Resident and Real Estate Services Department (RRES) performs the statutory functions of Hennepin County Auditor as its staff manages the administration and disposition of State of Minnesota tax-forfeited lands (TFL). Hennepin County’s TFL properties are acquired under laws governing the enforcement of nonpayment of real property taxes. Revenues from TFL sales are deposited into the Forfeited Tax Sale Fund agency fund. County expenses and operating costs incurred as a result of management of tax-forfeit properties are first paid from that fund before an annual net settlement of the proceeds is made to the prescribed taxing subdivisions. TFL properties traditionally have been returned to the productive property taxpaying rolls through the means of public auctions, adjacent owner auctions of unbuildable parcels, and direct sales to cities, housing and redevelopment authorities, and other governmental subdivisions for housing and economic redevelopment, or by repurchase and return to former owners.

RRES established the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Home Rehabilitation Pilot Program to provide contracting opportunities for certified SBE firms (including emerging women- and minority-owned small business enterprises) in targeted communities, to achieve improved housing opportunities for Hennepin County residents. Nine tax forfeited properties are in the process of being rehabbed by the SBEs. RRES seeks to sell these properties through an alternative method, including the use of a real estate broker as provided in Minn. Stat. § 282.01, subdivision 4(c).