Provisions made to the Uniform Act in Minnesota
Minnesota has integrated and expanded upon the federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA) through state statutes and local ordinances. These enhancements provide additional protections and benefits to displaced individuals and entities.
Minnesota Statutes § 117.52 – Uniform Relocation Assistance:
- Mandates that acquiring authorities provide relocation assistance in line with federal URA requirements.
- Specifies that for nonresidential moves, eligible reestablishment expenses are reimbursed up to a maximum of $50,000, exceeding the federal cap of $25,000.
- Allows disputes over relocation assistance eligibility or amounts to be resolved through contested case proceedings before an administrative law judge, with the acquiring authority covering all associated costs.
Minnesota Statutes § 469.012 – Powers of Housing and Redevelopment Authorities:
- Empowers local authorities to provide relocation payments and assistance necessary to comply with federal URA requirements in federally assisted projects.
City of Minneapolis Ordinance – Title 12, Chapter 244, Article XVIII, § 244.2130:
- Requires new owners of affordable housing buildings to pay relocation assistance to tenants if, during a designated tenant protection period, they terminate or refuse to renew leases without cause, or raise rents leading tenants to terminate their leases.
City of Saint Paul Relocation Policy:
- Allows for reimbursement of relocation expenses up to $10,000 for employees moving over 200 miles due to employment changes, with potential for higher amounts upon City Council approval.
Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) Contract – Article 19:
- Outlines relocation allowances for state employees moving 35 miles or more due to job changes, covering a range of expenses including housing fees, utility connections, and transportation costs.
For more details on Minnesota’s Right of Way guidelines, you can find their Right of Way manual here