts are located within the zoning The proposed update shifts many of the residential areas into allowing zoning and lending practices which sought to build communities, through code. Currently, 2 unit and 2-4 unit are only allowed within the R-2 and R-3 slightly higher densities and building transitional areas of higher density as bank lending processes or racially restrictive covenants, which excluded districts. land uses get closer to dense stations areas. communities of color. Minimum lot sizes and lot standards are also established in the zoning code. Lot standards are reduced in many zones which could result in the creation of Providing access to these neighborhoods through the development of multi- some new single-unit homes due to the ability to split double lots. family units and reducing cost to build single family homes, which are often centers of robust open space, access to transit and walkable amenities and Two unit dwellings are proposed to be allowed in all N-3-B - Neighborhood excellent schools can create more diverse and inclusive communities. Zones in the Zoning Update. Proposed Zoning Map for reference. Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • The N3-B Zone and the N3-A Zone should be allowed to have two-unit dwellings as another strategy to increase housing stock within the City. • Staff should further explore how “Courtyard Cottages,” or also known as cluster developments, which have several small single unit homes and share an interior courtyard could be accommodated in the new code. Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • The City Council should consider if neighborhoods with larger lot sizes, N-1, N-2A & N2-B, should also be allowed to have two-unit homes as they have significantly larger lots sizes could easily accommodate them. Staff Next Steps: • Staff will work with the Consultant team to allow for two-unit dwellings in the N3-A and N3-B Zones. • Staff will work with the Consultant team to discuss cluster developments are accommodated in the code. 5 Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Inclusionary Zoning and Inclusionary Housing Policy Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Inclusionary Housing, sometimes called inclusionary zoning refers to policies Currently the city does not have any inclusionary housing requirements. • ADUs called in the Zoning Update as Secondary Suites, also called or zoning standards that cities can enact to increase the supply of affordable Backyard Cottages, are proposed in all Neighborhood Zones. housing which can promote racial equity and combat the effects of a history • Two-unit dwellings are allowed in many of the neighborhoods which of exclusionary zoning. previously only allowed single-unit dwellings future reducing our areas which allow exclusively single-family homes. Lack of affordable housing can lead to increased physical and mental health • The Zoning Update does not include any incentives or requirements disparities, in addition to the inability of residents to meet their basic needs. for inclusionary housing Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): None Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • The City Council should explore the risks and benefits of having an Inclusionary Housing Policy that is tailored to the City of Hopkins. Members were especially curious about how market conditions, such as the appreciation of land values, increase in population due to pending developments and SWLRT have changed in the last few years and how these change might create market conditions which are conducive to such a policy. • Members feel that it is important to remember that creation of housing is only one tool in the toolbox for ensuring the affordability of housing in the community. Many measures outside of the zoning code can preserve the existing affordable housing stock in Hopkins, and the group would encourage the City Council to consider policies which would prevent displacement due to increasing rental costs throughout the region, and development of the SWLRT. Members would also like to see increased opportunities for ownership of single-unit homes and homes within multi-unit buildings, such as condos. Staff Next Steps: None. Area of Potential Zoning Reform: Parking Standards Potential Equitable Outcome Current Standard Proposed Standard Reducing the requirement for parking can reduce disparities in wealth by The current Zoning Code has many places where number and type of parking The level of parking required in the new zoning code will be a part of Module lowering housing costs, allowing more land for development, and positively is required. Allowances for a reduction in parking can be made if applications 3 and exact standards for each district have not yet been determined, but impacting climate goals. can provide a Travel Demand Management plan or if they can provide Shared staff is considering the following changes: Parking with other uses or on-street parking. Additionally, parking for • Development minimum and maximum parking requirements, commercial uses is not required in the Downtown Zone due to the availability creating only maximum standards or eliminating parking of City-owned lots and a ramp. requirements • Article XV Off-Street Parking • Expanding the use of shared parking • Parking • Requiring parking studies • Creating a credits system to reduce parking based on factors such as availability of transit, walkability, or affordability • Creating reduced standards for areas located near LRT stations • Expanding the downtown parking exemption area Zoning Equity Committee Zoning Recommendation(s): • The committee recommends that code sections related to the reduction of parking standards be context sensitive and provide a community benefit. While members understand that modality choices in Hopkins is changing, they believe that reliance on public transit is not always a viable option for workers and families. • The committee did not reach consensus on a recommendation to the City Council on whether the parking exemption area in the downtown for commercial uses should be expanded. While some felt that parking was often difficult already, other felt that parking was plentiful and easy to find. • If a credits-for-parking program were to be modified or expanded, the committee recommends that code provides incentives that are tied to equity considerations and/or other community benefits such as providing a reduction in rent charged for not having a vehicle or proximity to transit-oriented development. Again, the Committee understands that in the future less parking may be needed within the community, but also wants to be cognizant of those in situations where limited access to parking is ultimately harmful for economic mobility. 6 Zoning Equity Committee Additional Recommendation(s): • None Staff Next Steps: • Staff will explore opportunities for shared parking or publicly-owned parking in the west end of downtown for commercial parking. • Staff will work with the consultants to ensure that parking recommendations are both context sensitive, and well as future-focused. 7  ADMINISTRATION CITY OF HOPKINS Memorandum To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members From: Mike Mornson, City Manager Date: February 8, 2022 Subject: 2022 Legislative Policy _____________________________________________________________________ PURPOSE Staff will present the 2022 Legislative Policy and other priorities. INFORMATION The legislative initiatives are reviewed every year in order to communicate the City’s positions on issue that we would like the Legislature to address. FUTURE ACTION Information only.  City of Hopkins 2022 Legislative Policy Affordable Housing Production • Establish a dedicated revenue for the production of affordable housing. • Allow for an affordable housing fee on new development. • Establish a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) affordable housing fund and financial resources. • Provide incentives for landlords to participate in the Section 8 Voucher Program. Preservation • Allow pooled Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to be deposited in Local Housing Trust Funds (LHTF) for affordable housing. • Establish a rental rehab program for small to medium size developments to preserve Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) multi-family residential rental properties. Hopkins supports HF 443 and SF 768 appropriating $50M from the general fund to MN Housing to make loans or grants to owners of NOAH preser- vation properties to acquire or rehabilitate NOAH properties at risk of increased rents and occupied by tenants at risk of involuntary displacement. • Continue support for GO Bonds for Public Housing to preserve aging assets. • Maintain local regulatory authority for fee-for-service building inspections to ensure public safety and verify compliance. Protections • 90-day tenant protection period prohibiting rent increases and non-renewals following the transfer of property ownership. • Support additional funding for emergency rental assistance payments as rent increases in our City and the impacts of COVID-19 continue. • Support the League of Minnesota Cities recommendation for a balanced approach that avoids substantial tax shifts and a comprehensive study to address property tax impact of any 4d program expansion: SF 316 and HF 547 seek to expand the property tax benefits for low-income rental units by modifying the Low-Income Rental Classification (4d) first tier class rate from .75% to .25%. These bills have been laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus tax bill. Transport • Increase flexibilty in funding for street maintenance, repairs and construction. Support legislation to allow street improvement district authority. • Support increasing the State’s Highway User Tax Distribution Fund. An increase is needed in order to increase MSAS apportionments to meet required cost participation on State and County projects and maintain/repair state aid eligible streets. • Support stable and growing revenue sources to fund regional transit providers. Page 1  General • Preserve local control. • Oppose the establishment of levy limits. • Oppose reductions to local government aid. • Advocate that a percentage of tax revenue generated by recreational marijuana (if approved by legislature) be allocated to cities to cover law enforcement and mental health services. • Increase funding to hire more officers to prevent crime in our community, while implementing continued outreach and community building efforts. • Increase funding to support the police cadet program to support a more diversified pool of candidates to become police officers in our community. • Continue the expansion of mental health support in our community with social workers to assist our public safety department. • Support the implementation of a statewide driver’s license system to accurately and privately gather and maintain race/demographic information related to traffic stops. Climate Action • Implement a special assessment tool for energy/sustainability. • Support efforts to encourage zero emissions vehicles/low emission vehicles (ZEV/LEV). • Support funding for electric vehicle infrastructure. • Support funding for environmental justice and areas most impacted by climate change. Funding for Southwest Light Rail Transit • Maximize benefits of Southwest Light Rail by providing funding for structured parking at the Shady Oak Station. • Support the implementation of funding for transit improvement areas and authorize various funding mechanisms for transit improvement areas including; tax increment financing, tax abatement, bonding, and general fund appropriations for a revolving loan program or grant program. Bonding Bill for Inflow and Infiltration • Assist local communities in funding repairs and upgrades to local sewer infrastructure, including bonding bills for this purpose. Redevelopment Funding from Bonding Bill or DEED • Support an increased, flexible and sustained Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program, administered by DEED. • Support an increased and sustained general fund and state bond funds for the Redevelopment Grant Program, administered by DEED, dedicated to Metropolitan Area projects. • Support expansion of existing tools or development of new funding mechanisms to correct unstable soils. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) • Oppose any statutory language that would further constrain or directly or indirectly reduce the effectiveness of TIF; • Expand the flexibility of TIF to support a broader range of redevelopment projects; • Increase the ability to pool increments from other districts to support projects; • Support the creation of transit zones and transit related TIF districts to address development and redevelopment issues associated with transit or transfer stations; • Shift TIF redevelopment policy away from a focus on “blight” and “substandard” to “functionally obsolete” or a focus on long range planning for a particular community, reduction in greenhouse gases or other criteria’s more relevant current needs; • Consider creating an inter-disciplinary TIF team to review local exception TIF proposals, using established criteria, and make recommendations to the legislative on their passage • Encourages the State Auditor to continue to work toward a more efficient and streamlined reporting process For questions or more information, please contact alenz@hopkinsmn.com. 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