VOL. 8 ISSUE 1, MAR. 2024
THE MINNESOTA HOUSING INDUSTRY NEWS SOURCE BY HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA • HOUSINGINDUSTRYNEWS.ORG
Rep. Mike Howard (DFL, Richfield) speaks at a press event featuring a bipartisan group of legislators as well as a diverse group of coalition members who are in support of the initiative.
Bipartisan group unveils legislation to INSIDE THIS ISSUE tackle housing affordability Diverse support for the legislation reflects urgency to solve statewide crisis A bipartisan group of legislators gathered in late February to announce the introduction of a sweeping collection of proposals aimed at modernizing Minnesota’s zoning laws and housing approval framework. Named the “Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative,” the effort is aimed at addressing Minnesota’s housing supply crisis by expanding housing choices while encouraging more environmentally efficient, affordable and attainable housing options. “The lack of housing choices for Minnesotans can be so immensely frustrating, and that dream of owning a home is slipping away. That’s why we’ve put together the Minnesotans for More Homes Initiative to propose solutions that are responsive to what we’re hearing from Minnesotans that are asking for more homes, for more choices, in more places,” said Rep. Mike Howard (DFL, Richfield). The initiative’s early momentum draws from the depth of the housing crisis that is impacting all areas throughout Minnesota. With a housing deficit estimated at over 100,000 units of undersupply, all solutions must consider a statewide approach.
“The simple reality is that every community in Minnesota needs more housing,” said Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL, Burnsville). The underlying issues impacting Minnesota’s housing supply challenges are rooted in an outdated zoning authority, which hasn’t been substantively updated in three decades. These policies impact construction costs for new housing supply, which are currently the highest in the region. The legislation has attracted support from diverse coalitions, ranging from the housing industry to environmental and community organizations to labor unions and business groups. “The growing coalition of supporters, coming together at a time when so many issues divide us, tells us that the solution is to build more homes of all types, especially those at affordable price points,” said James Vagle, CEO of Housing First Minnesota. The initiative receiving bipartisan leadership with broad coalition support reflects how many key areas are impacted by housing affordability and homeownership. CONTINUED >> PAGE 6
Proposed legislation aims to eliminate exclusionary parking mandates PAGE 6
Builders & Remodelers Show brings together industry influencers PAGE 14
Eleventh new construction home for veterans complete PAGE 16
New partnership aims to address industry workforce struggles One of the greatest concerns for the residential construction industry over the last few years has been a dwindling workforce. To address this challenge, Housing First Minnesota announced a new strategic partnership with Building Talent Foundation. Building Talent Foundation is a national nonprofit organization founded by the Leading Builders of America, with the purpose of addressing the acute and persistent talent shortage across residential construction. Minnesota is the 20th market in which Building Talent Foundation has a presence. CONTINUED >> PAGE 14 HOUSING INDUSTRY NEWS
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