HRA approves income flexibility for housing applicants, seeks board members

The Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved a policy at its Sept. 16 meeting that allows 10% flexibility in area median income limits for applicants at housing developments.

The change applies to HRA-supported housing, including Gunflint Vue and The Heights in Grand Marais, and will also apply to future projects receiving Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA).

HRA Executive Director Jeff Brand said the change gives some flexibility when an applicant’s income is slightly above the established limit. Brand said this situation has come up only a handful of times with prospective tenants since Gunflint Vue opened last year, and once at The Heights.

A percentage of the apartments at the Gunflint Vue and The Heights are income-restricted units based on the area median income (AMI). The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency determines AMI by county, which it uses to set reduced-rent parameters. The agency uses wage surveys to determine the maximum annual gross income for an individual and sets housing costs at no more than 30% of that income.

During its September meeting, the HRA also discussed plans for the property behind Birch Grove Community School on Cook County’s West End. The HRA is exploring a community land trust model for the first phase of the property, which is roughly 29 acres.

Brand said the goal is to explore housing options that could be attainable for young families and seniors while supporting the West End workforce. The HRA is considering several potential approaches, including working with One Roof Community Housing and potentially seeking proposals from developers.

The community land trust would essentially lock the land in perpetuity, and parcels would not be sold to individuals. Instead, an individual would own the home on top of the land and could sell it if they so choose. Brand said the community land trust model would reduce the home’s price and make it more attainable for individuals.

“What it will do is it allows people to have meaningful homes that don’t cost a lot of money,” Brand said.

Brand said over the next few months, the HRA will continue exploring potential options regarding the community land trust option.

The HRA is also seeking applicants for two upcoming board vacancies representing Districts 4 and 5. Current Chair Bill Gabler and Vice Chair Chris O’Brien are stepping down after their terms end at the end of this year. Gabler and O’Brien have served on the HRA since its creation in 2021.

“We thank them for their involvement from the beginning of the HRA and their even handedness to getting the HRA off the ground,” Brand said.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Oct. 7. Applicants must live in District 4 or District 5.

For more information about the HRA board openings, visit the Cook County website or submit an application ONLINE: https://cocookmn.civicweb.net/Portal/BoardApplication/

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Cook County HRA Executive Director Jeff Brand following the Sept. 16 meeting. Audio below.

Kalli Hawkins September 22, 2026