HOME American Rescue Plan Self-Scoring Worksheet

Last Updated: January 2026

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, religion, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, familial status, gender identity, or sexual orientation in the provision of services.
An equal opportunity employer.
This information will be made available in alternative format upon request.

Contents
Instructions and Requirements
Claiming of Points
A.	Multifamily Workbook Check
B.	Unit Types
C.	Rent Requirements
D.	Commitment Documentation
E.	Geographic Scoring
F.	Documentation of Points
G.	Documentation of Units
H.	Design Standards
I.	Declarations
J.	HOME ARP Alignment
HOME ARP PROGRAM SELECTION CRITERIA
1.	Greatest Need Tenant Targeting
2.	Capacity & Feasibility
3.	Increasing Housing Choice
4.	Building & Construction Characteristics

Instructions and Requirements
The HOME American Rescue Plan (ARP) Self-Scoring Worksheet (HOME ARP SSW) sets the selection criteria and funding priorities that Minnesota Housing will use to prioritize applications requesting HOME ARP funds that are selected through the HOME ARP Request for Proposals (RFP). Additionally, the HOME ARP SSW is intended to address commonly asked questions and to clarify document submission requirements.
Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the HOME ARP SSW, the HOME ARP RFP Standards, and the applicable criteria in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide to be eligible for points. To submit and claim points as outlined in the HOME ARP SSW, all applicants must complete the HOME ARP Scoresheet available on Minnesota Housing’s HOME ARP website. Additionally, all documents referenced in this HOME ARP SSW can be found on Minnesota Housing’s HOME ARP webpage.
When selecting projects for funding in the HOME ARP RFP, Minnesota Housing considers the total amount of points achieved in conjunction with such factors as feasibility, amount of total funding requested, available resources, geographic distribution and ability to complete the development in a timely manner.
Minnesota Housing reserves the right to reject applications not meeting its project selection requirements, to revise proposal features and associated scoring to help ensure the project meets the requirements.
Unless otherwise stated, capitalized terms are defined in Appendix A of the HOME ARP Program Guide.

Claiming of Points
An award is based upon the information provided in the application. The project is required to comply with all selection criteria that are claimed and awarded. This includes any due diligence/reporting requirements after selection and for the term of the declaration. Failure to comply could result in the loss of the award as well as the assessment of penalty points.
A.	Multifamily Workbook Check
Look for the  symbol throughout this HOME ARP SSW, as a reminder to cross check the scoring documentation and scoring narrative with the Multifamily Workbook to ensure consistency. 
Minnesota Housing will review the rent grid in the Multifamily Workbook against the HOME ARP Scoresheet submitted. Applicants should indicate the correct rent limit, income limit, program type and the source of rental assistance/operating subsidy in the Multifamily Workbook. If the Multifamily Workbook does not align with the HOME ARP Scoresheet, applicants may lose points.
Unless otherwise indicated in this HOME ARP SSW, in the situation that the unit count and the percentage of units provided in the Multifamily Workbook do not align with the HOME ARP Scoresheet, Minnesota Housing will do the following:
•	If the number of units indicated in the Multifamily Workbook is greater than the number of units claimed in the HOME ARP Scoresheet and required in the HOME ARP SSW, Minnesota Housing will use the number of units entered in the HOME ARP Scoresheet for scoring.
•	If the number of units indicated in the Multifamily Workbook is less than the minimum number of units required in the HOME ARP SSW for claiming points under a particular selection criterion and/or less than the number of units claimed in the HOME ARP Scoresheet, Minnesota Housing will defer to the lower number in the Multifamily Workbook and will remove points in the HOME ARP Scoresheet. In the instance of tiered categories, the points will be adjusted downward.
B.	Unit Type Definitions 
Pay attention to the unit types when completing calculations.
•	Total units – all units in a project, including common space or employee units. Common space or employee units should be included in the numerator and denominator when the calculation is based on total units.
•	Restricted units – HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units and HOME ARP Low-Income Units. Common space or employee units should be omitted from the numerator and denominator when the calculation is based on restricted units. Restricted units are used to determine the required unit mix and establish the number of units implementing the HOME ARP Preference.
C.	Rent Requirements
Applicants must submit the correct rent limits related to scoring in the Multifamily Workbook for each unit. Minnesota Housing may remove points for incorrect rent limits. Monthly gross rents in the Multifamily Workbook, including the Tenant Paid Utilities, must be within the published rent limit. Multifamily rent and income limits are available on Minnesota Housing’s Multifamily Rent and Income Limits webpage.
D.	Commitment Documentation
Minnesota Housing will review all commitment documentation submitted in the application. Documentation with conflicting information may result in a loss of points. Documentation must be current (not expired), project-specific and fully executed and state the amount committed (for example, dollar amounts for service funding, voucher amounts for rental assistance). Minnesota Housing will use the amount stated in the commitment documentation to award points. If no amount is stated or if the dollar amount varies from the HOME ARP SSW, points will be reduced accordingly. Unless otherwise indicated in the HOME ARP SSW, acceptable commitment documentation may include standard, generally applicable conditions with which any recipient of similar funds would have to comply in order receive such funding.
E.	Geographic Scoring
Applicants must reference the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide (Methodology Guide) for all applications to the HOME ARP RFP. The geographic based selection criteria are mapped in the Community Profiles based on applicable methodology sections found in the Methodology Guide. In the event of any conflict between the text of the Methodology Guide and the maps in either the Community Profiles or the Methodology Guide, the text has precedence. In the event of any conflict between or among the Community Profiles, the Methodology Guide, and the HOME ARP SSW, the HOME ARP SSW has precedence. Applicants should refer to the HOME ARP SSW prior to claiming points. 
Minnesota Housing uses the primary address for a proposed project when scoring all geographic criteria. Minnesota Housing recognizes, however, that property boundaries for a project may extend beyond the primary address. To account for this, if any segment of the property boundary intersects the given geographic scoring criteria in question, it is eligible to receive those points. The following applies:
•	If the primary address provides the correct score, then no further documentation is needed.
•	If the primary address does not score or receives a lower score than another part of the property, provide documentation that highlights the property boundary and its proximity to the scoring criterion.
F.	Documentation of Points
Scoring is submitted for the HOME ARP RFP through the Secure Upload Tool. Using the HOME ARP Scoresheet, mark the selection criteria expected for your project. Where indicated in the HOME ARP SSW, the applicant must also submit documentation that clearly supports the points claimed. All documentation is submitted through the Secure Upload Tool.
Minnesota Housing will determine the eligible points; points may not be awarded unless the required documentation is provided along with the application to justify the points claimed.
During the competitive process, Minnesota Housing’s review of the submitted HOME ARP Scoresheet is only to validate that the points claimed are eligible, to reduce points claimed if not eligible and to determine points awarded. Minnesota Housing will not award additional points that are not initially claimed by the applicant. Many performance obligations are created by the claiming of certain scoring points. As such, Minnesota Housing will not assume the position of creating any such performance obligations on behalf of the applicant.
G.	Documentation of Units
In the HOME ARP Scoresheet, mark the number of units for each selection criterion expected for your project, including HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units and HOME ARP Low-Income Units, as applicable. Minnesota Housing will not award points if the necessary number of units is not included in the HOME ARP Scoresheet. The number of units will also be validated in the Multifamily Workbook and may result in a loss of points if the documentation is not consistent. When calculating a percentage for the criterion, all units must be rounded up to the next full unit.
H.	Design Standards
The project must meet the requirements in the 2025-26 Minnesota Housing Rental Housing Design/Constructions Standards. Additional design requirements will be imposed if points are claimed/awarded that require specific design elements such as Universal Design and Enhanced Sustainability.
I.	Declarations
A deferred loan declaration covering the income and rent restrictions and occupancy requirements presented at selection must be recorded against the property.
J.	HOME ARP Alignment
All projects must meet the following HOME ARP requirements for consideration:
•	At least 70% of the units assisted with HOME ARP funds in each project must be reserved for occupancy by Qualifying Populations (HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units), as defined in Section IV.A of the HOME ARP Notice.
•	No more than 30% of the units assisted with HOME ARP funds in each project can be reserved for occupancy by Low-Income Households (HOME ARP Low-Income Units), as defined in 24 CFR 92.2. HOME ARP Low-Income Units may only be located in projects containing HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units.
Minnesota Housing staff will validate that applicants have demonstrated how the project meets the requirements of HOME ARP related to Restricted Units in the Multifamily Workbook. Applications that do not meet this requirement may not be eligible for a HOME ARP award.

HOME ARP SELECTION CRITERIA
1.	Greatest Need Tenant Targeting
A.	Units Restricted for Occupancy for Qualifying Populations Units (7 to 17 Points) 
1.	The proposal is for a project that provides housing not restricted to persons 55 years old or older and restricted for occupancy for the HOME ARP Qualifying Populations for the HOME ARP Compliance Period. The owner agrees to market to all four of the Qualifying Populations. HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units may be required to restrict rents not to exceed the greater of 30% of the household’s monthly income or the most current Supportive Housing Standard for the unit size, as published annually by Minnesota Housing in the Multifamily Underwriting Standards in the Supportive Housing Standards section.
	Select one:
a.	 50% to 100% of the total units, but no fewer than 20 units (17 points)
	Number of Units: 
b.	 10% to 49.99% of the total units, but no fewer than 7 units (10 points)
	Number of Units: 
c.	 5% to 9.99% of the total units, but no fewer than 4 units (7 points)
	Number of Units: 
	Supporting Documentation
Minnesota Housing will validate the units with the submitted Multifamily Workbook. The percentage calculation uses the number of total units in the project.
B.	HOME ARP Preference for Households Experiencing Homelessness (7 to 30 Points)
1.	Projects that agree to give priority to households who meet the definition of “Homeless” under Section IV.A.1 of the HOME ARP Notice when selecting tenants for HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units (HOME ARP Preference). The HOME ARP Preference points are based upon the total number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units that will serve HOME ARP Preference households in the project.
	The HOME ARP Preference must apply to all HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units in the project, therefore, the units claimed below must be equal to the total number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units. 
	The project must include at least four HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units, and these units must implement a tenant preference to households that qualify under the HOME ARP Preference. The units claimed below cannot exceed the total number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units in the project.
	HOME ARP Low-Income Units do not count toward the total number of HOME ARP Preference units for scoring.
	Select one:
a.	  20 units or more (30 points)
	Number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units: 
b.	  7 to 19 units (10 points)
	Number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units: 
c.	 4 to 6 units (7 points)
	Number of HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units: 
	Requirements for HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units and HOME ARP Preference:
The applicant agrees to pursue and continue the renewal of rental assistance, operating subsidy or service funding contracts for as long as the funding is available. HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units that are occupied by households without rental assistance may be required to restrict the gross rents, including an allowance for tenant-paid utilities, at the greater of 30% of the household’s monthly income or the most current Supportive Housing Standard for the unit size, as published annually by Minnesota Housing in the Multifamily Underwriting Standards in the Supportive Housing Standards section. The owner must establish and implement policies and procedures used to determine the appropriate rent amount and periodic income recertification to adjust rents. Owners must follow income determination regulations as described in the HOME ARP Notice Section IV.B.12.
All projects are required to comply with any due diligence/reporting requirements after selection and for the term of the declaration. Failure to comply could result in the loss of the award as well as the assessment of penalty points. Declarations and Minnesota Housing loan documents may contain performance requirements related to the HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units and HOME ARP Preference and may be recorded with the property.
C.	Supportive Housing Model (3 to 15 points)
1.	Providers will deliver, with a designated service provider, housing stability services and implement a strong service plan for HOME-ARP Qualifying Population Units. 
	Select one:
a.	 Project has an identified Designated Services Provider, committed funding to provide services, and a services plan that describes how the services will meet the needs of the Qualifying Populations (15 points)
b.	 Project has an identified Designated Services Provider, pending application for funding to provide services, and a services plan that describes how the services will meet the needs of the Qualifying Populations (8 points)
c.	 Project has an identified Designated Services Provider, a plan for funding to provide services, and a services plan that describes how the services will meet the needs of the Qualifying Populations (3 points)
	Supporting Documentation
Minnesota Housing will validate all information with the submitted Multifamily Workbook and application materials. Documentation must come directly from the funding source identified in the Supportive Housing Narrative and may include:
•	Commitment letter(s)
•	Grant agreement(s)
•	Housing Support Funding Commitment Letter
•	Developer/owner commitment to use developer fee, cash flow, or organizational budget. 
•	If funding is from the operating budget, the Multifamily Workbook and Supportive Housing Narrative are sufficient. 
•	Letters from service providers indicating that they have grant funding is not adequate documentation; documentation/verification must come from the funding source.
	Template Documents to Submit as Supporting Documentation
•	Supportive Housing Narrative 
•	Notification to CoC & County/Tribal Human Services
2.	Capacity & Feasibility
A.	Experience Owning and Operating Housing Projects for Qualifying Populations (2 to 15 points)
1.	The proposal is from an applicant with demonstrated experience owning and operating a housing project for one or more of the Qualifying Populations such as projects with set-aside units for tenants experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, and/or fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence or human trafficking. The applicant’s experience may include operational responsibilities fulfilled directly or through third‑party property management partners within its housing portfolio.  The applicant may only count properties it owns that are located in Minnesota and meeting on-going compliance requirement to demonstrate experience and to be eligible for the points below.
	Select one:
a.	  Smaller Scale & Minimal Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate at least one property that is a smaller scale project (less than 80% of current proposed total units) with at least 5% of units designated for housing at least one Qualifying Population (2 points)
b.	  Similar/Larger Scale, Minimal Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate similar-scale projects (more than 80% of current proposed total units), with at least 5% of the units designated for housing Qualifying Populations (6 points)
c.	 Smaller Scale & Moderate Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate at least one property that is a smaller scale project, with more than 10% of the units designated for housing at least one Qualifying Population. (8 points)
d.	  Similar/Larger Scale, Moderate Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate similar-scale projects, with at least 10% of the units designated for housing Qualifying Populations (10 points)
e.	 Smaller Scale & Significant Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate at least one property that is a smaller scale project, with more than 20% of the units designated for housing at least one Qualifying Population. (12 points)
f.	  Similar/Larger Scale, Significant Qualifying Population Inclusion. Own and operate similar-scale projects, with at least 20% of the units designated for housing Qualifying Populations (15 points)
	Template Documents to Submit as Supporting Documentation
•	Rental Housing Narrative
B.	Development Experience (1 to 8 points)
1.	At least two entities within the development team have experience developing properties in compliance with federal requirements. Projects are considered federally funded for this selection criterion if the project received funding from HOME and/or NHTF and are meeting on-going compliance requirements. 
	Developer/Owner/Sponsor experience (select one):
a.	 Owned and/or operated project with federal funding source on a smaller scale (less than 80% of current proposed total units) than current proposal. (1 point)
b.	  Owned and/or operated similar or larger scale (more than 80% of current proposed total units) and project with federal funding more than (5) years ago. (2 points)
c.	 Owned and/or operated project with federal funding source of similar or larger scale than current proposal with federal funding less than 5 years ago. (3 points)
	Development team experience (select all that apply):
a.	 The applicant has previously worked with the proposed architect to develop a affordable housing project with HOME and/or NHTFs. (1 point)
b.	  The applicant has previously worked with the proposed general contractor to develop an affordable housing project with HOME and/or NHTFs (1 point)
c.	 The applicant will utilize development consultants and other external resources to manage project development and applicant has worked with these consultants and external resources to develop an affordable housing project with HOME and/or NHTFs. (1 point)
d.	 The applicant’s current staff includes project managers and financial analysts experienced in the development of affordable housing with HOME and/or NHTFs. (1 point)
	Supporting Documentation
Minnesota Housing will validate information with the submitted application materials. Minnesota Housing will also access information and data from Minnesota Housing’s portfolio to validate information provided.  
	Scoring Dependencies
•	Only projects in good compliance located in Minnesota qualify
•	For the purposes of the HOME ARP RFP, less than five years ago means from 2020-Present
C.	Project-Based Rental Assistance (6 to 19 Points)
1.	For projects that have a commitment for project-based rental assistance.
	This includes:
•	New or transferred project-based rental assistance that was executed within the past 15 years.
•	Transfers of existing Section 8 contracts under the Section 8(bb) notice to new construction projects or existing developments that currently have no existing federal assistance. 
	The binding commitment is project-based by written contract or for project-based vouchers awarded in accordance with 24 Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter IX, Section 983.51. For the purposes of this category, project-based rental assistance is defined as a project-specific funding stream that supports the operations of the property, reduces the tenant rent burden and provides for the tenant paid portion of rent to be no greater than 30% of household income.
	The project agrees to continue renewals of the existing project-based rental assistance contract(s) for a minimum of 15 years from the later of the last placed-in-service date for any building in the property or loan closing. The applicant agrees that rents will remain affordable and will not exceed the Low HOME rent for HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units and High HOME rent for HOME ARP Low Income Units for a 15-year period if the rental assistance is not available for the full period. If the unit is a HOME ARP Qualifying Populations Unit, it may be required to restrict rents not to exceed the greater of 30% of the household’s monthly income or the most current Supportive Housing Standard for the unit size, as published annually by Minnesota Housing in the Multifamily Underwriting Standards in the Supportive Housing Standards section.
	Minnesota Housing, at its sole discretion, will consider rental assistance programs with alternative rent structures as proposed by the applicant, where households may pay more than 30% of their household income when the program goals align with the needs of low-income populations such as with the Moving to Work and site-based Housing Support programs. For all other types of rental assistance programs with an alternative rent structure, the applicant must submit commitment documentation that includes details regarding the rent structure, tenant- paid portion of rent as a percentage of household income, program structure, goals and population served.
	The list below includes potential programs that may be considered project-based rental assistance, but the list is not all-inclusive:
•	Moving to Work
•	Site-based Housing Support (Formerly known as Group Residential Housing)
•	Project-based McKinney Vento Continuum of Care funding will be considered project- based rental assistance.
•	Project-based rental assistance provided by a Tribe, Tribally designated housing entity or Tribal corporate entity.
•	Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHSDA)
•	A past award of existing rental assistance, including HUD Section 811 PRA, will be counted toward meeting the required percentages.
	Programs may contain additional eligibility criteria that may conflict with HOME ARP requirements and will be reviewed for long term compliance if the project-based assistance is layered in HOME ARP Qualifying Population Units or HOME ARP Low-Income Units. Information about eligibility and selection must be provided in the HOME ARP Rental Housing Narrative.
	Minnesota Housing has determined that the following do not qualify for this selection criterion:
•	An operating subsidy will not be considered project-based rental assistance.
•	Privately funded rental assistance does not qualify an applicant to claim this criterion.
•	A current request for rental assistance, such as HUD Section 811 PRA, does not qualify an applicant to claim this criterion. The HUD Section 811 PRA letter of determination letter is only a notice of eligibility determination and is not a commitment.
	Select one:
a.	 100% of the total units will have project-based rental assistance (19 points)
	Number of Units: 
b.	 51.1% up to  100 % of the total units (16 points)
	Number of Units: 
c.	 20.1% to 51% of the total units (13 points)
	Number of Units: 
d.	 10.1% to 20% of the total units, but no fewer than four units (10 points)
	Number of Units: 
e.	 5% to 10% of the total units, but no fewer than four units (7 points)
	Number of Units: 
f.	 Fewer than 5% of the total units, but no fewer than four units (6 points)
	Number of Units: 
	Supporting Documentation
The calculation is based on the total units in the project. Minnesota Housing will validate the number of units and all other information with the submitted Multifamily Workbook. The units must be marked as rental assistance on the rent and income grid in the Multifamily Workbook and the type of rental subsidy should be indicated. Provide a project-specific, fully executed binding commitment from the entity that will provide the project-based rental assistance and include the number of units.
Documentation could include:
•	Binding Resolution, or
•	Binding Letter of Approval, or
•	Memo of Understanding, or
•	Executed written contract.
Documentation that will not be accepted:
•	A Letter of interest is not sufficient as a commitment.
•	HUD Section 811 PRA letter of determination; the letter is only a notice of eligibility determination and is not a commitment.
Housing Support: The Housing Support Commitment letter must be completed by the county or Tribe for the jurisdiction where the housing will be located. The letter must specify that the commitment is for the proposed property. If a service provider elects to commit Housing Support units from an existing contract for tenant-based Housing Support, a commitment letter from that organization must be submitted along with an approval letter from the county to allow the commitment.
3.	Increasing Housing Choice
A.	Access to More Affordable Housing (2 to 6 Points)
1.	Projects located in communities where there is a low share of affordable rental housing compared to all housing options or a large share of renters that are cost burdened by their rent, as outlined in the Access to More Affordable Housing Methodology in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide. 
	Select one:
a.	 The proposed housing is in a Tier 1 Tract or City(ies), Tribal Reservation(s), Dakota Communities or Tribal trust lands: Those in the 66.67th percentile or higher for the share of cost burdened renters or in the 0 to 33.33rd percentile for having a low share of affordable rental housing compared to all housing options in a community. Tribal Reservations, Dakota Communities and Tribal trust lands are also considered Tier 1 for having a need for more affordable housing. (6 points)
b.	 The proposed housing is in a Tier 2 Tract or City(ies): Those in the 33.34th to 66.66th percentile for the share of cost burdened renters or in the 33.34th to 66.66th percentile for having a low share of affordable rental housing compared to all housing options in a community. (4 points)
c.	 The proposed housing is in a Tier 3 Tract or City(ies): Those in the 0 to 33.33rd percentile for the share of cost burdened renters or in the 66.67th to 100th percentile for having a low share of affordable rental housing compared to all housing options in a community. (2 points)
	Supporting Documentation
If claiming points under this selection criterion, you must select the criterion, and the geographic location will be verified by Minnesota Housing staff. Refer to the Access to More Affordable Housing Methodology in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide for more information.
	Scattered Site
At least 51% of the total units must be located within a geographic location that meets the requirements for the selection criterion. Applicants are eligible to claim a proportional amount of points, as determined by the proportion of the total units that meet the requirements for the selection criterion.
B.	Workforce Housing Communities (3 to 6 Points)
1.	Projects located in or near a city or township needing workforce housing (communities having a large number of jobs or job growth, individual employer growth or having a large share of their workforce commuting long distances, as outlined in the Workforce Housing Communities Methodology in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide). 
	Select one:
a.	 The proposed housing is in a Top Job Center or Net Five Year Job Growth Community. (6 points)
b.	 The proposed housing is in an Individual Employer Growth Community where an individual employer has added at least 100 net jobs (for permanent employees of the company) in that community during the previous five years, as evidenced by documentation signed by an authorized representative of the company, subject to validation by Minnesota Housing. (6 points)
c.	 The proposed housing is in a Long Commute Community. (3 points)
	In the Metropolitan Area, project locations must be within five miles of a workforce housing city or township. In Greater Minnesota, project locations must be within ten miles of a workforce housing city or township.
	Supporting Documentation
Provide evidence that the proposed development is located in or near a city or township that meets one of the following items below. Refer to the Workforce Housing Methodology in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide for more information.
	Top Job Center or Net Five Year Job Growth Community
If claiming points under this selection criterion, you must select the criterion, and the geographic location of the proposed development will be verified by Minnesota Housing staff.
	Individual Employer Growth Community
If claiming points under this selection criterion, you must provide a letter signed by an authorized representative of a single local employer documenting that at least 100 net new jobs for permanent full- or part-time employees have been added during the previous five years within that community.
	Long Commute Community
If claiming points under this selection criterion, you must select the criterion, and the geographic location of the proposed development will be verified by Minnesota Housing staff.
	Scattered Site
At least 51% of the total units must be located within a geographic area that meets the requirements for the selection criterion. Applicants are eligible to claim a proportional amount of points, as determined by the proportion of the total units that meet the requirements for the selection criteria criterion.
C.	Transit and Walkability (1 to 9 Points)
Communities with access to transit, either fixed route or demand response and/or walkable areas with nearby amenities.
If applicants would like to request revisions of a location’s Walk Score, they should email Walk Score directly with details of the request to mhfa-request@walkscore.com. Walk Score staff will review the request and make any necessary adjustments to scoring with 45 business days. If an address cannot be found in the Walk Score tool, use the closest intersection within one-quarter mile of the proposed location.
Select one:
1.	 Metropolitan Area. For projects in the Metropolitan Area, indicate if the project is located in a community with transportation, access to transit and/or walkability.
a.	Access to Transit: To claim access to transit in the Metropolitan Area, a project must be (Select one):
i.	 Located within one-half mile of a planned or existing Light Rail Transit (LRT), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), or a Metro Transit Hi- Frequency Network transit stop. Planned stations include those eligible for Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Demonstration Account (LCDA) Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Grants but does not include express bus stations; (7 points)
ii.	 Located within one-quarter mile of a high service public transportation fixed route stop, which is defined as those with service from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. that have a frequency of service approximately every half hour during that time, located within one-half mile of an express bus route stop or located within one-half mile of a park and ride lot; or (4 points)
iii.	 Served by demand response/dial-a-ride with prior day notice. This excludes Metro Transit’s Transit Link Service. Transit service must be available daily, Monday through Friday, for a minimum of 8 hours per day. (2 points)
b.	Walkability: To claim walkability in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, a project must be (Select one):
i.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score of 80 or more according to www.walkscore.com; or (2 points)
ii.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score between 60 and 79 according to www.walkscore.com. (1 point)
c.	Walkability: To claim walkability in Metropolitan Area communities other than Minneapolis and Saint Paul (Suburban Communities), a project must be (Select one):
i.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score of 60 or more according to www.walkscore.com; or (2 points)
ii.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score between 50 and 59 according to www.walkscore.com. (1 point)
2.	 Greater Minnesota Urbanized Areas. For projects in Greater Minnesota urbanized areas (population greater than 50,000), indicate if the project is located in a community with transportation, access to transit and/or walkability. Urbanized areas are defined by the U.S. Census as places with populations greater than 50,000, and urbanized areas in Greater Minnesota are defined by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) (Greater Minnesota Transit Investment Plan) as areas in and around Duluth, East Grand Forks, La Crescent, Rochester, Moorhead, Mankato and St. Cloud.
a.	Access to Transit: To claim access to transit, a project in a Greater Minnesota urbanized area must be (Select one; refer to the Transit and Walkability Methodology of the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide to determine points):
i.	 Located within one-quarter mile of a planned or existing public transportation fixed route stop. For a planned transit stop to be eligible, applicants must provide detailed location and service information, including time and frequency of service, along with evidence of service availability from the transit authority providing service. Both planned and existing stops must be available daily, Monday through Friday, and provide service every 60 minutes for a minimum of 10 hours per day. (7 points)
ii.	 Located between one-quarter mile and one-half mile of a planned or existing public transportation fixed route stop. For a planned transit stop to be eligible, applicants must provide detailed location and service information, including time and frequency of service, along with evidence of service availability from the transit authority providing service. Both planned and existing stops must be available daily, Monday through Friday, and provide service every 60 minutes for a minimum of 10 hours per day. (4 points)
iii.	 Located less than one-half mile from an express bus route stop or park and ride lot. (4 points)
b.	Walkability: To claim walkability, a project in a Greater Minnesota urbanized area must be (Select one):
i.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score of 70 or more according to www.walkscore.com; or (2 points)
ii.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score between 50 and 69 according to www.walkscore.com. (1 point)
3.	 Greater Minnesota Rural and Small Urban Areas. For projects in Greater Minnesota rural and small urban areas (population fewer than 50,000), indicate if the project is located in a community with transportation, access to transit and/or walkability. According to the U.S. Census, rural and small urban areas are places with populations fewer than 50,000. For rural and small urban areas, applicants may claim Location Efficiency by having access to route deviation service or demand response/dial-a-ride and walkability. Route deviation service is different from fixed route transit in that the vehicle may leave its predetermined route upon request by passengers to be picked up or returned to destinations near the route, after which the vehicle returns to the predetermined route. Passengers may call in advance for route deviations similar to that of demand response/dial-a-ride or access the service at designated route stops without advance notice. Demand response usually involves curb-to-curb or door-to- door service with trips scheduled in advance (also known as “Dial-A-Ride”).
a.	Access to Transit: To claim access to transit, a project in a Greater Minnesota rural and small urban area must be (Select one):
i.	 Within one-half mile of a designated transit stop OR served by demand response/dial-a-ride OR within one-half mile of a commuter rail station, and the applicable transit option is available daily, Monday through Friday, providing same day service. Commuter rail stations include the Elk River and Big Lake Stations serviced by Metro Transit’s Northstar Commuter Rail. (7 points)
ii.	 Served by demand response/dial-a-ride with prior day or greater notice needed, and service is available daily, Monday through Friday. (4 points)
b.	Walkability: To claim walkability, a project in a Greater Minnesota rural and small urban area must be (Select one):
i.	 Located in an area with a Walk Score of 50 or more according to www.walkscore.com; or (2 points)
ii.	  Located in an area with a Walk Score between 30 and 49 according to www.walkscore.com. (1 point)
	Supporting Documentation
If claiming points under these selection criteria, you must select the criterion, and the geographic location of the proposed development will be verified by Minnesota Housing staff. Refer to the Transit and Walkability Methodology in the Methodology Guide for more information.
If the project includes planned transit stops not yet in service or includes demand response/dial a ride that is not included in the Transit and Walkability Methodology, provide evidence in your application, such as a letter or other confirmation from the transit provider stating that the project site will be served by transit meeting the specific requirements in the HOME ARP SSW.
If applicants would like to request revisions of a location’s Walk Score, they may contact Walk Score directly with details of the request to mhfa-request@walkscore.com. Walk Score staff will review the request and make necessary adjustments to scoring within 45 business days. If an address cannot be found in the Walk Score tool, use closest intersection within ¼ mile of the proposed location.
	Scattered Site
At least 51% of the total units must be located within a geographic area that meets the requirements for the selection criterion. Applicants are eligible to claim a proportional amount of points, as determined by the proportion of the total units that meet the requirements for the selection criterion.
D.	Rural/Tribal (4 to 8 Points)
1.	Projects located in Rural/Tribal Designated Areas outside of the Metropolitan Area as defined by the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide and urbanized areas in Greater Minnesota. Urbanized areas in Greater Minnesota are areas with population over 50,000. They include Duluth, East Grand Forks, La Crescent, Mankato, Moorhead, Rochester and St. Cloud. 
	Select one:
a.	  Tier 1: The project is located in a Rural/Tribal Designated Area that is outside of the Metropolitan Area and within a community that has a population fewer than or equal to 2,000. Tribal Reservations, Dakota Communities and Tribal trust lands are also considered Tier 1. (8 points)
b.	 Tier 2: The project is located in a Rural/Tribal Designated Area outside of the Metropolitan Area and within a community that has a population between 2,001 and 5,000. (6 points)
c.	 Tier 3: The project is located in a Rural/Tribal Designated Area outside of the Metropolitan Area and within a community that has a population between 5,001 and 10,000. (5 points)
d.	 Tier 4: The project is located in a Rural/Tribal Designated Area outside of the Metropolitan Area and within a community that has a population greater than 10,000. (4 points)
	Supporting Documentation
If claiming points under this selection criterion, you must select the criterion, and the geographic location of the proposed development will be verified by Minnesota Housing staff. Refer to the Rural/Tribal Designated Areas Methodology in the 2026-2027 Methodology Guide for more information.
	Scattered Site
At least 51% of the total units must be located within a geographic area that meets the requirements of the selection criterion. Applicants are eligible to claim a proportional amount of points, as determined by the proportion of the total units that meet the requirements for the selection criterion.
E.	Black-, Indigenous-, People of Color-owned Business Enterprises or Women-owned Business Enterprises (4 to 10 Points)
1.	Projects that include business entities that are owned or led by individuals who are Black-, Indigenous or other Person of Color or business entities that are owned or led by one or more women. A Person of Color includes a person from Native and Indigenous North and South American, Black and African- descendant, Hispanic or Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander and other non-white communities.
	A Black-, Indigenous-, People of Color-owned Business Enterprise is a Tribe, Tribally designated housing entity, Tribal corporate entity or other entity which is at least 51% owned by one or more individuals that are Black, Indigenous or other Person of Color.
	A Women-owned Business Enterprise is an entity which is at least 51% owned by one or more women.
	This includes nonprofits and governmental entities where the executive director or equivalent is Black, Indigenous or other Person of Color, or a woman, as applicable. The individual(s) must also control and manage the daily business operations.
	Ownership and Sponsorship
a.	 Two or more of the following entities are BIPOCBE/WBE, as certified by the owner or executive director: the project sponsor, executive director or equivalent of a non-profit, executive director or equivalent of a governmental entity, general contractors, architect, or management agent (6 points).
	OR
b.	 The project sponsor, executive director or equivalent of a non-profit, executive director or equivalent of a governmental entity, general contractor, architect, or management agent is a BIPOCBE/WBE, as certified by the specified owner or executive (4 points)
	Supporting Documentation
Provide documentation demonstrating that the entity meets the definition.
Ownership documentation could include:
•	Signed Certification Statement
•	Minnesota Housing Qualification Forms
•	Creation of a new joint venture is allowed if the percentage of ownership for the entire structure is in line with the definition in the HOME ARP SSW. Applicants can subcontract work, but the BIPOCBE/WBE business must be the responsible party and primary entity of record.
NOTE: Board composition does not count for points.
4.	Building & Construction Characteristics
A.	Universal Design (3 Points)
1.	The project will incorporate Universal Design Features. A Universal Design Unit is a unit that includes all Minimum Essential Universal Design Features, along with eight Optional Features for units in a new construction or adaptive re-use project, and four Optional Features for units in a rehabilitation project. Type A accessible units (as referenced in Minnesota Housing’s Rental Housing Design and Construction Standards) also meet the definition of a Universal Design Unit.
	The Universal Design Worksheet must be included with the application. A list of the required Minimum Essential Universal Design and Optional Features can be found in the Universal Design Worksheet.
	Select one:
a.	 An elevator building with 100% of the total units meeting the definition of a Universal Design Unit (3 points)
	Number of units: 
b.	 A non-elevator building with at least 10% of the total units meeting the definition of a Universal Design Unit (3 points)
	Number of units: 
	Supporting Documentation
The applicant must submit the Universal Design Worksheet (UDW). The UDW and architectural/construction application items will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the criterion. The determination to award points will be made at the sole discretion of Minnesota Housing. For elevator buildings, 100% of the assisted units must meet the requirements of a Universal Design Unit. For non-elevator buildings, at least 10% of the total units must meet the requirements of a Universal Design Unit. Refer to the UDW for requirements.
	Scattered Site/Multiple Buildings
Projects with both building types (elevator equipped building and non-elevator equipped buildings) must meet the percentage requirements in each criterion to be eligible and must complete a separate UDW for each building type. The number of Universal Design Units must be indicated on the UDW for each building type.
Projects with multiple buildings of the same building type (elevator equipped buildings or non- elevator equipped buildings) may complete one UDW. Calculate the overall percentage of Universal Design Units required based on total dwelling units.
If scattered sites have a mixture of building types, each building must separately meet the Optional Feature requirements noted in the UDW.
	 Template Documents to Submit as Supporting Documentation
•	Universal Design Worksheet 
B.	Enhanced Sustainability (2 to 12 Points)
The project will incorporate additional sustainability criteria into its design. The applicant must complete the “How Will Criteria Be Implemented” column within the applicable year’s Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet and clearly explain how each selected Optional Criteria point and alternative building performance pathway (Tier 3 and Tier 4) will be implemented. The selected Optional Criteria point total on the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet must reconcile with the minimum number of Optional Criteria points required for the applicable tier, if claiming Tier 1 or Tier 2 points.
Applicants can select just Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 or Tier 4; or a combination of Tiers 1 and 3, Tiers 2 and 3, Tiers 1 and 4 or Tiers 2 and 4 for a maximum of 12 points. Please note all buildings in the project with residential units, regardless, if claiming or not claiming point(s) for enhanced sustainability, must be certified through the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program using ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC), ENERGY STAR Manufactured Homes and/or ENERGY STAR Certified Homes as relevant. Refer to applicable MN Overlay for additional information regarding baseline requirements. Actual enrollment of project with Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC) is not required for any selected tier or combination of tiers.
1.	 Tier 1: The project will include at least two times the minimum number of Optional Criteria points, in addition to the Required Mandatory Criteria, as outlined within the applicable year’s Minnesota Overlay to Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC) and as claimed in the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet. (2 points)
2.	 Tier 2: The project will include at least three times the minimum number of Optional Criteria points, in addition to the Required Mandatory Criteria, as outlined within the applicable year’s Minnesota Overlay to EGCC and as claimed in the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet. (4 points)
3.	 Tier 3: The project will conform to at least one of the following alternative building performance pathways as claimed in the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet: (6 points)
a.	Pathway 1 (applicable to new construction and rehabilitation (rehab) projects): The project meets Minnesota B3 Sustainable Building 2030 (SB 2030) Energy Standard.
b.	Pathway 2 (applicable to new construction projects only): Certify the project with the Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
c.	Pathway 3 (applicable to rehabilitation (rehab) projects only): The project meets the 2020 EGCC – Criterion 5.1b Building Performance Standard. To receive points for Pathway 3, the project must follow the Performance Pathway as described in the applicable year’s Minnesota Overlay to EGCC – Criterion 5.1b by providing an Energy Rater Index (ERI) Pathway by achieving one of the following ERI thresholds:
i.	An ERI score of 80 or less for properties built in or after 1980;
ii.	An ERI score of 100 or less for properties built before 1980; or
iii.	A post-rehab ERI score at least 15% less than the pre-rehab ERI score.
4.	 Tier 4: The project will be certified by one of the following alternative building performance pathways as claimed in the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet (8 points):
a.	Passive House Institute (PHI) Classic;
b.	Passive House Institute United States (PHIUS); or
c.	PHI EnerPHit (applicable to rehabilitation projects only)
d.	PHIUS CORE/Zero REVIVE (applicable to rehabilitation projects only)
e.	One of the following 2020 Enterprise Green Communities Criteria, Criterion 5.4 Achieving Zero Energy, Option 2 programs:
i.	PHIUS + Source Zero;
ii.	PHI Plus;
iii.	PHI Premium;
iv.	International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Petal;
v.	Zero Carbon Petal; or
vi.	Living Building Challenge.
	Supporting Documentation
Applicants who claim Enhanced Sustainability points must include all mandatory and optional Enterprise Green Communities Criteria on the Multifamily Intended Methods Worksheet (IMW) to be eligible for points. The IMW and architectural/construction application items will be reviewed to determine eligibility for the criteria. The “How Will Criteria Be Implemented” column for all mandatory and selected optional point criteria must clearly explain how the project will comply. IMWs with blank or insufficient detail provided may result in the loss of points if certain items cannot be validated.
The determination to award points will be made at the sole discretion of Minnesota Housing.
Refer to the current, applicable MN Overlay and Guide to Enterprise Green Communities Criteria for additional information.
	Template Documents to Submit as Supporting Documentation
•	Construction: Intended Methods Worksheet 
C.	Local Actions to Support Housing (2 Points)
•	Projects located in a jurisdiction that meets any of the following criteria to reduce barriers to affordable housing development. (2 Points)
•	Select one:
a.	 The jurisdiction allows for the development of multifamily housing in at least 50% of the area within the jurisdiction zoned as a commercial district, excluding areas covered by state or local shoreland regulations;
b.	 The jurisdiction allows for duplexes, accessory dwelling units, or townhomes within 50% of the area within the jurisdiction zoned for single-family housing, excluding areas covered by state or local shoreland regulations; 
c.	 The jurisdiction does not have parking mandates greater than one stall per unit of housing for single-family housing;
d.	 The jurisdiction does not have parking mandates greater than one stall per unit of housing for multifamily developments;
e.	 The jurisdiction does not mandate lot sizes larger than one-eighth of an acre for new single-family home construction, excluding areas covered by state or local shoreland regulations;
f.	  The jurisdiction does not place aesthetic mandates on new single-family construction, including type of exterior finish materials, including siding; the presence of shutters, columns, gables, decks, balconies, or porches; or minimum garage square footage, size, width, or depth;
g.	 The jurisdiction has a density bonus for affordable housing that provides for an increase in floor area and lot coverage if the housing is affordable housing; OR
h.	 The jurisdiction has adopted an inclusionary zoning policy for the purpose of increasing the supply of affordable housing.
	Supporting Documentation
Applicants who claim Location Actions to Support Housing points must complete and upload the Local Actions to Support Housing Certification Form.
	Template to Submit as Supporting Documentation
Local Actions to Support Housing Certification Form