Purpose

This bill provides a one-time, capital investment appropriation to support accessible housing. Specifically, it would authorize $600,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development to grant Accessible Space Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, money to improve and upgrade low-income, accessible housing units in Rochester. The funds are available until the project is completed or abandoned, and the-spending is subject to Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642.

Main provisions

• Amount and source: $600,000 from the general fund in FY 2026.
• Recipient and purpose: A grant to Accessible Space Inc. to construct improvements and other capital-level betterments to accessible housing units located at 1680 Eastwood Road SE and 3461 Kenosha Drive NW in Rochester.
• Administration: The commissioner of employment and economic development would administer the grant.
• Type of spending: One-time capital investment (not ongoing funding).
• Project scope: Limited to the specified Rochester properties and related improvements.
• Timing and conditions: Funds remain available until the project is completed or abandoned, in accordance with Minnesota law (16A.642).

Significant changes to existing law

• Creates a new one-time capital investment appropriation for Accessible Space Inc. to fund improvements to accessible, low-income housing in Rochester.
• Does not create ongoing programs or recurring funding; it is a single-use allocation guarded by existing appropriation laws (16A.642).

Rationale and expected impact (summary)

• Goal: Improve and expand accessible housing options for low-income residents in Rochester.
• Impact: Provides targeted funding to upgrade and modernize specific housing units to meet accessibility standards, potentially improving safety, accessibility, and quality of life for residents.

Related entities and terms (for context)

• Accessible Space Inc. (the grant recipient)
• Rochester, Minnesota
• Low-income housing
• Accessible housing units
• Capital improvements / improvements and betterments of a capital nature
• General fund
• Commissioner of employment and economic development (DEED)
• Fiscal year 2026
• Addresses: 1680 Eastwood Road SE and 3461 Kenosha Drive NW
• Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642

Relevant Terms Accessible Space Inc. Rochester low-income accessible housing units capital investment grant general fund commissioner of employment and economic development fiscal year 2026 1680 Eastwood Road SE 3461 Kenosha Drive NW one-time appropriation Minnesota Statutes section 16A.642