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| housing bond issues: overview |
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| What are housing bond issues? Housing bond issues are general obligation bonds dedicated to affordable housing. General obligation bonds are bonds that state or local governments issue to raise funds for an activity the jurisdiction wishes to support. The bonds are repaid through tax levies or appropriations by the legislature. In many jurisdictions, a special vote of the electorate is needed to authorize the issuance of such bonds. In some cases, a ballot measure for the issuance of general obligation bonds also will authorize a specific tax to pay for the bonds. While challenging to secure, general obligation bonds (and other types of publicly issued bonds) can provide an indispensable form of flexible funding for the development of affordable homes. What problems does this policy solve? General obligation bonds are an important financing source for public works projects, including the development of affordable housing, that do not generate sufficient revenue to pay for themselves. Because the bonds are repaid out of general revenue or a dedicated tax, the funds raised by the bonds function as equity, reducing the gap between project costs and the public and private sources of financing available for a project. General obligation bonds can be particularly effective when used as gap funds to leverage federal funding streams, such as 4 percent tax credits. General obligation funds also can be used to support state or local housing programs that do not qualify for federal funds. Where is this policy most applicable? Any state or locality can issue general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing projects. Since the need for voter approval is the key obstacle to issuing general obligation bonds, the ability to do so will vary according to public opinion and the jurisdiction's legal and political environment. | Solutions in Action |
 Minnesota City Participation Program (MCPP) - Minnesota Housing Finance Agency sells mortgage revenue bonds on behalf of cities to create funding allocated for housing needs. The proceeds of these bonds provide below-market interest rate home mortgage loans for moderate and low-income first-time homebuyers. The Minnesota City Participation Program provides cities throughout the state with a great opportunity to access housing resources to meet the needs of their citizens. Usage and Participation Report [PDF] For more information contact Tal Anderson: tal.anderson@state.mn.us |
 Click here to leave the Minnesota Toolbox and learn more about using general obligation bonds to finance affordable homes on the national version of HousingPolicy.org Go back to learn about other policies that generate capital |
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