Scarlet Bennett, RHDFP

Scarlet Bennett, RHDFP, is a Northern Minnesota–based real estate developer dedicated to expanding access to equitable, sustainable, and community-focused housing. As the Director of Housing Development at Kootasca Community Action, she leads multifamily and affordable housing initiatives across the region, drawing on deep expertise in site acquisition, land entitlements, contract negotiation, and the complex regulatory frameworks that shape development. With a strong command of real estate law, environmental permitting, municipal controls, and financial analysis—including pro forma preparation, project financing, IRR, and ROI assessments—she brings a highly analytical, solutions-oriented approach to every project.

Scarlet’s path into real estate and development began during a period of personal transition, when she sought to build a stable and meaningful career after divorce. Encouraged by a mentor who recognized her potential, she entered the real estate industry and quickly discovered a passion for helping people navigate life-changing decisions. Over the past decade, she has worked as a REALTOR®, appraiser, escrow professional, and broker/owner—roles that shaped her comprehensive understanding of property valuation, transactions, and community needs. Her broad experience ultimately led her to the nonprofit sector, where she found her calling in affordable housing development.

Today, Scarlet is recognized as a rising leader in Minnesota’s nonprofit housing landscape. She brings a fierce commitment to creating opportunities for families, strengthening communities, and ensuring that housing is both accessible and attainable. Her work is driven not only by professional dedication, but also by a desire to build a legacy of resilience, service, and impact for her three children. Passionate, forward-thinking, and grounded in lived experience, Scarlet continues to shape the region’s housing future with vision and heart.

• RHDFP