2000 Best Practice Awards

Best Practice: Government on Display Exposition: Mall of America 2000

Mall of America Exposition Displays Fair Housing Booths Among Several Government Programs

Bloomington. Under the direction of the Minnesota Federal Executive Board, more than 50 state and federal agencies provided displays, rotunda performances, military demonstrations, seminars and other activities at the Mall of America in February 2000. The event showcased the diverse range and high quality of government programs in an exciting family-oriented display, offering more than 350,000 citizens a chance to interact with government first-hand for three days. It was the largest government event staged in a mall, thereby using a venue that has become the nation’s town square. Combining a festive atmosphere with a clearinghouse for information and services, the exposition included the naturalization of 55 citizens, the unveiling of a new national stamp, free tax assistance, small business seminars and entertainment. The Minnesota U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office was responsible for public affairs and promotion, the career fair and the coordination of more than 30 displays, including its booth promoting fair housing and homeownership. The project received the Hammer Award from Vice-President Gore in its first year (1999), and its success continued this year with increased participation by both agencies and citizens.

Contact: Raymond W. Morris, Phone: (612) 713-7200
Tracking Number: 2361
Winning Category: Geographical

Best Practice: Metro Housing Options -- Minneapolis/St. Paul

Affordable Housing and Training Opportunities Available for Section 8 Renters of the Twin Cities

Minneapolis. Metro Housing Options is a collaborative of two nonprofit agencies and three public housing authorities that assists Section 8 participants in locating affordable housing in low-poverty neighborhoods that offer quality housing, employment and education. Affordable housing is virtually non-existent in the Twin Cities' metro area, and vacancy rates are extremely low. Many of the vacant units are not an option for Section 8 participants because rents are high or landlords do not accept Section 8 tenants. Further, many landlords have misconceptions about Section 8 and low-income tenants. To remedy this problem, outreach coordinators contacted more than 1,300 landlords, more than 110 of who agreed to work with Metro-counseled families. These landlords represent more than 12,000 rental units, including many that were not previously available to Section 8 renters. Housing social workers provided mobility counseling to 168 families, of which 59 used their Section 8 voucher in low-poverty neighborhoods. In addition, many of these families improved their credit and rental history, obtained employment or returned to school, all steps towards self-sufficiency that may not have been taken without the program.

Contact: Joel R. Salzer, Phone: (612) 879-5303
Tracking number: 1533
Winning Category: Geographical

Content Archived: April 20, 2011