Background:
History: Data from the Hennepin County Eviction Dashboard indicates that the top four zip codes in the county for number of eviction filings and highest eviction filing rates are 55411 and 55412 in Minneapolis, and 55443 and 55429 in Brooklyn Park. In 2018, HOMELINE, in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA), found that of the eviction cases filed in 2015 through 2017 in Brooklyn Park, 61 percent of eviction cases were filed by four owner groups with most filings (98 percent) taking place along the Zane Avenue Corridor between 63rd Avenue North and 83rd Avenue North. In addition, three-quarters of evicted households in HOMELINE’s Brooklyn Park analysis were African American or Native American.
In response to these findings, Brooklyn Park is seeking support to further investigate the issues of eviction, housing stability, and renter quality of life. The year-long research project would involve interviews with 30 tenants and 10 landlords and would be developed in collaboration with a variety of community members and stakeholders. The estimated study cost is $78,000. Brooklyn Park is also seeking support from Minnesota Housing and philanthropic partners.
Evictions and eviction filings have significant impacts on current and future resident housing stability. Understanding the factors behind evictions is essential to develop ways to increase housing access, stability, and quality, and reduce racial disparities.
The Brooklyn Park study, along with the work already completed in Minneapolis (supported by Hennepin County through the Hennepin University Partnership), will provide the county with a broader understanding of evictions in both its urban and suburban areas.
This contract is before the board because the City of Brooklyn Park has other contracts with Hennepin County which in total exceed $50,000.
Current Request: Authorize negotiation of a participation Agreement PR00001314 with the City of Brooklyn Park for a Qualitative Study of Evictions during the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, in the not to exceed amount of $15,000.
Impact/Outcomes: The Brooklyn Park study, along with the work already completed in Minneapolis, will provide the county with a broader understanding of evictions in both its urban and suburban areas.