WHAT IS THE ACADEMY?
The Housing Academy works to build housing development capacity within southern Minnesota communities through support, networking and continuing education on affordable housing development, planning and financing.

The Academy seeks to engage a broad group of community, business and organizational representatives in activities that build their capacity to provide high-quality housing planning and, development services and projects. The Academy provides a point for interface between funders and housing development providers, and supports the region's competitive standing in housing projects and resources.

HOW DOES THE ACADEMY FUNCTION?
The Housing Academy consists of regular training and networking opportunities. Participants within the Academy may also initiate from time to tome projects and activities that involve collaboration with housing interests in southern Minnesota. Also, the Academy provides tools for those working in the field.

Academy meetings are free and open to all interested attendees. Each month participants are welcome to share news of housing related projects and topics. If meetings are held over lunch there will be a lunch charge.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Housing Academy collectively educates and empowers the Southern Minnesota Community to develop housing resources to develop economic vitality.

LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
The Housing Academy Steering committee initiates, leads and implements the activities of the Housing Academy seminars. The steering committee provides a mechanism for peer review and endorsement of concepts, proposals and projects as appropriate to the work of the Housing Academy.

The Steering Committee is comprised of 6-12 volunteer members. Primary responsibilities of the Housing Academy Steering Committee include:

• Annually review the mission and purpose of the Housing Academy and provide recommendations to participants.

• Set annual meeting calendar and priority topics.

• Annually recruit volunteer Steering Committee members representing various sector of community and economic development.

Southern Minnesota Housing Academy events are held at the Owatonna Arts Center in Owatonna Minnesota. If you have any questions please or call Shirley Lee at (507) 287-7117