ADVOCACY IN ACTION
A Growing Coalition for Homeownership One of the biggest developments of the past few years in housing policy is the growth of the coalition that supports a balanced, healthy housing market. Importantly, these groups have identified the roadblocks standing in the way of housing affordability and are joining the debate in an attempt to modernize how homes get approved. Housing First Minnesota delivered this message to the legislature as it convened for the 2022 session in late January. The reception to increasing homeownership opportunities has been remarkably strong, but how we get there is more complex. Solving this issue has been the focus of many committees and task forces at Housing First Minnesota. The consensus of this work is that there are too many roadblocks that currently limit housing supply in this market. Some of them, like supply chain issues, are outside of the legislature’s reach. But others, like restrictive zoning, housing approval by PUD loophole, and overcharging of fees—on everything from parks to trees to permits—fit squarely into the legislature’s oversight role.
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The Digest
HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | JULY–SEPTEMBER 2022
To that end, there is a legislative initiative winding through the process that aims to lift these roadblocks titled “Legalizing Affordable Housing Act.” The goal is to modernize how we bring housing projects online and to return a healthier balance of choices for the homeowners of our state. We’ve been pleased to see a growing coalition of supporters for this effort, this truly is a pressing issue for all of Minnesota. This legislation also helps focus the challenges our industry faces daily. While we advocate to modernize housing, we are also working daily to fend off fee increases and the emergence of new regulatory roadblocks. Success on this issue helps all in the homebuilding and remodeling industry—more homeownership opportunities means more opportunity to serve your customers and grow your businesses. Onward,
JAMES VAGLE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA
