In this episode of The Community Effect, NeighborWorks America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez speaks with Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing, about the challenges and solutions shaping the future of rental housing. From rising costs to zoning changes to financing strategies, they discuss how communities can expand access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
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How does an actor-turned-community developer transform housing access in Seattle? Join Marietta Rodriguez as she sits down with Darryl Smith, CEO of HomeSight, to explore his unique journey and the creative ways HomeSight is breaking down barriers to homeownership. From innovative lending models to anti-displacement policies, hear how HomeSight is making an impact in one of the country’s most expensive housing markets.
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In the second installment of “The Future Now,” Marietta Rodriguez continues her conversation with Chris Herbert of the Harvard Joint Center on Housing and Michael Butchko of NeighborWorks America. They discuss NeighborWorks’ new strategic plan, the pressing need for affordable housing, and emerging innovations in supply, financing, and cross-sector partnerships. From social housing to modular construction and shared equity, the episode explores what’s next for housing and community development in 2025 and beyond.
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In this insightful episode of The Community Effect, host Marietta Rodriguez, President and CEO of NeighborWorks America, is joined by Chris Herbert from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies and Michael Butchko of NeighborWorks America to explore the trends and challenges shaping the future of housing and community development. Reflecting on 2024’s milestones, they discuss the growing affordability crisis, innovative policy responses, and NeighborWorks’ impactful initiatives, including partnerships and training programs. Tune in to gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of 2025, and don’t miss Part 2 for a deeper dive into NeighborWorks’ strategic vision for lasting change.
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Pine Villa offers 1-bedroom apartments plus a community room and a park-like setting within easy driving distance of Park Rapids and Wadena. Updated in 2017, most units feature walk-in showers and newer appliances and floor coverings. Each unit has air conditioning, and there is ample on-site parking.
Pine Villa offers affordable, independent living and is a one-of-a-kind offering within our group of properties. Constructed for disabled and elderly adults, it is our only community that allows pets and the only one with rent set at 30 percent of the resident’s income. Income and program limits apply.
Call 218-847-5641 for an application and information or email Amanda Parteka.
Hancock Terrace is a well-kept apartment located on a tree-lined street in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Most of the apartments are two-bedroom units, and garages are available. Features include dishwashers, air conditioning, an on-site laundry room, and balconies on the upper floors. Heating cost is included in the monthly rent.
The city of Hancock, Minn., is a small, prairie community with its own school system, parks and municipal utilities. There also is a bank, library and other basic services. The town of Morris, Minn., is only about 10 miles away, with both a college and medical campus, plus other amenities. Welcome to the good life!
((MMCDC frequently refers businesses to the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers for technical assistance and, in 2024, sponsored the West Central SBDC’s new hybrid class, FastTrac. We asked our local WCSBDC director what challenges early-stage businesses face and how SBDC helps. This is the first in a Q&A series.)
By Ian Carlstrom, Regional Director of the West Central Small Business Development Center
Ian Carlstrom, Regional Director, West Central Minnesota Small Business Development CenterOften these businesses started without a plan, or found out that they’ve outgrown their plan, so our programs are a great way to regroup after those first year(s) in business.
FastTrac is also a fantastic way for multiple owners to gather around the table and work ON the business; they’re often so busy working IN the business that they just need a dedicated time and space to focus on planning. This is also a great program for parents handing the business down to the kids. The parents want to feel confident that the next generation has some sort of plan to start with, and again they often don’t find the time to do this themselves.
Other common challenges for small businesses:
Trying to do too much, lack of focus: FastTrac helps people prioritize, evaluate, and focus on what’s important now and what’s next after that. Phase 1, transitioning to Phase 2: Often at this point the business has experienced some success, but what got you here doesn’t always get you there – maybe what got you here isn’t even working anymore. So, they’re ready for Phase 2 of their business — market penetration, growth / scale, creating processes and efficiency. Feeling alone: Many businesses fundamentally experience the same challenges (time management, cash flow and profitability, talent acquisition and retention, building a customer base, marketing and sales, family / friends don’t get it, etc.). They often take these things personally without realizing these are common problems that all businesses deal with. These cohort model programs help normalize these problems and create a platform for peer-to-peer learning, often building life-long friendships.Click here to learn more about the many services offered by the West Central SBDC.
Click here to learn more about MMCDC’s business lending programs.
Click here to see MMCDC’s Helpful Resources page for small businesses.
MMCDC President Julia Nelmark testified before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, July 30, in Washington, D.C. Read all about it in a press release from the New Markets Tax Credit Coalition, published by accesswire.com: Impact of New Markets Tax Credit Program Highlighted During Senate Finance Committee Hearing (accesswire.com)
The New Markets Tax Credit is one of the most effective tools we have for community development. — Julia Nelmark
This three-bedroom, two-bath home offers 2,160 square feet, with a finished basement and two-stall garage, located in the new Greenwood Neighborhood.
The Greenwood subdivision features a paved, off-street walking trail to the front and a dedicated city green space to the rear. The 60-by-125-square-foot lot is served by street, utility and other city services.
For more information or a showing, contact Jeff at the Northwest Minnesota Housing Cooperative.
Learn more at www.mmcdc.com/first-generation-homebuyer-program-lender-application/
