Purpose

To provide state funding for a statewide housing mediation program that helps renters, rental property owners, and homeowners resolve disputes peacefully and avoid evictions where possible.

Main provisions

• Funding: The bill would allocate $2,200,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $2,200,000 in fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota’s general fund to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The money would go as a grant to Community Mediation Minnesota to run the statewide housing mediation program.
• Program goals: The program will offer housing dispute resolution services to renters, property owners, and homeowners; raise awareness and access to these services across the state; and provide mediation services for housing issues, including eviction prevention and navigation help.
• Service delivery: Services can be provided both virtually and in person.
• Partnerships: The program will work with culturally specific dispute resolution programs to train mediators and assist with mediation and resolution.
• Focus on vulnerable groups: The program aims to increase mediation services for seniors and renters with disabilities or illnesses who face housing instability.
• Mediator roster: The program aims to increase the diversity and cultural competency of the housing mediator roster.
• Integration with other services: Mediation services will be integrated with navigation and resource connection services, as well as legal assistance and court services programs.
• Evaluation and administration: The program will develop and use evaluation tools to design, modify, and replicate effective outcomes, and cover necessary administrative expenses.

Changes to existing law (significant changes)

• Establishment of a new statewide housing mediation program funded by the general fund, administered through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency by a grant to Community Mediation Minnesota.
• A broad expansion of housing dispute resolution services, with emphasis on eviction prevention, accessibility, cultural competency, and coordination with legal and court systems.
• Formal commitment to evaluate program outcomes and to partner with culturally specific mediation programs to reach diverse communities.

Funding timeframe and administration

• Fiscal years covered: 2026 and 2027.
• Administration: Funds allocated to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to grant Community Mediation Minnesota for program operation.

Relevant Terms - housing mediation program - eviction prevention mediation - dispute resolution services - navigation services - virtual mediation - in-person mediation - culturally specific dispute resolution programs - mediation roster - diversity and cultural competency - seniors - renters with disabilities - housing instability - legal assistance - court services programs - evaluation tools - administrative expenses - general fund - Minnesota Housing Finance Agency - Community Mediation Minnesota