State housing department to fund 100s of new rentals in MN [Video]

ST PAUL, Minn. — Dozens of small- and mid-sized communities in Minnesota are about to get a big boost from the state’s housing board of directors.

Minnesota Housing announced Friday that $38.7 million will soon go toward building new rental properties across Greater Minnesota. The agency said the nearly $40 million investment will create 832 market-rate rental units in places with proven job growth and a higher demand for workforce housing.

The department said it funds projects with the highest percentage of market-rate units in communities with 30,000 residents or fewer.

“We’re hearing across the state that employers are unable to recruit the workers they need because there is not enough rental housing in their areas,” said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. “Building more workforce housing lays …