Tribune staff editorial

It makes sense for the City of Albert Lea to cut the Housing and Redevelopment Authority loose, to be governed by an authority separate from the city.

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

It makes sense for the City of Albert Lea to cut the Housing and Redevelopment Authority loose, to be governed by an authority separate from the city.

Having a body that devotes its full attention to the needs of the city’s extensive housing responsibilities would bode well. By administering several federal programs, the city has become responsible for nearly 200 rental units, as well as a program that helps low-income residents with their rent.

Having those responsibilities assigned to a few people at city hall – who have dozens of other daily responsibilities to keep the city running – is asking for trouble in a way. When the HRA is one of many projects sharing somebody’s time, there’s no way it can get the same attention as if somebody were given just that purpose.

By sheer volume alone, the housing tools at the city’s disposal are a valuable resource, and changing the HRA to an agency apart from the city is the best way to help that resource realize its full potential.