Inclusionary Housing Policy: affordable rental units

In an effort to promote the creation of affordable housing in new multifamily residential developments, the city council adopted the Inclusionary Housing Policy in June 2015 (amended in 2024). The policy requires the inclusion of affordable housing units in new, market rate multi-unit residential developments receiving financial assistance from the city. The inclusionary housing program guide is a tool designed to assist owners with compliance with the inclusionary housing policy.

Since the policy was adopted, the following multifamily rental buildings have been constructed and include affordable units at 50% and 60% of the area medium income (AMI). For information on availability, please contact the development directly.

• Arbor Court, 3775 Woodale Ave S - 114 units at 30%, 50% and 60% AMI
• Caraway, 5235 Wayzata Blvd. - 8 units at 60% AMI
• Corsa, 3440 Beltline Blvd. - 25 units at 50% AMI
• The Shoreham, 3030 France Ave. S. - 30 affordable units at 50% AMI
• 4800 Excelsior, 4800 Excelsior Blvd. - 18 affordable units at 60% AMI
• Central Park West, 1511 Utica Ave. S. - 6 affordable units at 60% AMI
• Arlo West End, 1325 Utica Ave. S. - 5 affordable units at 60% AMI
• Elmwood (55+), 5605 W. 36th St. - 17 units at 60% AMI
• Parkway Residences, West 31st Street - 24 units at 50% AMI; 6 units at 60% AMI
• Rise on 7, 8115 Hwy 7 - 120 units between 30% AMI and 80% AMI
• Risor (55+), 3510 Beltline Blvd. - 18 units at 50% AMI
• The Mera - 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Boulevard - 47 affordable units at 50% AMI
• The Quentin, 4900 Cedar Lake Road - 8 affordable units at 50% AMI
• Union Park Flats - 6027 W 37th St. - 60 affordable units from 30% -60% AMI
• Zelia on Seven, 5855 Hwy. 7 Service Road - 22 affordable units at 50% AMI, 65 affordable units at 60% AMI
• VOLO, 7920 Minnetonka Blvd. - 22 affordable units at 50% AMI

Current St. Louis Park Utility Allowance.

Current income and rent limits.

Affordable Housing Trust Fund 

In 2018 the city established an affordable housing trust fund (AHTF). Housing trust funds are distinct funds established by city, county or state governments that receive ongoing dedicated sources of public funding to support the preservation and production of affordable housing. 

Current affordable housing policy and use guide.

Multifamily housing dashboard 

The multifamily housing dashboard shows the total number of rental units and the number of affordable units created since the inclusionary housing policy was adopted. It does not reflect the total number of affordable rental units in the city. The dashboard also includes a second tab, affordable housing goals, that shows the progress the city is making towards the affordable housing goals set by the Metropolitan Council. 

Tenant protection ordinance

The St. Louis Park City Council adopted an ordinance enacting a tenant protection period following the sale of an affordable housing building. The goal is to protect lower-income tenants in the city.

The ordinance was recommended by a city-convened workgroup advocating for the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). NOAH properties are rental buildings where at least 18% of the units have rents that are affordable to households with incomes at or below 60% area median income (AMI).

Under the ordinance, new owners of affordable housing buildings would be required to pay relocation benefits to tenants if the owner increases the rent, re-screens existing residents or implements non-renewals of leases without cause within a three-month period following the ownership transfer of the property and the tenant chooses to move due to these actions.  

The relocation benefits (rounded) by apartment size:

The tenant protection ordinance packet outlines the requirements of the ordinance and provides resources to help owners and property managers understand the ordinance.

St. Louis Park is the first city in the state to adopt such an ordinance.

Guide to managing high energy bills

Check out our guide to managing high energy bills to see what programs are available to help with high or difficult to pay energy bills.