The bill S.F. No. 2423 proposes the establishment of the African American Workforce and Affordable Homeownership Development Program in Minnesota. The program aims to provide grants for housing and workforce development projects specifically targeted at African Americans.

Key Provisions:

1. Program Establishment

   • The program will award grants to cities, Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, housing cooperatives, and community land trusts.
     
   • The objective is to create affordable homeownership opportunities for African Americans while utilizing African Americans in the housing production workforce.
     

2. Use of Funds

   • Grants can be used for:
     • Land acquisition
       
     • Environmental cleanup
       
     • Design costs
       
     • Housing rehabilitation
       
     • Construction training
       
     • Job placement activities
       
     • Affordable single-family housing development
       
   • Funds will also support:
     • African American-run business development programs
       
     • Job training and placement programs
       
     • Housing organization capacity-building efforts
       

3. Grant Eligibility

   • Projects must serve African American households earning 80% or less of the state median income.
     

4. Application Process

   • The Commissioner of Housing Finance will develop application procedures with input from African American stakeholders selected by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage.
     
   • Grants will be awarded semiannually from available appropriations.
     

5. Funding Allocation

   • An appropriation from the state’s general fund will be provided for fiscal year 2026 to support the program.
     

This bill seeks to address racial disparities in homeownership and economic opportunities for African Americans in Minnesota by investing in housing development and workforce involvement.