Dakota County CDA Outlines Goals

A very comprehensive Hastings City Council meeting took place on Monday night with a series of thorough presentations from several factions and departments. The first item on the agenda was a presentation from Tony Schertler, from the Dakota County Community Development Agency which was an overview of the goals, strategies and responsibilities of the CDA which operates on a 61.6 million dollar annual operating budget in one of just four Minnesota tax credit supported districts. The other three are Minneapolis, St. Paul and Duluth. A total of 109 Full Time employees are responsible for the administration of the CDA which has a multitude of functions including providing 2,800 units of youth , Senior housing, workforce housing throughout the County. The CDA also provides financial support through partnerships with cities for redevelopment housing in a very tight housing market. A vacancy rate of just 1.7% for supported housing availability means a waiting list for some of between 12 and 24 months. Involved in the CDA framework of support is dedicated work force centers to propel employment opportunity and connections, programs to develop desirable and necessary amenities in core communities such as libraries, parks, and trails, ensuring necessary and efficient infrastructure including highways, transit, and telecommunication availability, and support of a stable tax rate for livability standards. Some of the recognized challenges are shared among all community service providers a changing workforce, an unprescedented percentage of the population being Senior Citizens and the reduction of federal monies to provide some of the service currently available. The CDA’s presentation was also an opportunity to continue the partnership with the City of Hastings to create financial possibilities for future projects benefitting members of the county.

Click here for audio