The Community Development department strives to provide development and improvement services that promote safety, security, and cultural sensitivity while building communities.
The Community Development Department is in charge of housing and other construction projects, roads, and infrastructure, including water and sewer.
The department is supervised by the Commissioner of Community Development, who is appointed by the Chief Executive and ratified by the Band Assembly. The Acting Commissioner of Community Development is Peter Nayquonabe, who also serves as Assistant Commissioner of Administration.
The Project Management team oversees all phases of government-funded construction projects, which include civic buildings, renovations, new home construction, parks, and infrastructure.
The Public Works Department oversees road maintenance, water, wastewater, solid waste, and facilities. Each year, all three districts participate in a spring cleaning. Solid Waste provides dumpsters in designated areas for Band members to use so they can clean their homes and yards.
Each year, all three districts participate in a spring cleaning. Solid Waste provides dumpsters in designated areas for Band member use to clean their homes and yards.
The goal of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Housing Department is to provide affordable, attractive, safe, and comfortable homes to Mille Lacs Band members. The department offers home loan programs, home improvement grants, and affordable housing programs to Band members. For more information, see Housing.
The Facilities division of the Community Development Department manages community centers and the District I Government Center.
The Home Loan Program provides financing to qualified applicants to purchase an existing home, construct a new home, or refinance an existing home mortgage. The home may be located on private property or on tribal land. Mobile homes are not financed, but certain modular homes may be considered if approved in advance. Maximum loan amounts depend upon program limits and the individual’s income and other long-term debts.
Applicants’ incomes are verified, and credit checks are conducted. A perfect credit history is not required, but it must be reasonable as defined by the Housing Board, which makes decisions regarding the Home Loan Program. Policies are reviewed as necessary and are subject to change. There is a waiting list for this program.
The Home Renovation Loan Program provides financing to qualified applicants to renovate an existing home. Applicants’ incomes are verified, and credit checks are conducted.
Single-family rental units are available to Band members. Rent is based on the total household income, and occupancy standards apply. A damage deposit is required prior to occupancy. Because the demand for affordable housing exceeds the supply, there are waiting lists for these units.
Maintenance services are available for residents of Housing Department rental units. Maintenance services are also provided as a benefit to Elders who live on or near the reservation. Subject to the availability of staff and funds, maintenance services may be available for a fee to other Band members who live in private homes.
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In addition to housing maintenance services, an Elder or handicapped individual who submits an application may be eligible for renovations or the lifetime use of a home in accordance with Housing Development policies and as funds are available.
Elder Housing Policy
Disabled Housing Policy
Rental Admission Policy
Rental Occupancy Policy
Home Loan Policy
Drug Policy for Rental Units
Home Renovation Loan Program
Grievance Policy
Home Renovation Loan Application - E-Form
Housing Application Rental
Emergency Rental Assistance
Elder Housing Renovation
Disabled Housing Renovation
Home Loan Application
Snow Removal Memo
Application for Solid Waste Disposal Service
Note: Solid waste service is available to those living within Public Works service areas.