Project-Based Vouchers (PBV) are among the most effective tools MPHA has to help build new and sustain deeply affordable housing across Minneapolis. In alignment with Minnesota Housing’s annual consolidated RFP deadline, MPHA recently awarded 126 PBVs to seven different housing developments across Minneapolis. Across the seven projects, a total of 454 new homes at various affordability levels have been proposed. At least 75 percent of MPHA’s 126 PBV units will be available to residents at or below 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), with the remaining being reserved for those at or below 50 percent AMI.

Rather than the traditional tenant-based Housing Choice Vouchers (“Section 8”) awarded to an individual or family, PBVs sit with physical building units. This provides developers a long-term source of revenue via federal housing subsidies and access to a list of potential residents through MPHA’s Housing Choice Voucher waiting list. For the tenant, PBVs take the burden off individuals needing to secure their own housing from a Section 8-eligible landlord and instead creates a pipeline of subsidy-ready units across the city for qualifying families and individuals.

The PBV program at MPHA has been incredibly successful. Since 2019, MPHA PBVs have accounted for more than half of all deeply affordable homes built in Minneapolis. Further, the agency has committed to helping develop at least 150 new units of deeply affordable housing each year over the next five years as a part of the agency’s new, five-year strategic plan. Recent PBV projects have included the Hillock and the Calvary Apartments.

Projects included in this round of PBV awards:

1345 Central
Solheim Development was awarded 12 PBVs as a part of a 60-unit building at 1345 Central Ave NE in Northeast. Located near transit, retail, and recreation on Central Avenue, this project will be in an amenity rich area to serve its residents. The building’s first floor will have 20,000 square foot of production space dedicated to support employment or creative production.

2116 Nicollet
Alliance Housing Inc. was awarded 16 PBVs for its 54-unit project at 2116 Nicollet Avenue in the Whittier neighborhood. Near healthcare, government services, and public transportation, 2116 Nicollet will uniquely serve high-priority homeless, disabled, and low-income populations.

901 Cedar
Reuter Walton Development was awarded 10 PBVs for its 126-unit affordable housing development at 901 Cedar Avenue in the Seward neighborhood. The 901 Cedar PBVs will serve larger families with two- and three-bedroom apartments. The building will offer tenants community amenities including a fitness area, a community room, laundry on each floor, and underground parking.

Agate Housing
Agate Housing & Services and Trellis Co. were awarded 22 PBVs for its new 48-unit mixed-use development at 2800 27th Avenue S in the Longfellow neighborhood. The building will incorporate a relocated shelter along with supportive services, gathering spaces, communal dining, and a health clinic.

Cheatham
Trellis Co. was awarded another 32 PBVs for its 98-unit project, the Cheatham, at 3716 Cheatham Avenue in the Howe neighborhood. The 32 PBV units will be two- and three-bedrooms, which are highly sought after to serve larger family sizes. The Cheatham is in an opportunity area and close to public transit.

LOMA
VY Management was awarded 16 PBVs for its 62-unit development, The LOMA, at 3246 Nicollet Avenue in the Lyndale neighborhood. The 62-unit building will be a mixed-use, culturally relevant development serving seniors and their families. The PBVs will support three-bedroom units serving seniors living in multi-generational households.

Sabathani Family Housing
Sabathani Community Center was awarded 18 PBVs as it develops a 72-unit building at 310 38th Street E in the Central neighborhood. This affordable housing development will take advantage of Sabathani Community’s geothermal heating and cooling, empowerment programing, food shelf, along with proximity to public transit. The building’s PBVs will serve families with two- and three-bedroom units.

###

The agency welcomes interested builders or developers to contact (pbvrfp@mplspha.org) to inquire about the benefits of PBVs, the RFP and bidding process, as well as how PBVs are awarded. MPHA’s Project-Based Voucher Request for Proposals process is on a rolling basis.