HRA of Austin

09/16/2026

🏠 Riverland/HRA Project Update!

This year’s Riverland Community College and HRA construction project is progressing quickly! The footings and foundation walls are up, and work continues on our new twin home.

This year’s move from building a single family home to a twin home gives students in Riverland’s Carpentry and Electrical programs even more hands on, real world experience while also helping add new housing to our community.

Riverland has been a great partner in this effort over the years. This partnership not only helps the HRA bring additional housing to Austin, but also provides students with valuable experience that prepares them for careers in the skilled trades and helps strengthen our local workforce.

We’re excited to see the project take shape and will continue sharing photos and progress updates throughout the school year as the students bring these homes to life!

08/27/2026

🏠 HRA of Austin and Riverland Community College Break Ground on Twin Home Project! 🔨

Today, the HRA of Austin and Riverland Community College broke ground on another exciting collaboration!

In past years, our partnership has focused on building a single-family home. This year, we’re thinking bigger and building a twin home!

This project is a true win-win for our community. Not only are we adding two new homes to Austin’s housing stock, but Riverland students are gaining valuable hands-on experience in the trades through a real-world construction project.

A big thank you to Riverland Community College’s Carpentry and Electrical programs, their instructors and students, and everyone involved with the HRA of Austin for continuing to make this partnership a success.

As with our past projects, we’ll share updates along the way so you can follow the twin home as it takes shape!

Building housing. Building skills. Building our community. 🏠🔨⚡

07/30/2026

🏡 The latest Riverland Community College/HRA of Austin partnership home is officially on the market!

Check out the listing below and please share.

This 2173 square feet Single Family home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It is located at 201 25th St SW, Austin, MN.

07/17/2026

Strengthen your skills and confidence as a hearing officer by joining Minnesota NAHRO's Hearing Officer Specialist training.

07/04/2026

06/17/2026

☀️ Solar Project Complete at Chauncey & Courtyard Apartments! ☀️

We’re excited to share that the solar energy systems at Chauncey Apartments and Courtyard Apartments are now installed, operational, and generating clean energy! 🌞⚡

Earlier this year, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Austin received funding through the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program that fully funded the installation of solar energy systems at both properties. Thanks to this investment, along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit through the Direct Pay (Elective Pay) program, these projects are now delivering renewable energy right here in our community.

The electricity generated by the systems will help offset costs for common areas, including shared lighting and building spaces. Most importantly, the annual savings will be reinvested into long-term capital improvements at the properties, helping us continue to provide quality housing and make meaningful upgrades that benefit residents.

We’re proud to see this project move from planning to reality and grateful to the Minnesota Department of Commerce and all our partners who helped make it possible. 🌱

📸 Check out the completed installations below!

Minnesota Department of Commerce

06/02/2026

We’ve been hearing reports that Todd the Bear has been making his way around Austin this week.

While we can’t confirm every sighting, we did spot him at Twin Towers lending a paw with the rooftop communications equipment. 🐻📶

If your cell service seems a little better lately, Todd may have been working some overtime.

All jokes aside, we’re glad to see our community having fun with Austin’s unexpected visitor. We hope Todd stays safe as he continues his travels. We encourage everyone to give wildlife plenty of space and admire from a distance.

05/22/2026

We’re Hiring Seasonal Help!

HRA of Austin is accepting applications for seasonal help.

Hours: 30–40 hours per week
Pay: $14.50–$16.50 per hour
Seasonal position

Duties include mowing, grounds work, moving items, and general upkeep tasks. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a current valid driver’s license.

Physical requirements: Ability to perform outdoor work, operate mowing/grounds equipment, and lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pick up an application at the HRA office, 308 2nd Ave NE, Austin, MN, or apply through our website: https://www.austinhra.org/contact-us/employment-opportunities/

HRA of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The program is open to low-income individuals whose income does not exceed the income limits listed below. Program participants must find their own rental unit and can rent a house, duplex or an apartment.

05/22/2026

Thanks to the Austin Daily Herald for covering this year’s Riverland/HRA home project. A big shout out to Riverland Community College and its Carpentry and Electrical programs for the outstanding work they do providing students with real world, hands on training in these important trades.

Projects like this help train the future workforce while making a real impact in our communities, and it’s great to see the students’ hard work and skills showcased.

Riverland students and Austin HRA unveil nearly finished four-bedroom home in southwest Austin, set to hit the market in mid-June and valued near $385K–$396K.