New Units (1996-2007)
2010 LCA Goals
% Progress Towards 2010 Goals
Land Use Planning Act (LUPA) Affordable Housing Goal, 2011-2020, New Units
Metropolitan Council Housing Performance Score
Out of 100 (100 = highest)
2008: 73
Housing Performance Score is generated by the Metropolitan Council’s Guidelines for Priority Funding For Housing Performance.
2008 Housing Performance Scores (PDF - 138 KB)
All Metro Communities
2007 Housing Performance Scores (PDF - 12 KB)
All Metro Communities
2006 Housing Performance Scores (PDF - 10 KB)
All Metro Communities
Units affordable at 50% or less of Regional Family Median Income
Total Housing Units
% Affordable
Households at 50% or less of Regional Median Family Income with Housing Problems
Total Households at 50% or less of Regional Family Median Income
% with Problems
Note: The median family income for the Twin Cities was $65,800 in 2000 (or $32,900 at 50% of median).
Housing affordability numbers are adjusted by family size. Housing affordability matches the number of persons in a family to units with different numbers of bedrooms (e.g. a 4-person family is matched to 2 bedroom units). Income limits to affordable housing costs are also adjusted higher for larger families (greater than 4 people) and lower for smaller families (less than 4 people).
Housing problems are defined as household cost burden greater than 30% of income and/or overcrowding (more than 1 person per room) and/or without complete kitchen and plumbing facilities.
In the event that the Southwest Corridor light rail line is built, it will provide a major transit-oriented development (TOD) opportunity for the city. TOD locations often provide an excellent opportunity to include affordable housing.
Local residents of the faith-based advocacy group ISAIAH are working on getting strong housing policies in the city's comprehensive plan. For more information, call Maureen at ISAIAH - #(612) 333-1260 x 221.
An interview was conducted with an official from Eden Prairie's planning or community development department in Spring of 2006, shortly after the Metropolitan Council's calculations for affordable housing need numbers were made public. A summary of key issues addressed in the interview is below:
According to the Met Council's recent report on "Determining Affordable Housing Need in the Twin Cites," Eden Prairie's affordable housing need number is 685 units for 2010-2020. Our source felt that these goals were high and not feasible. Our source identified the following problems and obstacles to meeting these goals: land costs and lack of available land. The new affordable housing goals do not make a distinction between affordable rental and affordable for-sale housing, and our source felt that more rental housing would result. Our source was not sure how the new goals compare to Eden Prairie's LCA goals. Eden Prairie plans to use the need number established in the Met Council's report as the affordable housing target in its comprehensive plan update.
Actions
Eden Prairie has kept a database tracking the supply of low- and moderate-income housing for at least three years. It has used the following programs to develop and facilitate the development of affordable housing: TIF, CDBG, and land trusts. Data on Eden Prairie's use of some specific policies and programs is not available.
Eden Prairie has solicited proposals from the local HRA or other developers for building low- and moderate-income housing. It has not acted as a proposer or developer of low- and moderate-income housing. Our source indicated that Eden Prairie has transit-oriented development opportunities, which will make a positive difference in its ability to produce more affordable housing. Our source felt that with additional funding, Eden Prairie could accomplish its affordable housing goals.
Obstacles and Challenges
Data on aspects of city zoning ordinances, permitting processes or other requirements that discourage or prevent adding to the supply of low-and moderate income housing is not available. Data on specific local practices that may limit the development of low- and moderate-income housing is also not available.
Our source reported that Eden Prairie has approximately 95 acres of undeveloped land that is zoned residential and allows ten or more units per acre. Our source felt that in order to meet its affordable housing goals, Eden Prairie needs to redevelop its "Major Center Area" and associated workforce housing.
