MN SF160

Commissioner of human services shall convene a task force and develop a plan by July 3, 2020 to reduce the homeless encampment at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis by obtaining housing for individuals currently living there at shelters or other facilities meeting health and safety needs, including COVID-19 care and resources.

Task force shall consult with county agencies, city officials, state commissioners, nonprofit and private housing entities, public members, and other stakeholders with experience serving homeless individuals or addressing homelessness crises.

Commissioner shall develop medium-term and long-term solutions and policy recommendations by December 30, 2020, including legislative proposals for the 2021 session to reduce homeless encampment proliferation in Minneapolis and St. Paul through increased shelter funding, rental assistance, affordable housing, and housing for individuals earning less than 30 percent of area median income.

Recommendations shall address homeless individuals' ongoing COVID-19 care and resources needs, and provide policy recommendations to reduce and prevent homelessness and reduce criminalization of homeless individuals.

Appropriates unspecified fiscal year 2020 amounts from the coronavirus relief fund to the commissioner of human services for implementing the Powderhorn Park encampment plan and ongoing homelessness solutions as one-time appropriations.