Housing

The United Way of Bemidji Area will accept proposals that address area housing needs from qualified organizations through Oct. 31.

The two informational sessions on Oct. 3 will discuss a new homeownership option for Itasca County, where potential buyers could receive up to $70,000 in assistance for a down payment and closing costs.

Plus: new labor laws in the state include one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked; and Itasca County HRA will host two informational sessions on Oct. 3 about homeownership through community land trusts for qualified buyers.

The city plans to develop single-family housing on roughly 34 acres of city-owned land behind the Highland Park neighborhood and wants to include the community in the process.

With Bemidji's renter-occupied housing rate nearly twice the state's average, local inspector Ben Hein debuts Rental Housing seminar to join landlords, tenants, local government and local resources.

The Grand Rapids City Council approved the sale of city land and tax increment financing, or TIF, for the project, led by an Alexandria-based business.

As housing and economic development remain top regional concerns, Hubbard County is considering addressing both with a combined housing and economic development authority.

With partners Beltrami County Health and Human Services and Bi-County Community Action Plan, or BiCAP, the new seminar seeks to eliminate barriers to housing conversations.

The site was selected after local organizers convinced the Council to change its mind about developing Cobb Cook Park. Funding from the state is required for the project to advance.

In a special meeting Monday, the Hibbing City Council and the HRA discussed an alternative site after the Council canceled the Cobb Cook Park purchase agreement.