The City Council on Dec. 1 considered a $105,000 forgivable loan request from the Minot Housing Authority for façade improvements at 108 East Burdick and rejected the request after extended debate about eligibility and program intent.

Council members raised concerns that the façade improvement program was designed to incentivize private investment and questioned whether a government or quasi‑government entity should receive public façade funds. Staff and the applicant, Tom Alexander (executive director of the Minot Housing Authority), explained the applicant’s funding sources (federal capital funds, rents, and HUD programs) and noted the housing authority is a quasi‑government agency with an appointed board. City staff clarified the program’s geographic eligibility is tied to the Central Business District zoning; past nonprofit applicants had been previously accepted under the program.

After discussion and questions about private investment goals, maps used for eligibility, and whether county or school buildings could also qualify, council voted. The motion to approve the forgivable loan failed (roll call recorded in the meeting transcript).

Why it matters: The vote clarifies the council’s reluctance to use façade program funds for entities perceived as public or quasi‑public rather than private property owners, and highlights ambiguity in program maps versus zoning boundaries that staff said must be reconciled.

What’s next: Staff indicated they will check zoning and eligibility details; the housing authority said it will rely on capital funds for the project. Council did not approve the forgivable loan.