What We Do

The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) of Cook County is a government authority established by and operating within the jurisdiction of Cook County. According to Minnesota State Statute, HRA’s exist for the following purposes:

1) To provide a sufficient supply of adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in order to protect the health, safety, morals, and welfare of the citizens of this state.

2) To clear and redevelop blighted areas.

3) To perform those duties according to comprehensive plans.

4) To remedy the shortage of housing for low and moderate income residents, and to redevelop blighted areas in situations in which private enterprise would not act without government participation or subsidies.

Residents in Cook County have struggled with housing shortages and for decades. According to the recent Housing Needs Analysis (available HERE), Cook County could absorb over 500 new units by the end of 2026. The HRA is working diligently to understand the types and locations where these units should be built and is working with a variety of partners to get shovels in the ground for new, attainable housing.

To learn more about the HRA’s goals and where we are going, please see the Strategic Plan!