Each year, the National Association of Counties recognizes outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, management, information technology, health and civic engagement.
This year, Rice County has been recognized with an Achievement Award in the category of Community and Economic Development for the Twin Oaks housing development project. The project is part of a larger vision brought to life by the Rice County Board of Commissioners following the 2021 purchase of more than 100 acres of property on the northern edge of Faribault.
The county has developed formerly underutilized land to meet its immediate needs with the construction of the new Public Safety Center and develop -- in collaboration with the city of Faribault -- an area that will benefit the community well into the future. As part of this development, trail connections and green space were added, lots for economic development were established and an area, now known as Twin Oaks, was designated for housing.
When fully developed, 22 families will have an opportunity for affordable workforce homeownership and in the future, as their homeownership needs change, new families will have the same opportunity.
The development of Twin Oaks is a partnership between Rice County, Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Three Rivers Community Action, Minnesota Housing Finance and the city of Faribault. The first 6 homes are being constructed by Rice County Habitat for Humanity with one of those constructed by students and faculty from South Central College.
During the July 8 Board of Commissioners meeting, Administrator Sara Folsted commended the board for its vision and Housing Director Joy Watson for her work to bring this project to fruition.
“With the housing market as it is, it is difficult to find available affordable homes to meet the needs of our local workforce and industries,” said Folsted. “Twin Oaks is a good first step in a model of public/private partnerships that can work together to help increase the availability of affordable workforce homes for people in our community.”
