Allocation Plans Published for Affordable Housing Development

BISMARCK, ND – The allocation plans that guide North Dakota Housing Finance Agency’s (NDHFA) administration of the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) programs have been published. NDHFA reviews the plans annually to ensure they are addressing the state’s current housing needs.

“The affordable housing development programs overseen by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency help communities address the housing needs of their most vulnerable populations,” said Dave Flohr, NDHFA executive director. The programs support the construction or renovation of housing for low-wage workers, and elderly and disabled households.

LIHTC encourages private sector investment in affordable housing through tax incentives. Property owners receive the housing credits for up to 10 years based on capital investment and level of commitment to low-income tenancy. NDHFA anticipates $3 million in credit authority will be available, pending congressional approval, which would generate more than $27 million in project equity.

The HTF’s purpose is to increase and preserve the supply of housing for extremely low-income households, including homeless individuals and families. Through the program, $3 million is available.

The application process for the programs is competitive with the top-scoring projects receiving conditional commitments from NDHFA. The applicants must provide evidence that there is a need for the type of housing proposed, that the community supports the development and that the construction costs are reasonable.

More information on these programs and other financial and technical assistance provided by NDHFA is available online at http://www.ndhfa.org or by contacting the agency’s planning and housing development division at (800) 292-8621 or hfainfo@nd.gov.

NDHFA is a self-supporting state agency dedicated to making housing affordable for all North Dakotans. The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum, as the chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees the agency.

Online/Phone Options for LIHTC and HTF Hearings

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) will hold Public Hearings for the 2021 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program Qualified Allocation Plan and the 2020 National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Allocation Plan on March 26, 2020.

The LIHTC hearing will begin at 10 a.m. and the HTF hearing at 11 a.m., both CT. The hearings will be held in the boardroom at NDHFA’s office, 2624 Vermont Ave., Bismarck, ND.

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public gathering guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we encourage attendees to join the meeting online from your personal computer, tablet or smartphone.

Online Access: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/434537269

Dial-in Access: 1-877-568-4106, Access Code: 434-537-269 #

Persons who are unable to attend the hearings may still submit written comments to hfainfo@nd.gov or NDHFA, PO Box 1535, Bismarck, ND 58502-1535, by 5:00 p.m. on March 25, 2020.

Persons needing accommodation or assistance to attend the hearing should contact NDHFA’s Planning and Housing Development division director at (800) 292-8621, (800) 366-6888 (TTY) or email hfainfo@nd.gov.

Public Hearings Scheduled for Development Program Plans

BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) will hold Public Hearings for the 2021 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program Qualified Allocation Plan and the 2020 National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Allocation Plan on March 26, 2020.

The LIHTC hearing will begin at 10 a.m. and the HTF hearing at 11 a.m., both CT. The hearings will be held in the boardroom at NDHFA’s office, 2624 Vermont Ave., Bismarck, ND.

The LIHTC program provides incentives for the production and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. The HTF program supports the development and preservation of affordable rental housing for extremely low-income households, including homeless individuals and families. The proposed plans are available online at www.ndhfa.org.

The general public may submit either written or oral comments at the hearings. Persons who are unable to attend the hearings may submit written comments to hfainfo@nd.gov or NDHFA, PO Box 1535, Bismarck, ND 58502-1535, by 5:00 p.m. on March 25, 2020.

Persons needing accommodation or assistance to attend the hearing should contact NDHFA’s Planning and Housing Development division director at (800) 292-8621, (800) 366-6888 (TTY) or email hfainfo@nd.gov.

NDHFA is a self-supporting state agency dedicated to making housing affordable for all North Dakotans. The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor Doug Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees the agency.

Affordable Housing Development Assistance Allocated Statewide

BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Industrial Commission announced today that nine projects have received funding commitments from North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) to support the construction or rehabilitation of almost 500 affordable housing units statewide.

NDHFA allocated $3.8 million in federal tax credit authority through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. When syndicated, the credits are expected to generate more than $34 million in project equity. NDHFA also awarded $2.7 million through the National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and $7.25 million from the state’s Housing Incentive Fund (HIF).

“The funding commitments made by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency support the development of projects in communities large and small that will provide safe and affordable housing for our state’s most vulnerable households,” said members of the Commission in a joint statement. The Industrial Commission, consisting of Gov. Doug Burgum as chairman, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, oversees NDHFA.

About the Projects
Lutheran Social Services Housing Inc. was awarded $800,000 from HIF to support the redevelopment of Boulevard Avenue Apartments, preserving 108 units of affordable housing in Bismarck, ND.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of North Dakota was awarded $776,000 in credit authority through the LIHTC program to support the redevelopment of IOOF Retirement Village I and II. The project preserves 78 units of supportive senior housing in Devils Lake, ND.

Phase 2 of the Lakeland Court Apartments project in Devils Lake, ND, was awarded $1,289,527 from HIF. The SW Design Build Inc. project will create 24 new, senior-friendly housing units.

Elliott Place, a Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority project, will create 84 new units of supportive senior housing. NDHFA awarded the project $1,128,016 in credit authority through the LIHTC program, $2.2 million from the HTF, and $3 million from HIF.

Homefield 3, the final phase of a Beyond Shelter Inc. (BSI) supportive senior housing development, was awarded $720,274 in credit authority through LIHTC. The Fargo, ND, project will provide 39 new units.

Commonwealth Development Corporation was awarded $720,000 in credit authority through LIHTC to support the development of Eagle Flats in Jamestown, ND. The project will create 33 new homes for families including seven supportive housing units that will be reserved for households at risk of homelessness.

Souris Heights, a 54-unit supportive senior housing complex that will be developed by BSI in Minot, ND, was awarded $1,757,026 through HIF.

A substantial rehab of Courtyard Apartments in Rugby, ND, received a $400,000 award through HIF. The Affordable Housing Developers Inc. project preserves 20 units of affordable rental housing.

The Housing Authority of Cass County was awarded $791,719 in LIHTC program credit authority and $500,000 through the HTF to develop Sierra Townhomes. The West Fargo, ND, project will create 38 new housing units, including nine units of supportive housing for families at risk of homelessness.

About the Programs
LIHTC provides an indirect federal subsidy used to finance the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing for lower-income households. The purpose of the HTF is to increase and preserve the supply of housing for extremely low-income households including homeless families. HIF strengthens communities by supporting the development or preservation of rental housing for low- to moderate-income households.

The application process for each program is competitive with the top-scoring projects receiving the awards.

“We had a robust spread of requests for funding this year, with all of our programs receiving applications for more than twice the funding available,” said Dave Flohr, NDHFA’s interim executive director.

The development programs administered by NDHFA have allocation plans that are reviewed annually to ensure that the projects that receive financial awards address North Dakota’s greatest housing needs.

Each applicant must provide evidence that there is a need for the type of housing proposed, that the community supports the project, and that construction costs are reasonable. The period of affordability for the projects receiving federal funds is 30 years; HIF’s minimum period of affordability is 15 years.

More information about the development programs administered by NDHFA and the projects awarded assistance is available online at www.ndhfa.org.

Bismarck Housing for Long-Term Homeless Opens

NDHFA Interim Executive Director Dave Flohr congratulates Burleigh County Housing Authority on the successful completion of Edwinton Place.

BISMARCK, ND – Burleigh County Housing Authority (BCHA) marked the completion of Edwinton Place Apartments today. The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) project will provide 40 individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness with a stable home and offer services to address the issues that are the cause of their homelessness.

After thanking his development partner, Beyond Shelter Inc. (BSI), and the community leaders and organizations that supported the project, BCHA Executive Director Dwight Barden said in reference to Edwinton’s ‘Housing First’ approach, “Now, the real work begins.”

Housing First is endorsed by the federal government as the way to end long-term homelessness, providing immediate, permanent housing without pre-requisites like treatment or sobriety and then offering voluntary services. At Edwinton, the Dacotah Foundation, West Central Human Service Center, Community Options, Heartview Foundation, Youthworks of North Dakota and Job Service will offer treatment for substance abuse, personal care and assistance finding employment. Medical care will be provided by Sanford Health and Northland Health Center.

Edwinton Place is a Permanent Supportive Housing project that will provide 40 individuals who have experienced long-term homelessness with a stable home and offer services to address the issues that are the cause of their homelessness. More photos of the property are available on NDHFA’s Facebook page, https://bit.ly/2pC7Wyq.

Edwinton is North Dakota’s third PSH project to offer individuals Housing First. BSI, a nonprofit developer based in Fargo, ND, partnered with Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority to open Cooper House in 2010 and with Grand Forks Housing Authority to open LaGrave on First in 2018.

“Beyond Shelter focuses on developing housing for the lowest income households in the community, the people whose needs are often overlooked,” BSI Development Director Lisa Rotvold.

Most of Edwinton’s financing was provided by North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA).

“Battling chronic conditions without housing makes it difficult to stabilize, leaving people trapped in a spiral that is nearly impossible to escape,” said NDHFA Interim Executive Director Dave Flohr. “When a community comes together to address the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, we all win.”

The state agency awarded $813,000 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to the project providing it with $7.2 million in equity. NDHFA also provided $1,026,147 from the National Housing Trust Fund, $460,000 from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), and $500,000 from the state’s Housing Incentive Fund.

The City of Bismarck, in agreement with Burleigh County and the Bismarck Public School District, approved a 20-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes for the property valued at more than $2 million. North Dakota Department of Commerce committed $730,000 through NSP for land acquisition, $362,500 of which will go toward the land lease. Through Bank of North Dakota, the Federal Home Loan Bank awarded $750,000 from the Affordable Housing Program. The Otto Bremer Trust provided $62,000 to cover pre-development costs. Construction financing was provided by Gate City Bank. The total cost of development was $10.3 million.

Located at 1121 S 11^th Street, Edwinton is a four-story building with a controlled entrance and 24/7 front desk staffing. On the first floor, offices, meeting rooms and an exam room allows for services to be provided at the site. A community room, TV room and computer room for tenant use is located on the same level. The upper floors are made up of 40 one-bedroom/bath apartments with full kitchens. Eight of the units are fully accessible for persons with a physical disability.

The gross rent of the apartments is $729 with a $40 utility allowance making tenant rent $689 per month. Burleigh County Housing Authority project-based Housing Choice Vouchers to ensure the affordability of the units for the property’s extremely low-income tenants. With the vouchers, the tenants will pay no more than 30 percent of their income towards rent.

BCHA began moving tenants into the property earlier this month. The housing authority is anticipating that Edwinton will be fully occupied by the end of the year. Because most of the tenants are expected to arrive with minimal personal items, the housing authority is trying to outfit the apartments with the necessities needed for daily living through an Amazon wish list. Dinnerware, towels, bedding and small appliances are still needed.

“The community has been very responsive,” said Barden. “We appreciate the assistance in helping to furnishing the units equitability.”

Housing Authority Hosting Demo Day; Making Way for New Senior Apartments

WEST FARGO, ND – The Housing Authority of Cass County (HACC) is hosting a “Demo Day” on Nov. 26, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.

Sixty public housing units that have provided thousands of income-qualified individuals and families with a home will be demolished to make way for a new affordable senior housing complex. The 1960s era units that will be demolished are located on the 800 block of West Sheyenne Street in West Fargo, ND.

The new complex, Monterey and Brighton Place Apartments, will be a four-story apartment building with 85 generous one- and two-bedroom apartments for income-qualified residents age 62 and older. Property amenities will include heated tuck under garages, community rooms, wellness and exercise rooms, a theater room, and outdoor green space and lighted walking paths.

“There is a large demand for affordable senior housing in our region, and Monterey and Brighton Place is a huge step forward in addressing that need,” says HACC Executive Director Blake Strehlow. “This project will allow Housing Authority of Cass County to serve an additional 25 families, and do so in a modern, energy-efficient building.”

Funding for the new housing comes from several government resources including the federal HOME, Community Development Block Grant and Low Income Housing Tax Credit programs. To ensure the affordability of the new housing, rental assistance will be provided through Project Based Vouchers under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8 program.

“Demo Day” honored guests will include Senator John Hoeven, West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis, HUD Regional Administrator Evelyn Lim, and North Dakota Housing Finance Agency Interim Executive Director Dave Flohr.

HACC will open a waiting list for Monterey and Brighton Place in spring 2020. Interested parties should watch for advertising in the Forum, West Fargo Pioneer and other area media outlets. Information can also be obtained by contacting HACC at (701) 282-3443 or info@casscountyhousing.org.

Affordable, Senior-Friendly Apartments Open Downtown

Harper Heights Ribbon Cutting

WEST FARGO, ND – Southhill Properties LLC, is celebrating the completion of Harper Heights on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to Noon. The affordable, senior-friendly property is in downtown West Fargo, an area targeted by the community for redevelopment. The Open House will include a ribbon cutting followed by a short program and tours of the property.

 

“Affordable housing for seniors with limited incomes is a welcome resource,” said West Fargo Mayor Bernie Dardis. “Having housing options for all ages and income levels contributes to the health and vibrancy of our community.”

Located at 121 1^st Ave West, the four-story building was constructed on an infill lot that once served as an RV park. The property now offers rental housing to income-qualified households age 55 and older.

“I would like to thank the City of West Fargo and North Dakota Housing Finance Agency for their support,” said James Twomey of Southhill, the property owner and developer. “The assistance provided helps us to ensure Harper Heights’ affordability.”

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) allocated $425,100 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, providing more than $4 million in project equity. The City of West Fargo authorized a Payment in Lieu of Tax valued at $543,075. Additional project financing was provided by Alerus Financial, Bank of North Dakota and the Fargo-Moorhead Growth Initiative Fund. The total cost of developing Harper Heights was $5.5 million.

“North Dakota’s aging population is one of the most housing insecure and cost-burdened sectors,” said NDHFA Interim Executive Director Dave Flohr. “By directing NDHFA’s development resources to support the construction of affordable senior housing, we help individuals and families of limited means live safely and comfortably.”

The apartments at Harper Heights rent for $420 to $855 per month, depending on household income and size. Six of the apartments are fully accessibility, reserved for individuals with disabilities who will receive services through CHI Friendship, Fargo Cass Public Health and Cass County Social Services.

Harper Heights amenities include heated indoor parking on the ground floor, secured entrances, an elevator, a community room with a kitchen, a fitness room and a media room. The downtown location offers easy access to public transit, retail and services.

Individuals who would like to learn more about the apartments should contact MetroPlains Management at (701) 551-3107. Information is also available online at http://www.metroplains.com.

The Edge Offers Affordable Downtown Housing for Families

(From L to R): ND House Rep. Austen Schauer, Commissioner Lise Kruse (representing Gov. Doug Burgum), Alaura Williams (representing Sen. John Hoeven), Reid Kemp (representing Sen. Kevin Cramer), Erin Anderson (Commonwealth Development Corp.) and Mayor Tim Mahoney (City of Fargo).

FARGO, ND – The Commonwealth Companies will mark the completion of The Edge Artist Flats, commonly known as “The Edge,” an apartment complex that offers a new affordable housing option in downtown Fargo, at 11:00 a.m. on October 10, 2019. The grand opening includes a short program followed by a ribbon cutting and tours of the property.

“Commonwealth works closely with community leaders and state government agencies to deliver housing that exceeds expectation, adding value to a community and enhancing the lives of the residents served,” said Erin Anderson, a regional vice president of development for the company.

While you don’t have to be an artist to live at The Edge, the name refers to the property’s theme and design element, the tenants will be offered a creative outlet with plans by the developer to use the community room for art classes for children and adults alike. The property’s common areas serve as gallery space, and there is an art workspace that also functions as a multi-purpose room.

The Edge offers a new affordable housing option in downtown Fargo.

The property was developed with support from North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA). The state agency awarded $740,000 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to the project that were syndicated by Redstone Equity Partners providing $6.55 million in equity. NDHFA also provided $1,369,263 through the National Housing Trust Fund.

“We know that communities thrive when the workforce can afford to live and raise their families close to good-paying jobs,” said Dave Flohr, NDHFA’s interim executive director. “That’s why it is important to recognize and celebrate developments like The Edge that provide desirable and obtainable homes.”

The project received strong support from the City of Fargo as well. Community leaders, who have expressed increasing concerns about the affordability of downtown housing, approved the rezoning of the land on which The Edge is located and provided a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) valued at $742,689. The Fargo Moorhead Economic Development provided the required local match, $225,000, for an interest-rate buydown through Bank of North Dakota’s FlexPACE program, valued at $531,070.

The Edge’s permanent financing was provided by Security First Bank of North Dakota. The total cost of developing the 42-unit complex was $8.9 million.

The apartments rent for $456 to $975, depending on household income and size. Nine units are set aside for special needs households, two for disabled individuals and seven for households who have experienced housing instability. The latter will rent at the rate the tenants are able to pay and these tenants will be offered services focused on helping them attain self-sufficiency.

Located at 1321 5th Ave. North, the property amenities include contemporary finishes, underground parking, the community room and multi-purpose room, a fitness room, an elevator, on-site management office and a playground. The apartments have central heat and air, dishwashers, and in-unit washer and dryers. The property’s downtown location offers easy access to entertainment, shopping and restaurants.

Individuals who would like to learn more about the apartments should contact MetroPlains Management at (701) 551-3107. Information is also available online at www.metroplains.com.

Developers Mark Completion of Dacotah Ridge Redevelopment

Dacotah Ridge is made up of an eight-plex that completed redevelopment in March 2018 and a 16-plex that had to be demolished due to structural issues and reconstructed.

DICKINSON, ND – Affordable Housing Developers Inc. (AHDI) and its development partner, Mountain Plains Equity Group (MPEG), marked the completion of the Dacotah Ridge Apartments redevelopment today by hosting an Open House. AHDI purchased the property from The ARC of Dickinson in 2017. Local, state and federal dollars supported the acquisition and rehab of the rental property that is occupied primarily by elderly and disabled households.

“Many of Dacotah Ridge’s tenants have very limited incomes,” said Andrea Diede, AHDI executive director. “When we discovered that part of the rehab project was going to become a demolition project, we were very concerned about securing the resources needed and relocating the tenants for an extended period. Our priority was to make the buildings safe so that these individuals could continue to call Dacotah Ridge home. Fortunately, we were able to secure additional assistance from the state and we had great local support.”

Dacotah Ridge is made up of an eight-plex that completed redevelopment in March 2018 and a 16-plex that had to be demolished due to structural issues and reconstructed. Construction wrapped on the second building in September. The original project estimate was pegged at $4.16 million. The final cost was $6.18 million.

Affordable Housing Developers Inc. and Mountain Plains Equity Group spearheaded the redevelopment of the Dacotah Ridge property.

“Our purpose is to provide a safe, quality place to live that is affordable. We were proud to team with Affordable Housing Developers and offer our sincere thanks to the organizations that helped make this project possible,” said Don Sterhan, MPEG president and CEO.

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) was the project’s primary funding source, providing $411,761 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits that were syndicated by WNC Inc. bringing $ 3.5 million in equity to the property. The agency also provided $400,000 through the North Dakota Housing Incentive Fund.

“By affordably housing our most vulnerable state residents, we strengthen and stabilize our communities,” said Jennifer Henderson, NDHFA planning and housing development division director. “We are pleased to be able to provide the support that will allow this valuable housing resource to continue serving Dickinson for years to come.”

The North Dakota Department of Commerce Division of Community Services awarded $1,216,258 in HOME Investment Funds to the project to support construction. Stark Development Corp. provided the local match, $185,874, required to secure a FlexPACE program loan, valued at $531,070, from Bank of North Dakota. Project financing was provided by Security First Bank of North Dakota.

Located at 560 and 580 8th Street SE, Dacotah Ridge’s eight-plex has one studio and seven one-bedroom units, two units are ADA accessible. The apartments in the 16-plex are all two-bedroom, six of these units are accessible.

Tenancy at Dacotah Ridge is restricted to income-qualified households with the property’s monthly rents ranging from $581 to $617. Housing Assistance Payment contracts further reduce rents through Section 8 tenant-based assistance under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher Program.

As part of the redevelopment, health and safety issues were mitigated, the buildings were brought up to current code, and elevators were installed. In addition, the apartments were outfitted with energy-efficient appliances, economical heating/cooling units, new bathroom fixtures and window coverings.

Individuals who would like to learn more about the apartments can contact MetroPlains Management at (701) 483-1474. Information is also available online at http://www.metroplains.com.

From the Interim Executive Director, September 2019

Dave Flohr, NDHFA Interim Executive Director

Over the past three decades, I have been involved in nearly every segment of NDHFA. As the agency has grown in both staff and programs and branched into new divisions, I have focused my attention on homeownership. Now, over the past two months as acting interim director, I have gotten a crash course on urban and rural multifamily housing, financing and the services offered to vulnerable populations.

Five projects North Dakota Housing Finance Agency supported had groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the last two months, and at least three more events are scheduled before the end of the year. As we celebrate each project and the affordable housing provided, we continuously hear that there is still isn’t enough to meet each community’s needs.

With the September application deadlines approaching for the 2019 funding rounds for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), National Housing Trust Fund and the state’s Housing Incentive Fund, the competition is extensive and choosing is never easy. For every awardee, there are numerous projects that are just as deserving.

Right now, we have an opportunity to expand the limited resources to develop more affordable housing. There is a bill in Congress – the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2019, S. 1703/H.R. 3077 – which, if passed, would greatly benefit small states like North Dakota at a magnitude much more significant than larger states which have other resources at their disposal. If passed, the efficiencies and enhancements contained in the Housing Credit Improvement Act would enable North Dakota to double, and maybe triple, the number of projects produced each year.

And so, I ask everyone to please advocate for affordable housing in your communities and in our state. Voice your support for programs like LIHTC and HUD’s HOME Investment Partnership, and also champion local city and county incentives – without any of which affordable housing development would not be possible. Communicate with our lawmakers, whether they convene in Bismarck, N.D., or in Washington D.C., that having a home that is safe, decent and affordable is a priority in North Dakota. It makes our communities stronger and keeps us growing!