Laserfiche WebLink
Nate Ruppert, Lennar, introduced himself and stated that he is also a Board member for Elevate <br />Hope House and has been directly involved in the last two builds. He stated that it has been <br />awesome to see the excitement and involvement of trade partners and spoke about the <br />commitments they received for products and labor in those last two projects. He estimated that <br />$200,000 to $250,000 in donations were received for the project currently being built, and believed <br />that those types of donations would carry over towards this project. He stated that the Lennar <br />Foundation has also committed to continuing a partnership with Elevate Hope House, noting that <br />the donation for the last project was $200,000. He stated that there is a commitment towards this <br />project, but he cannot disclose the amount being discussed at this time. <br /> <br />Member Hills asked if there is any idea of how much the Lennar Foundation provides in charitable <br />donations annually. <br /> <br />Mr. Ruppert stated that for every home Lennar builds, $1,000 is contributed to the foundation, and <br />those funds are spread across each division. He stated that in recent years, locally, about $500,000 <br />has been allocated each year. <br /> <br />Member Stewart understood that Lennar has residential experience and asked about the company’s <br />experience in commercial builds. <br /> <br />Mr. Ruppert stated that locally, the division mostly builds residential units and commented on the <br />similarities between this type of build and townhomes. He stated that they also have a <br />commercial/mixed-use division, and they have constructed apartment buildings in the metro area. <br />He stated that they have also built amenity centers, which are a similar product. <br />John Heinrich, Anoka County Commissioner, introduced himself and provided his perspective as <br />a County Commissioner. He stated that the County has provided LAHA funding to Elevate Hope <br />House in the past and can speak to the good work the organization has done with that funding. He <br />commented on how the organization has brought together the community, not just for those they <br />serve, but also those who donate and assist with the projects. He spoke about his experience <br />working with the organization on a project in 2019. He stated that more people have become <br />aware of the mission and want to be involved. He stated that he will be golfing at a tournament in <br />July that is focused on fundraising for this project. <br /> <br />Julie Braastad, Anoka County Commissioner, introduced herself and stated that, as a previous <br />member of the Ham Lake City Council, she has more extensive experience with the organization <br />and its mission. She stated that Elevate Hope House has been a great partner, not just to the cities <br />they belong to, but to those they serve. She stated that in her role at the County, they have been <br />able to assist the organization in its mission for funding through CDBG. She commented that the <br />organization invests in the communities they build in and helps to address the issue of affordable <br />housing. She believed this would be a good use of Ramsey’s LAHA dollars. She commented that <br />the organization not only provides housing but also teaches the skills needed to be successful going <br />forward. She thanked the City for considering this request. <br /> <br />Olivia Sprosty, project architect, stated that she has been working with Ms. McDermott on the <br />project's feasibility and has contributed her time to develop the concepts shown and work with <br />EconomicDevelopment Authority/June 11, 2026 <br />Page 4 of 11 <br /> <br />