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HRA reports long voucher waiting list and housing assistance spending; plans to reopen wait list
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Summary
The HRA reported recent housing-assistance payments of roughly $94,000 (Nov) and $92,000 (Dec), a waiting list of 198 people (116 Fergus Falls residents), and a public housing inventory of 67 units; staff said the waiting list was closed last year and is expected to reopen in about six months.
Michael, representing the HRA, updated the committee on voucher programs, payment standards and public housing inventory.
He distributed handouts, including an attorney general’s guide to tenant and landlord rights, and explained how HRA programs define eligibility by area median income bands and set payment standards (rent plus utilities). Michael said the HRA’s board had approved payment standards that on average equate to about 105% of HUD’s published fair market rents for 2026 and that some neighboring agencies have requested higher payment standards to find enough rental units for participants.
Michael reported Housing Assistance Payments plus utility reimbursements of $94,194 in November and $92,219 in December 2025. He said the HRA’s waiting list stood at 198 people, of which 116 are primary residents of Fergus Falls; the waiting list was closed a year ago when it approached nearly 300 and average wait times have been about 18 months or longer. Michael said the HRA expects to reopen the waiting list within about six months and described program mechanics, including that participants generally pay 30% of gross income toward rent (the agency can allow up to 40% in some cases).
On public housing, Michael said the HRA has 67 units total, 59 of them at Riverview Heights; two vacancies exist at Riverview Heights and the HRA is processing applications. He noted that roughly half of Riverview Heights tenants receive customized living or home‑care services from New Dimensions, which operates out of the same building.
Councilors thanked Michael for the report and scheduled future quarterly updates.
