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CR 91-68 Application For Minnesota City Participation Program - 1 y , '. \ 0 G -" . ~ '. . .y '<> Council Report 91-68 March 12, 1991 oPK\" APPLICATION FOR THE MINNESOTA CITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM Proposed Action Staff recommends approval of the following motion: Approve submission of an application for the Minnesota City Participation Program. With approval of this action the application will be submitted to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency for their review. Overview The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) is sOliciting applications for participation in the new Minnesota city Participation Program (MCPP) . This program allows the MHFA to sell mortgage revenue bonds on behalf of participating cities. The proceeds of these bonds are used to provide . below market interest rate home mortgage loans to low and moderate income first time homebuyers. The city is required to submit a 1% refundable deposit with its application. The deposit will be refunded upon the sale of the mortgage revenue bonds, estimated to occur sometime in May. Primary Issues to Consider o What is the intent of the program? o What are the benefits of participating in this program? o What is the cost to the city for participating in program? o What are the requirements of the program? o How much money should the City request? o Who will serve as the City's lender? Supporting Information 0 the Minnesota city Participation . / i / e MCPP Application Rpt. 91-68 page 2 Primary Issues to Consider o What is the intent of the program? The primary objective of the MCPP is to provide affordable mortgage financing for low and moderate income homebuyers through the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds. o What are the benefits of participating in this program? The following are the benefits of participating in the Minnesota city Participation Program: o MHFA will provide administrative support for both the bond sale and the operation of the program o MHFA will incur the expenses associated with the issuance of the bond o MHFA will assist in marketing each City's program . o Local lender(s) take the applications for the program and orginate the mortgage loans o Mortgage loan funds are available to eligible applicants at 1 1/2 to 2% below market mortgage interest rates o Only participating cities will have access to MHFA's Homeownership Assistance Fund which provides monthly payment and entry cost assistance to lower income applicants o What is the cost to the City for participating in the program? The only direct cost to the City is the refundable deposit equal to 1% of its requested allocation. Based on a requested amount of $1.6 million, the required deposit would be $16,000. The deposit must accompany the application but will be refunded upon the sale of the mortgage revenue bonds. Indirect costs of the program include any time or money spent on marketing the program. It is anticipated that the 1% deposit would be taken from the Economic Development Fund. o What are the requirements of the program? Borrower Eligibility: e o Must be a first-time homebuyer (not having had an ownership interest in a principal residence for the past 3 years o Must occupy home within 60 days ,- . MCPP Rpt. 91-68 Page 3 o "Adjusted" gross income must not exceed $35,600 per year. The most common adjustment for income would be $1000 per family member so that a family of four could actually gross $39,600 and still qualify. Property Requirements: o Properties must be existing one-family homes, townhomes or condominiums (some duplexes may also be eligible) o Residence must be in good repair and meet usual mortgage underwriting requirements o Property must not exceed the MHFA Acquisition Cost Limits of $81,000 for a one-family home These are the minimum requirements for eligible properties. The city has the ability to further "target" properties or eligible participants by incorporating additional restrictions such as targeted population groups (Le. minorities, handicapped, elderly) , specific program . boundaries, etc... Staff recommends that the City propose to use the minimum requirements (and the maximum income limits) allowed by MHFA to make the funds available to as many individuals or families as possible. o How much money should the city request? In 1990, there were 42 single family homes in Hopkins which sold for $81,000 or less. There were an additional 13 condominiums and 7 townhomes which sold for this amount. Based on these figures staff is recommending that the City request $1.6 million to finance the purchase of 20 homes (approximately 1/3 of the eligible properties) . Under the guidelines of the program, a city must apply for at least $250,000 and not more than $4 million. o Who will serve as the city's lender? Staff has met with representatives of Norwest and they have agreed to participate in this program as a local lender. Staff will also be meeting with representatives of First Banks to discuss the program with them and determine if they would also be interested. Staff may also be approaching other area lenders outside of Hopkins. . Under the guidelines of the program, cities may select one or more specific lenders to deliver their program or may specify all lenders within their area that are under contract with MHFA to provide program delivery. However, . MCPP Rpt. 91-68 Page 4 the application must identify one lender and include a letter of intent from that lending institution. Norwest will be forwarding a letter of intent to participate which will be included in the application. Alternatives The Council has the following alternatives regarding this issue: o Approve the application as recommended by staff. o Amend the application to further "targetll the program, to request more or less funds, or make other eligible alterations. o Decide that they do not wish to participate in the MCPP and reject the application. . . REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL under the . MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY'S MINNESOTA CITY PARTICIPATION PROGRAM (MCPP) (Ten County Twin Cities Metro Area) Complete this Request for Proposal (RFP) in detail, and deliver to MHFA no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 1991. RFPs received after this deadline will not be considered for funding under the first phase of this program. An application deposit in the amount of 1 % of your funding request (as noted in question #8, below) must accompany each RFP submission to MHFA. This fee will be fully refunded upon sale of the sponsoring program bond issue. Final determination of the total amount of program bond funds available and allotments to be made to individual city requests will occur at an advance meeting before final bond sale. A. COMMUNITY REQUESTING FUNDS HOPKINS, tUNNESOTA (Community Name) COMMUNI'l'Y DEVElDPMENf (Department) . (check one): [29 City Department o Housing and Redevelopment Authority D Port Authority o Economic Development Authority JUlO FIRST S'l'REET SOUTH (Street Address and Post O/Iice Box) HOPKINS MINNESffi'A 55343 (City) (Stale) (Zip) Person authorized to execute contractual agreements with MHF A: NELSON IV. BERG MAYOR 612/933-6639 (Name) (Title) (Telephone Number) Person authorized to distribute Program Certificate regarding eligible properties: KF.RSrrFN ET ,VERT ]1<.1 HOUSING CJX)RDINATOR 612/935-8474 (Name) (Title) (Telephone Number) B. FUNDING REQUEST . Provide the amount of bond funds requested for your proposed program, and the expected number of mortgage loans to be financed: $ 1,600,000.00 * 20 Funds Requested Estimated # of Loans . Requests must be in the range of $250,000 to $4,000,000, , c. CURRENT MRB ACTIVITY . Does any portion of your community have unexpended Mortgage Revenue Bonds (MRB) or Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) resources? !X] No DYes - If yes, explain: , . , D. ORIGINATING LENDER Designate a lender who will serve to take mortgage applications and process loans for your program (selection must be made from current participants in MHF A's Minnesota Mortgage Program - see MHFA's enclosed lender list). Attach a letter from the lender confirming their willingness to participate in your program. Additional participating lenders may be designated at any time before your program starting date. NORWES1' BANK (Lender Name) 1011 f'IRST STREET SOUTIl (Street Address and Post Office Box) e iIOPl:INS 0.lNNJ::::SOTA 55343 (City) (StatIO) (Zip) (Contact Parson) (Title) (Telephone Number) E. HOUSING PLAN Note: If you have completed a "Housing Plan" in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 462C,03, within the past 12 months, you may complete this section or simply attach a copy of your plan. (1 ) Describe your city's principle housing needs: * f<1aintain Market Stability of Sinqle-Family HOm2s: wmand for entry level housing is e)Q:=€cted to decrease in the near future due to the aqinq of the "baby boorrers". Because tJ'Je majort ly of the housing stock is entry leveJ first-time honebuvers need to be encx.lUraqed to purchase hones in Hopkins. * Mri i nt'PYlrinn:::>/Repair of Penta] Pror=:erty: Due to the hiqher than average roncentration (60%) of rental property in Hopkins are projections that the demand for rental property will decrease, existing rental units mllc;t r,p maintained and upqraded to remain coITl!:.Jetitive in the market. 1).CPP,1!, 2 (2,'; .:.:::!ll -.-- . HOUSING PLAN - Cant. * Maintenance/Repair of Oimer.-occupied Housing: By the year 2010, approximately 40% of the City I s housing stock will be 50 years old or older. This will result in an increased need for maintenance and upgrading. * Housing c:ptions for Seniors: PopUlation projections indicate that the greatest grcwth in population groups wi 11 occur in the enpty nesters and the young and old seniors. Due to their changing housing needs, a variety of housing options should be available. . For further doclJITEntation of the Housing Needs in Hopkins, please refer to the attached HOl::lSllg Analysis. . (2 ) What is the source of data and method used to determine these needs? (e.g,: census . data; building inspections; Realtor/builder surveys; economic data; etc.): Analvsis of the followinq data was CDnducted in order to identify the housing needs; MPt COlIDCil - provisional Population Estimate - April 1989 1980 D.S. Census ('i ty of Harkins - Draft Comprehensive Plan, 1990 .' , r.,1.->-r ('nllnril- lDokinq Ahead at Housing - 1988 City of Hopkins - Assessinq Department H pnm-'>pi n ('01 mty - HQpkins I 1990 Residential Market Breakdown - 1990 . (3) Detail your city's "Housing Plan" for meeting the needs described in #1, and the specific methods to be utilized in the plan (attach additional sheets jf necessary.): NEED: Maintain Market Stability of Single-Family Homes To encxmraqe CDntinued investrrent in Hopkins, the fol~lowing is recoI1lfTEnded: * Develop a Horneownership Assistance Program for first-time hornebuyers * Implernent a "truth in housing" program * Establish proqrams which strenqthen neighlX>rhood pride and preservation NRRn. rvaintenance/Repair of Rental Property * DPve] op a Rental Rehabilitation proqram/Enexnrrage use ot existing programs * StrenGthen Code Enforcerrent acti vi ties NEED: Maintenance/Repair of ONner-occupied Housing * Continue to pmnote private reinvestrrent ,in the housing stock through the city IS existino Residential Rehabilitation wan/Grant Program . * r'r'Y1P Enforcerrent * Explore various alternative for financing rehabilitation of Condominiurrs and Townhom NEED: Housinq Options for Seniors * Encourage t-np plJrrhri!,,;p of !";mAllpr. rrnrp rirn::>!";!";ihlp hnnsinq b.y seniors MCPP,I A 3 (2114/91) ----- * D2ve1op Sl1irrlh1p housinq AS rhp nppn rl,i"'e'" . For additional infonnation rpgAnJinC} t-np hrmc::in'] ['lan, refer to the attached Housing Analysis. F. PROGRAM SPECIFICS (1 ) Outline your first-time homebuyer program proposal, including the following . information (attach additional sheets if necessary): - How your program fits into your comprehensive housing plan as shown in Section E#3. Borrower income limits (may not exceed the greater of establlshed MHF A limits or 80% of HUD area median income - see cover letter), - Home purchase price limits (may not exceed the greater of established MHFA limits or 90% of the median city purchase price, subject to an 80% federal"safe harbor" cap - see cover letter). - Any special "targeting" you have established for certain population groups (e.g.: minorities, handicapped, business employees, etc.). - Any "targeting" of area or housing stock (e.g.: rehab areas, new construction developments, etc,), - Any optional program enhancements such as subsidies, use of tax-forfeit properties, etc. - Why you feel this program is a good candidate for funding, Correlation wi th aJmprp:hpns i vp: honsi nC} ['1 ;-m . The City of Hopkins program under the I'-t::'PP will provide assistance to Jaw to m6.r1erate incorre first time horrebuyers to purchase a home in Hopkins. 'T'hi c:: wi 11 hp1p nPF>r . the need for such assistance, as identifipc1 in t-hp mmprphpnc::ivp hOllsing plrln 'T'hP prwram will also' help to kppp rhp ovprrill hOlle:: i ni] mrl rkpt- strong in Hopkins by linkine eliqible horre to interested buYers .::mn tbAn mi':lk; ng -the pnn:hFlsP of rhos;=> propp-IT; PC:: MCPP,' A j.)Ossible. 4 PI4(91) * Borrower Inm~ Limits; . Rnrrnwer adjusted inmrre limits for the City of Hopkins program will t.€ based on ~ of mID area rredian inmrre. * HnTTP Purchase Price Limits: HoIT'P pllrchase Price limits will be based on the established MHFA limits. * rp;:,r'JP+-i nglP1'T1gram Rnhancerrents: 'f'hprP wi 1] be no special "tarqetinq" for any population groups nor will there be ;any "trinJF'+-; n']"of area or housing stock. There will be no program enhancerrents assor.iated with the Hopkins proqram. * v-Jhy is the Hopkins Program a (Dad CandiElate? The MCPP is designed to assist I.MI first tirre horrebuyers in the purchase of their first horre. Hopkins is an ideal oommnni ty for this program due to two factors. One, the sinGle-family housing stock is largely made up of "starter horres It which by val UP aye the types of p.mperties which qualify for financing through this program. . 'T'!op r; tv also has a substantial number of mndominiurrs and tcwnhorres (over 15% of it~ Seoondl the Ci of Ho kins has a lower 'than average median inmme which indicates a greater nurrber 0 reSl ents qua 1 lng or asS1S anee. Alsc (2) the City h~ ~ ,high m.llTil?er of individuals who work in Hopkins, but do not live here. Econof!llc Vlabillty_ Provide supporting data to indicate demand and probable fund usage In your market (past real estate activity; Realtor or builder survey information' economiclbusiness expansion, etc.): In 1990, there were a total of 96 single family' homes sold in Hopkins. Of those, 42 sold for $81,000 or less. Additionally, there .,;'prp 13 mndominium sales (all under $81,000) and 9 townhorres, 7 of which sold for under S81.000. Combined there were 62 units sold in 1990 which '.\Duld qualify for HIP Pl""O.[YISPcl Hopkins MCPP Program., 'T'hP IlPdian sales price for single family hones in Hopkins is $84,000 i $35,500 for condominiums and $51,900 for townhones. This data, obtained from the Hennepin Co. Asspssnr I s Office, indicates that there is an anple supply of eligible property in Hopkins qivpn tBe proposed program size. fPmand and usaqe is supported by the fact that 19,100 people work in Hopkins while . only lS.336 live here. Many of those who \'X)rk in Hopkins would choose to live here ij gi ven the opoortuni ty to purchase a hone in the CDImumi ty . Additionally, usage can hP sllppOITPd by the percent of low to m::xJ.erate incorre residents currently living in tl MCPP,!A city. The 1980 census indicates t.lg.at in 1979, the rredian inmrre for Hopkins was (2114/911 $17,318 per year while th(~ metro arect rredian incoID2 was $23 r 837. Therefore, tl1e per~nt of the !?OPulation qualifvinq as low to moderate inCDffi2 is qreater . in Hopkins rh~n rhp m0rTO Arp~ AS ~ wholp. G. NEW CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS - (Twin City Metro Area) Complete this section if your program involves the financing of newly constructed homes. (1 ) New Construction may only be financed with funds provided under the MCPP for the following purposes (check those that apply): D New Construction to replace substandard housing in a designated rehab area, Provide a brief description of the boundaries of the rehab area: . [J New Construction on property acquired and sold directly by ttle city under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Section 282,01, Subdivision 1, regarding tax- forfeited land sales, D New construction which will be developed under one or more of the followinq "affordability initiatives:" ( a) A new construction program which has received a designation under the U.S, Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Affordable Housing Program. (b) Leverage funds from an outside (non-MHFA) source are provided to reduce the property sales price by 5%, Tr18se funds may be provided by either public or private sources, or both, (c) Changes in local construction zoning, ordinances, regulation, or fees which delivers a 5% reduction to the property sales price. ( d) A new construction program where 15% of total labor and material costs are covered by buyer efforts and/or private donation (e.g.: Habitat for Humanity), . (e) Any new construction provided by a nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is the development of housing for low and moderate income buyers. 1.,,\CPP-1A G k1J'91) If your program involves one of the above "affordability initiatives," please note which . initiative(s) (a - e), and provide specifics: . (2) Do you have a set-aside agreement established with a builder, developer, or Realtor as part of one of the above "affordability initiatives" (question #1)? G No 0 Yes - If yes, explain arrangements and provide organization name, contact person, and telephone number for each: H. OTHER Do you have additional statements/documents to submit which are important to complete this proposal? DNa . [!] Yes - If yes, list attached documentation and purpose of same: CITY OF HOPKINS HOUSING ANALYSIS - Docurrent Need '~CPp.1A 7 121141911 _n"'____ L SUPPORTING MARKET DATA (INCLUDE HISTORICAL HOUSING DATA): . (1 ) Population withi n commu nity: 15 t 336 ( 19 80 Census) (2) Provide percent of population for each of the following ranges: (or use your own breakdown which correlates with your data) o - 19 20 - 34 ~9 ?? 0/0 ~ 36 % 64 65 35 to SS 27 % 55:and over 15 0/0 Data resources 1980 Cens us (3 ) Median Household Income $ 17 t 318 ( 1980 Census) (4) Provide percent of households with incomes in the following range (or use your own breakdown which correlates with your data): Under $10,000 74 0/0 24999 $10,000 to $~ 46 0/0 49999 $25,000 to $~ 25 0/0 50000 . $~ or more 5 % Data Resources 1980 Census (5) Total Housing Stock: 1990 Jilli.2 All Dwelling Units 8600 8604 Number/Percent of: Single Family 2435 / 28 % 2430 / 28 0/0 Multi-family (including 6075 / 71 % 6075 /71 0/0 condominiums) Mobile Homes 90 / 1 0/0 99 / 1 0/0 (6) Single Family Homes: 1990 1989 Number/Percent of ~ . Owner/Occupied 2163 / 89 2163 / 89 0/0 % Rentals 272 /11 0/0 267 /11 0/0 New Home Sales 3 / 0 0/0 4 / 0 % ~1CPP'lA 8 (211..::1.'91) Existing Homes Sales 96 I 4 0/0 95 I 4 0/0 . Average Sales Price of New Homes $ NA $ NA Average Sales Price $ 84,000 $ 83,500 of Existing Homes (7) Data Source for Entry items 5 and 6: HOPKINS CITY ASSESSOR I S OFFICE J. PROPOSED CERTIFICATION The information herein is true and correct based on normal and prudent business inquiry. KERSTEN ELVERUM (Name of Person who prepared this proposal) . (Authorized Signatory) NELSON Iv. BERG (Printed or Typewritten Name of Authorized Signatory) Its: Won, V,OR 612/933-6639 (Telephone Number) Forward completed Submission Package to: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency 400 Sibley Street - Suite 300 S1. Paul, MN 55101-1998 Attn: Gene Aho . MCPP,IA 9 (2114i!l1} MINNESOTA r'--~-~._;::> HOUSING C~ FINANCE AGENCY _.__,__:..1 MINNI.SU1^ 1990 IMPORT ANT NEW PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT Date: February 21, 1991 To: Minnesota Cities; City and County Housing and Redevelopment Authorities, Port Author' 'es and Economic Development Authorities From: James J. Sol Commission Subject: Announcement Proposals, The Minnesota City . Participation Program INTRODUCTION: The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Agency) is pleased to both announce and request proposals for the Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP). Through the MCPP, the Agency may sell mortgage revenue bonds on behalf of cities to meet locally identified housing needs. The proceeds of these bonds provide below market interest rate home mortgage loans for low and moderate income first time homebuyers. This resource provides cities throughout the state with a unique new opportunity to easily access housing resources to meet the needs of their citizens. BACKGROUND: In the past, authority for mortgage revenue bonds has been allocated by statute between the state and local governments. Over the years, the mortgage revenue bond authority that was available for local governments was used by relatively few cities. Many cities In need of mortgage revenue bond funds to finance single family housing were not able to devote the resources necessary to either sell bonds of their own accord or participate in a joint issue structured for several local government entities. . In 1990, state lawmakers passed legislation to authorize a new option for accessing mortgage revenue bond financing beginning this year. Under the MCPP, the Agency may access local government mortgage revenue bond authority to sell bonds on behalf of cities that identify local housing needs. The MCPP offers participating cities throughout the state several advantages: 400 Sibley Street, Suite 300, 51. Paul, Minnesota 55101 (612~ 296-7608 Telecopler (612) 296-8139 Equal Opportunity Housing and Equal Opportunity Employment !( , \, -2- .' , Cities may obtain program funds in amounts that fit their needs, especially smaller . . cities. . Cities may identify their own housing goals to meet locally identified needs. These goals may be as wide or as narrow as the city determines as long as borrowers and properties are eligible for mortgage revenue bond financing and the program is financially viable. . Cities may establish house price limits higher than Agency program limits if the local market dictates. Furthermore, cities in the ten county Twin Cities Metropolitan Statistical Area (Twin Cities MSA) may establish adjusted income limits up to 80% of HUD area median income. . Agency staff may provide cities with administrative support both pertaining to the bond sale and to the operation of the program. . The Agency will incur bond issuance expenses that would have normally been incurred by cities selling their own bonds. . Local mortgage lenders are familiar with Agency program administration. . The Agency will provide access to its Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF) for participati ng cities. HAF provides monthly payment and entry cost (i.e., downpayment and closing cost) assistance to more modest income homebuyers. . The Agency will provide communities with individualized program marketing . support to enhance each program's probabi lity of success. FUNDS AVAILABLE: Up to $46 million in bond funds may be available for local government programs, including the MCPP, less the amount of any bonds sold to fund eligible rental housing. Cities may apply for a maximum set-aside in the amount of $4 million or 20% of the bond authority that is available for mortgage revenue bonds after the first Monday in April, whichever is less. A minimum application amount of $250,000 is required. ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS: All cities throughout the state are eligible to submit proposals to participate in the MCPP. Under the MCPP, a "city" means a city as defined in Minnesota Statutes S 462C.02, subdivision 6. Generally, this includes all cities, and city and county housing and redevelopment authorities, port authorities and economic development authorities, (References to "cities" herein is to all entities authorized under this statute.) PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: The primary objective of the MCPP is to provide affordable mortgage financing for low . and moderate income first time homebuyers through the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds. The mortgages provided through the issuance of these bonds typically have interest rates of 11/2 to 2% below market mortgage interest rates at the time of bond issuance. The mortgages provided must meet the requirements of -3- . standard mortgage insuring and guaranteeing entities, mortgage industry accepted underwriting standards, and state and federal law governing mortgages provided through the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds. Among such requirements are that borrowers may not have owned a principal residence for the three years directly prior to the date of the mortgage, must occupy the property as a principal residence within the 60 days of mortgage closing, must not exceed certain income limits, and the purchase price of properties to be financed may not exceed certain purchase price limits. A "pocket guide" describing the requirements of the Agency's mortgage revenue bond program, The Minnesota Mortgage Program, is enclosed herein and provides a description of the requirements typically found in such programs. Borrower Income Limits: Under state law governing mortgage revenue bond programs, borrower adjusted income limits may not exceed MHFA income limits, except in the Twin Cities MSA where adjusted income limits may not exceed the greater of MHFA income limits or 80% of HUD area median income. "Adjusted income" refers to gross annual household income less certain deductions, the most common of which is $1,000 for each resident living in a household. Current MHFA income limits for all Minnesota counties are contained in the enclosed "pocket guide." Currently, 80% of HUD median family income in the Twin Cities MSA is $35,600. . House Price Requirements: Under recently enacted state law, cities have been granted flexibility in establishing their own house price limits under mortgage revenue bond programs, including the MCPP. House price limits may not exceed the greater of (a) MHFA limits or (b) 90% of the median home purchase price in the city for which bonds are sold up to a maximum of 80% of the "safe harbor limits" for existing housing provided under federal law governing mortgage revenue bond programs. Current Agency house price limits may be noted in the "pocket guide" enclosed herein. Eighty percent of the safe harbor limits for existing housing is currently $97,840 in the Twin Cities MSA and $90,240 in the balance of the state. Cities requesting house price limits higher than the Agency's house price limits must include data establishing their median home purchase price in the city in their proposal. The data may be provided in the form of an independent study conducted by the city which reflects at least six months of real estate activity pertaining to closed house sales within the city during the previous 12 months. Flexibility has been provided as to acceptable data sources, which include data accumulated from multiple listing services, appraisers or real estate agents, filings pertaining to closed real estate sales, records from the county auditor pertaining to real estate sales, or other sources that are demonstrated to provide accurate data pertaining to city real estate activity. In cases where cities are planning to provide subsidies to produce more affordable housing opportunities. house price limits may be somewhat higher than the above. . Please contact the Agency for more information if you plan to provide such subsidies. New Construction:, Recently, state legislation pertaining to mortgage revenue bond proceeds was enacted to encourage the financing of existing homes before newly constructed homes. In particular, the legislation was very restrictive regarding newly constructed ~ .. .4- '. 1 homes to be financed in the Twin Cities MSA. In the balance of the state, more . flexibility was provided regarding the financing of new construction. In the Twin Cities MSA, no newly constructed homes may be financed for the first ten months of a program origination period except to meet specific housing affordability objectives specified iri law and/or administrative rule. Specifically, one of the following conditions must be met if new construction is to be provided: . The newly constructed housing must be located in a redevelopment area and is replacing a structurally substandard structure or structures. . The new housing must be located on a parcel purchased by the city or conveyed to the city under Minnesota Statutes S 282.01, subdivision 1 (such statute pertains to tax-forfeited lots). . The new housing must be part of a housing affordability initiative, other than those financed with the proceeds from the sale of mortgage revenue bonds, in which federal, state or local assistance is used to substantially improve the terms of financing or to substantially write down the purchase price of the new housing. The housing affordability initiative must meet one or more of the criteria listed in Attachment 1 hereto. In the balance of the state, mortgage loans may be made for the purchase of newly constructed homes immediately. However, a city must include in its proposal a . description of the steps it will initiate in such areas to encourage loans for existing housing as opposed to new housing. In the event that such steps are taken, they may include, but are not limited to, the housing affordability initiatives specified in Attachment 1. If the city also intends to generally allow financing of newly constructed homes, it should note the reason why this is the case in its proposal. (For example, if the city needs to increase the supply of affordable, newly constructed housing to meet economic development objectives.) In all areas of the state, cities may not provide set-asides or commitments for the exclusive use of builders or developers except for housing affordability initiatives as specified in Attachment 1. Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF): To assist cities with providing more affordable housing opportunities for its modest income residents, the Agency is pleased to provide cities participating in the MCPP with access to the MHFA Homeownership Assistance Fund (HAF). HAF provides eligible borrowers with monthly payment assistance and/or entry cost (i.e., downpayment and closing cost) assistance throug h an interest free, graduated payment second mortgage Joan. HAF is only available to cities participating in the MCPP. HAF is funded through appropriations from the state legislature. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION: Under the MCPP, cities have flexibility in the creation and administration of a program . to address their specific needs. The city may elect to become directly involved in the administration of its program in a capacity that jt determines, or the city may elect to have the Agency provide complete administrative services for the program. . -5- . To participate in the MCPP, cities must arrange with local participating lenders to , originate mortgage loans under the program. Such lenders will be required to enter i into a contract with the Agency as to program and loan origination requirements. Cities may elect one or more specific lenders to deliver their program, or may specify all lenders within the-ir area that are under contract with the Agency to provide for program delivery. However, in its proposal, each city must initially designate at least one local participating lender that will deliver the program and enclose a letter from that lender acknowledging intent to participate. A list of current Agency participating lenders is enclosed. Potential lenders should be informed that they will only be required to pay a modest fee to participate in the MCPP. Specifically, lenders in state MSAs will be required to pay a fee of either $750 or $3,000 (the $3,000 fee is for lenders in the seven county Twin Cities metropolitan area), and lenders in the balance of the state will be required to pay a fee of $200. And, very importantly, lenders will be eligible to participate in both the MCPP and The Minnesota Mortgage Program (the Agency's regular mortgage revenue bond program) by payment of this fee. Thus, if they had planned to participate in The Minnesota Mortgage Program, MCPP participation is free. Finally, lenders should be informed that they will net fee income of at least 2% of the original principal balance of each mortgage loan delivered to the Agency under the MCPP. The Agency is pleased to provide participating cities with expert administrative support . for their program under the MCPP. The Agency will create all contracts, procedural manuals and documents to assure program success. The Agency will select Minnesota-based mortgage servicers to service each borrower's loan. Agency staff will also purchase each mortgage (oan originated under program terms and conditions from participating mortgage lenders. Finally, the Agency will also provide participating cities with public information and marketing support for their program. This marketing support will be individualized to distinguish each city's program from other home mortgage lending programs available. . PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS: Applications tor the MCPP may be submitted to MHFA between 8:00 a.m., April 2, 1991 and 4:30 p.m., April 15, 1991. (In the event that applicable mortgage revenue bond authority remains after April 15, an additional application period will run between July 1 and July 15, 1991.) To apply for mortgage revenue bond authority under the MCPP, the cities must submit the following: 1.. The city must submit the Minnesota City Participation Program Request for Proposal, MHFA Form #MCPP-1 (enclosed) and related supporting documentation. For ease of application, separate proposal forms have been developed for cities in the Twin Cities MSA and cities in the balance of the state. Please be sure that the proper proposal form has been enclosed for your city. . 2. The city must submit a proposal deposit equal to 1 % of its requested allocation. This deposit will be refunded upon the sale of mortgage revenue bonds. The enclosed proposal form and accompanying documentation has been developed to meet all the criteria in state administrative rules governing applications for mortgage --------., - =~ --- , ~ . -6- revenue bond authority. Cities should take great care to thoroughly complete this . application. Among the areas that should be carefully addressed within this application are: · A description of the city's principal housing needs. Some detail in this description is extremely important. · Details of the city's plan for meeting local housing needs. · An outline of the city's specific program proposal which clearly demonstrates/specifies that the program meets all the requirements contained herein. · Information as to the city's intentions pertaining to the financing of newly constructed homes. · Supporting documentation needed to complete the application. In all instances, this will include a letter of intent from at least one potential participating lender. In some cases, this may include documentation that justifies higher house price limits as described above. Under administrative rules pertaining to accessing mortgage revenue bond authority, cities may also apply for the MCPP by submitting alternate documentation as described in Attachment 2. . APPLICATION SELECTION: Within 30 days after the end of the application period, the Agency will convene a meeting to allocate available mortgage revenue bond authority. MCPP applicants may either attend this meeting or designate a representative to this meeting to the Agency in writing. At this meeting, the Agency will negotiate the terms of an agreement to allocate available bonding authority among MCPP applicants and other potential mortgage revenue bond issuers. Upon agreement as to bonding authority and confirmation that the city wishes to proceed under the MCPP, the Agency shall complete arrangements for the sale of bonds funding the MCPP. Prior to doing so, the Agency shall establish procedures as to the period of time that each city may have exclusive use of the funds allocated to it. In doing so, the Agency will attempt to facilitate the proposals of cities while prudently addressing Agency credit risk. OTHER INFORMATION: · Although the advent of the MCPP provides cities with an exciting, new opportunity to access mortgage revenue bond proceeds, the Agency will continue to offer a new Minnesota Communities Program. Under this Program, cities may access MHFA funds on a "spot" basis up to a maximum number per year to be specified. A simple, "user friendly" application process will be devised for this program. Details . will soon be forthcoming. · The MCPP is authorized under Minnesota Statutes ~ 474A.061, subdivision 2a and Administrative Rules 4900.3200 to 4900.3290 (pending). Copies of these materials are available upon request. , Attachment 1 . HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INITIATIVES Under Administrative Rules (pending) governing issuance of mortgage revenue bonds, a "housing affordability initiative" must meet one or more of the following criteria: 1. The new construction program is accepted and/or designated under The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Affordable Housing Program or any successor program sponsored by HUD to encourage affordable, newly constructed housing. 2. The program provides that financial resources other than those necessary to complete the mortgage revenue bond sale are applied to reduce the cost of the housing or improve the terms of the mortgage loans provided through the sale. A contribution greater than or equal to five percent of the purchase price of each newly constructed home to be financed with mortgage revenue bond proceeds must be provided to meet this criterion. Such contributions may be provided either in whole or in part from federal, state, or local government resources or programs, private foundations, or the Federal Housing Finance Board. . 3. The program provides that the applicable local government authority in the jurisdiction in which the houses are to be constructed takes affirmative steps to relax regulation to result in greater housing affordability. Such steps must demonstrably reduce the cost of the housing by at least five percent. 4. The program supports the efforts of housing groups that support self-help and/or owner built housing initiatives in which at least 15 percent of the labor and/or materials needed to complete the construction of each house is acquired or donated through the efforts of such groups. 5. The program provides that the housing is constructed by a nonprofit entity as defined in Minnesota Rules Part 4900.0100, subpart 21, that has as a primary purpose the provision or development of affordable housing to low and moderate income homebuyers. . -7- . . Local governments may also continue to sell their own bonds under the above- . referenced statute and administrative rules if this option better meets their objectives. Local issuers will also be required to apply to the Agency for bond authority at the same time. As the MCPP is a new program, cities will have many questions about the MCPP and developing proposals hereunder. Agency staff will be happy to assist in any way we can. For questions. concerns and additional information I please call the MHF A Homeownership Opportunity Division at (612) 296-7613 and reference the MCPP. We look forward to doing business with you under this exciting new initiative. . . .. . . Attachment 2 . . Alternate Application Procedures Cities may also apply to the Agency for MCPP participation by submitting the following docu me ntation: 1. The city must submit a housing plan as described in Minnesota Statutes S 462C.03, subdivisions 1 and 1 a, and 2. The city must provide information which clearly establishes that the program to be funded with mortgage revenue bonds meets the requirements of the program pertaining to borrower income limits, house price limits, limits on new construction both in the Twin Cities MSA and outside the Twin Cities MSA and restrictions on builder set~asides (see Minnesota Rules Part 4900.3220, subpart 2 through 7), and 3. The city must request a specific allocation from the housing pool which may not exceed the lesser of $4 million or 20% of the total amount available for allocation after the first Monday in April. The minimum allocation that may be requested IS $250,000, and . 4. The city must describe, if applicable, the steps it will initiate in non-metropolitan areas to encourage loans for existing housing before new housing, and 5. The city must submit an application deposit equal to 1 % of the requested allocation. It would also be helpful if cities that want to apply for the MCPP through this method submit a letter referencing the desire to participate in this initiative as opposed to issuing bonds on their own behalf or through a joint powers agreement. However, a city may also designate that it wants to participate under the MCPP after submitting this documentation. .