Margaret Dykes

The Dakota County Community Development Agency's 2027 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) establishes criteria, priorities, and procedures for allocating Housing Tax Credits. The plan prioritizes projects that serve the lowest-income tenants, offer the longest periods of affordability, and contribute to community revitalization, particularly in qualified census tracts. It also outlines the financial feasibility review process and the agency's procedures for monitoring compliance with Section 42 of the Code.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various administrative and housing-related items, including the approval of budget authority for a new housing specialist position and the amendment of the board meeting schedule. Key project actions included the receipt of an operating subsidy grant for Lincoln Place, the awarding of redevelopment incentive grants, and contracts for elevator modernization, access control replacements, and window and roof replacements at various housing developments. The Board also conducted a public hearing regarding the issuance of multifamily housing revenue notes for the Burnsville Family Apartments project and the adoption of the 2027 Qualified Allocation Plan. Additionally, the Board recognized the Housing Counseling Team for receiving an excellence in service award and heard a presentation on the proposed budget and plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

The board discussed and took action on several items including the approval of amendments to the Housing Assistance Department Administrative Plan, the receipt of operating subsidy grants, and the authorization of various contracts for redevelopment, elevator modernization, and property maintenance. Additionally, the board conducted public hearings related to the issuance of multifamily housing revenue bonds and tax credits for housing projects, discussed the CDA housing development plan, and issued a proclamation for Fair Housing Month and Community Development Week.

The Board meeting included discussions on federal public housing, housing choice voucher agendas, and the 2026 Public Housing Agency Annual Plan. Key actions included the approval of budget amendments for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, authorization for architectural and construction contracts for townhome and housing developments, and the approval of the record of disbursements. The board also established dates for future public hearings regarding housing finance programs, bond issuances, and allocation plans for tax credits. Additionally, the Board reviewed information regarding financial sustainability, executive director updates, and approved the write-off of non-expendable equipment.

The agenda for the February 17, 2026 meeting included multiple components: the approval of the agenda and minutes from the January 20, 2026 Annual and Regular meetings. Key items under the Consent Agenda included authorization to execute a contract for common area flooring replacement at Colleen Loney Manor, approval of the January 2026 Record of Disbursements, awarding of an alarm inspections, testing and monitoring contract, authorizing a declaration of official intent to reimburse expenditures made prior to bond issuance for a senior multifamily housing development, and setting dates for public hearings regarding a Housing Finance Program for the Valley Station Project and the 2027 Low Income Housing Tax Credits Qualified Allocation Plan. The Regular Agenda included continuing a public hearing for the Old County 34 Project, a discussion of proposed revisions to the 2027 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan, a discussion on the financial sustainability of Lincoln Place Supportive Housing, and an Executive Director Update.