Community Mediation Minnesota funding provided for a statewide housing mediation program, and money appropriated.

HF 497 appropriates $2.2 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund a statewide housing mediation program run by Community Mediation Minnesota. The program directly serves renters, residential property owners, and homeowners facing housing disputes, including eviction threats. Key provisions require the program to provide free dispute resolution services (like eviction prevention and mediation), increase access for seniors and renters with disabilities, partner with culturally specific organizations, and integrate with legal and resource services. The funding also mandates expanding mediator diversity and evaluating program effectiveness. This bill creates a structured state-funded system to resolve housing conflicts before they reach court.