Assisted & Elder Housing Initiative

Supporting Aging Residents With Safe, Attainable Housing Options

Building a Community Where Seniors Can Thrive

Cook County has the highest median age population in Minnesota, and many longtime residents want to remain in the community they love as they age. The Assisted & Elder Housing Initiative was created to address the growing need for housing that supports older adults—whether through assisted living, cooperative models, accessible design, or other forms of age-friendly development. This initiative brings together residents, community partners, and housing experts to identify solutions that allow seniors to age with dignity, independence, and stability right here in Cook County.

Program Overview

The Assisted & Elder Housing Initiative focuses on understanding current housing gaps, identifying suitable development opportunities, and working collaboratively to bring new senior housing options to Cook County. Through a series of assessments, community conversations, and partnerships with developers, the Cook County HRA aims to create a roadmap for expanding assisted living, elder care, and cooperative housing.

Current and future needs for senior and assisted housing
Potential development models, including assisted living, affordable senior units, and co-housing
Locations and properties that may be viable for new housing
Funding mechanisms, developer partnerships, and long-term sustainability
Community priorities such as accessibility, affordability, and proximity to services

This initiative reflects the HRA’s commitment to ensuring that older adults can continue to live safely, comfortably, and affordably in Cook County.

Goals

The HRA uses clear goals and measurable outcomes to guide progress on senior housing development.

Identify and prioritize senior and assisted housing needs across all communities in Cook County.
Engage residents, families, and stakeholders to shape the vision for future senior housing.
Explore development partnerships and funding opportunities for new projects.
Create a framework that supports responsible planning, long-term viability, and community alignment.

With Cook County’s unique seasonal economy and workforce demands, Gunflint Vue helps meet critical needs for accessible, stable housing.

Meeting outcomes will be summarized and presented to the HRA Board as part of the decision-making process, ensuring that future projects reflect the needs, values, and lived experiences of Cook County’s senior community.

Community Meetings

Community voices are essential to understanding what types of housing best support aging residents. To gather meaningful input, the HRA will host a series of community meetings in locations throughout the county. These town hall–style gatherings will give residents, caregivers, service providers, and other stakeholders the opportunity to:

Programs & Initiatives

Assisted & elder Housing

Expands safe, accessible housing options that allow Cook County residents to age in place with dignity and stability.

Local Housing Trust Fund

Provides flexible local funding to support the creation, preservation, and stability of attainable housing across Cook County.

ROSO District & Development

The Residential Open Space Overlay (ROSO) District supports new housing development while preserving open space through thoughtful, land-efficient planning in Cook County.

Energy & Efficiency Programs

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Countywide Housing Plan