At its August 20, 2025, meeting, the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approved its update of the strategic plan it adopted in 2023. The Strategic Planning Report was compiled under the direction of its new Executive Director, Jeff Brand.
Brand initiated a collaborative process, asking each of the five board members to contribute their ideas on how to enhance the work of the HRA. Out of 25 thoughtful and diverse priorities submitted, the board decided on five to focus on.
The top priorities are:
- Creating new opportunities in assisted living and elder housing for individuals who can remain in Cook County with increased care. Cook County has more people age 65 and older than other counties in Minnesota.
- Creating a Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF). A Local Housing Trust Fund in Minnesota is a dedicated fund, established by a city, county, or tribal government, to create and preserve affordable housing in that community. The funds are flexible and can be used for a variety of purposes, like the development or rehabilitation of affordable housing, down payment assistance for homebuyers, rental assistance, and homebuyer counseling services.
- Promote new housing through the adoption of the Residential Open Space Overlay (ROSO) district in Cook County. The ROSO would impact class 2 and class 3 properties with 10 acres or more. The proposal would increase housing density options while preserving open space. Each plan will need the approval of Planning and Zoning. The HRA has worked with county officials to hold informational public meetings on ROSO in each of the county commissioner districts.
- Promote high energy efficiency with lower operating costs, working with existing partners in the Cook County “Energy & Envelope” which is a part of the state-wide Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). A key component of the effort is to make homes more energy-efficient, thereby making them more affordable.
- Develop a countywide housing plan to be included with the county’s comprehensive plan, the process for which is underway. The HRA intends to host several community meetings with citizens to collaborate on a housing plan. It will also evaluate and help adjust current housing and zoning ordinances to help identify future areas where development can occur at the most affordable cost.
These five priorities are in addition to the three current priorities outlined in the 2023 strategic plan: the expansion of housing opportunities for people of all income levels, acquisition and development of resources to support programs and activities, and preservation of current housing in Cook County.
Jeff Brand became the Executive Director of the HRA in mid-February of this year. “One of the top priorities in this job is finding money from outside sources to help subsidize the cost of housing for Cook County residents,” he said.
Brand brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to finding solutions to his new position. He served two non-consecutive terms in Minnesota’s House of Representatives, representing District 18A. Despite the challenges of divided government, he passed 13 bills, and during the historic 2023- 24 Trifecta sessions, he passed another 27 bills, demonstrating his dedication to solution-based public policy.
Brand also served two terms as Ward I City Councilmember for the City of Saint Peter, including one year as Mayor Pro Tem and three years as a board member of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.
Brand is a married father of two school-age children. Seeing the reality of the housing situation in Cook County firsthand, Brand has yet to find suitable housing for his family. Consequently, he commutes each week from his home in St. Peter.
Cook County has been a favored tourist destination for the Brand family for more than 20 years. Everyone in the family is looking forward to relocating soon.
In the meantime, the approachable and friendly Brand is dedicated to the job of helping Cook County residents meet their housing needs. His office is on the corner of Highway 61 and 5th Avenue. Look for him around town and introduce yourself. You may call him at 218-387-4285 or email director@cookcountyhra.org.
