HRA preps for busy spring as projects, possible merger with EDA move into spotlight

April promises to be a busy month for the Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).

Proposed housing projects and a possible merger with the the local Economic Development Authority (EDA) are among two of the areas of focus for the local organization.

The merger of the HRA and EDA moved two steps closer to becoming a reality last month. The boards representing both local organizations voted to approve merging the EDA and HRA into a single entity. The EDA Board voted 4-1 to approve a resolution that includes the merger during a meeting March 14 at the courthouse in Grand Marais. The HRA Board followed suit the following day, approving the measure on a unanimous vote.

Despite approving the resolution, officials from both entities insist any possible merger of the EDA and HRA remain in a preliminary phase. The most significant steps remaining in the process will include getting approval from the Grand Marais City Council and the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Both the city council and the county board are likely to vote on a resolution to merge the HRA and EDA at some point in April. If a merger were to occur, current HRA Director Jason Hale would likely lead the merged entities, according to preliminary discussions.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence and Joe Friedrichs recently spoke with Hale about the start of a busy spring for the local organization. Listen to the March 31 interview in the audio below.

Joe Friedrichs April 4, 2023