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Best Practices Review Summary #03-05a OFFICE OF THE STATE OF M~NESOTA LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR Preserving Housing: A Best PractiCes Review April 16, 2003 This study identified best practices for local governments that have decided to become involved in preserving housing. Housing provides shelter, but quality housing also contributes to This review recommends best practices for preserving housing and profiles local governments and organizations using the practices. neighborhood and economic vitality and sustains local mx bases. Housing strategies will vary from city to city, and each strategy has its own best practices. Local governments should follo~ best practices in preserving housing, and when they work with othersmhousing and redevelopment. authorities (HRAs), economic development agencies, community action agencies, nonprofit housing organizations, and regional development commissionsmthey should ensure that best practices are followed. Recommended Best Practices: Cities that have not identified their housing needs should do so by analyzing information in the context of long-range planning and strategic thinking. Cities should set housing goals and objectives, evaluate possible responses, and select strategies aligned with their objectives. · Jurisdictions that administer housing-related codes should facilitate voluntary compliance, apply and enforce codes consistently, use a variety of enforcement methods, and target enforceme~nt resources. · Jurisdictions that adrrfinister the State Building Code should publicize code requirements, offer technical assistance, make the perrrfit process convenient, ensure consistent enforcement, and consider code compliance alternatives for existing · residential buildings? · Cities that offer financial assistance for preserving housing should ['md partnerships that give cities the capacity to take advantage of myriad complex programs. Program administrators need to manage, project risks and identify clients. · Cities that support access to housing information or expertise should seek collaborations, identify residents' information needs, and provide information in a variety of ways. · Cities that offer access to repair and rehabilitation services, such as weathefization or acquisition and rehabilitation programs, need to manage those services', planning, implementation, and marketing. · To determine how well housing strategies meet objectives, cities should periodically evahate them. Room 140, 658 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55155 -- Telephone: 651-296-4708 -- Fax: 651-296-4712 -- E-mail: auditor@state.mn.us