The Digest | Oct-Dec 2025 by Housing First Minnesota

Driving Success

How a season of golf is fueling camaraderie across the industry

Business Tips: Proud People Leaders

Member Spotlight: Green Path Builders

Advocacy in Action: Energy Code Updates

Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE BOARD

BOARD CHAIR ART PRATT, Pratt Homes

BUILDER VICE PRESIDENT JOHN KRAEMER, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc.

SECRETARY/TREASURER PETER MARTIN, Pella Windows & Doors

AT-LARGE MEMBER KRISTIN REINITZ, Admit One Home Systems

AT-LARGE MEMBER JAMIE THARP, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC

AT-LARGE MEMBER REBECCA REMICK, City Homes, LLC

BOARD + COMMITTEE CHAIRS

PARADE OF HOMES COMMITTEE KATIE GEDDES, Lennar

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE ANDREW LEJEUNE, GlassArt Design

REMODELERS COMMITTEE ANDY MICHELS, Michels Homes

SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE JOE BRAUN, Style & Structure

LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE JOHN RASK, M/I Homes

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE KARYN BRADDOCK, Bloom Builders, LLC

ARTISAN HOME TOUR COMMITTEE AMY HENDEL, Hendel Homes

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE PETER COYLE, Larkin Hoffman

HOUSING FIRST MN FOUNDATION JEN MCALPIN, McAlpin Marketing

HOUSING FIRST MN NETWORK TONY WIENER, Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc.

CENTER FOR HOUSING CAREERS PAUL GRABOW, Robert Thomas Homes, Inc.

AT-LARGE MEMBER NATHAN CARLSON, Highmark Builders, Inc.

AT-LARGE MEMBER MALORIE DRUGG, Marvin

AT-LARGE MEMBER JIM FUSCHETTO, Lyman Companies

AT-LARGE MEMBER RYAN HANSON, Sustainable 9 Design + Build

AT-LARGE MEMBER ALEX LELCHUK, Lelch Audio Video

AT-LARGE MEMBER JARRETT PARKS, D.R. Horton, Inc. - Minnesota

Staﬀ

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JAMES VAGLE

ASSOCIATION STAFF

SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS KATELYN BLOOMQUIST

MEMBER SERVICES MANAGER KIM CARTER

MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER KRISTEN CROSSMAN

SENIOR DIRECTOR, HOUSING POLICY NICK ERICKSON

ART DIRECTOR MANDY FINDERS

VICE PRESIDENT, LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL AFFAIRS MARK FOSTER

POLICY ASSOCIATE GRACE GREENE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GROWTH & ENGAGEMENT KATE GUNDERSON

SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE TAMMI HALL

MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER SARAH HINDERMAN

PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANAGER NIKKI HUBIN

SENIOR DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY IMPACT SOFIA HUMPHRIES

EVENTS COORDINATOR GABRIELLE LANENBERG

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DEVIN LEHNHOFF

FOUNDATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR KRISTI MANNING

DIRECTOR OF GROWTH TECHNOLOGY KRISTIN MARVIN

STYLE & COMMUNITY CONTENT COORDINATOR MOLLY MCCHESNEY

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER JANICE MEYER

SENIOR DIRECTOR, EVENTS MARY CATHERINE PENNY

EVENTS COORDINATOR MORGAN RAY

FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT JESSICA RYAN

ENGAGEMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ALLYSON SAMPLE

OPERATIONS COORDINATOR CASEY SCOZZARI

GRAPHIC DESIGNER PA GAR VANG

EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR KATE WIGLEY

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Together, We Build More Than Homes

At Housing First Minnesota, we have always known our industry does more than build houses— we build communities, strengthen families, and create opportunities for brighter futures. Over the past year, the heart of our industry has shone through in powerful ways as we continue to grow as a cause-driven industry trade organization.

This fall, the industry-led Veteran Village project in Eagan opened its doors to the community. Led by our Foundation in partnership with Lennar, the Lennar Foundation, and the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), this ﬁrst-of-its-kind community provides 22 units of supportive housing for veterans and their families experiencing homelessness. It is a remarkable example of how our members are leading with compassion, skill, and purpose. We also celebrate the Hanson Builders–St. Jude Dream Home Showplace, a project that combined extraordinary craftsmanship with a powerful mission. Through this effort, our industry trade partners and suppliers joined Hanson Builders in rallying behind St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising vital funds to support children and families in need while showcasing the talent and generosity of our members.

Finally, our home tours—including the Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tour—continue to connect Minnesotans with housing dreams while shining a light on our cause-driven work. Our Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s Dream Homes provide visitors with more than inspiration; they demonstrate how our industry comes together to ensure safe, digniﬁed housing for veterans, families, and youth across Minnesota. Each of these efforts underscores a simple truth: We are an industry that serves our community, humbly, and proudly. The impact of our work reaches far beyond the job site, touching lives in ways that will last for generations.

Thank you for being part of a Housing First organization that not only builds homes but also builds hope.

Let’s Build it Together,

ART PRATT

2025 BOARD CHAIR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

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Need to Know

Spring Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase Deadlines

Get your work entered in the best marketing event of the spring! The Spring Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase entry process opens early November.

Parade of Homes: March 13-April 12, 2026

Remodelers Showcase: April 10-12, 2026

Spring Entries Close: January 2026

Online Contractor University Classes

Earn your continuing education credits through Contractor University’s online courses. With more than 20 courses available, you’ll ﬁnd specialized classes that provide useful and practical knowledge to apply to your business.

ONLINE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND AT ContractorU.com

Filling Your Open Positions with JobstoBuild

Built for job-seekers of all backgrounds and experience levels, JobsToBuild is an online platform that can aid both students looking for entry-level positions and experienced industry professionals seeking new opportunities. The goal is to make finding and filling residential construction jobs easy, accessible, and effective for all. So post your open positions on JobsToBuild and start hiring qualified candidates today!

DETAILS AT JobsToBuild.com/page/HousingFirstMN

Association Health Plan

Are you a small business in the residential construction market looking to provide insurance for your employees? Check out our Association Health Plan, which is fully insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield, managed by North Risk Partners. Participating companies have an average savings of 7-10%. *Eligibility restrictions apply. HousingFirstMN.org/AssociationHealthPlan

Need to Know

November is Homelessness Awareness Month and Give to the Max Day

November 20 is Give to the Max Day – Minnesota’s big giving holiday! Your generous donation to the Housing First Minnesota Foundation on this annual day of giving will go directly to build safe and digniﬁed housing for Minnesotans experiencing homelessness. Every individual deserves a safe place to call home.

LEARN MORE AT HousingFirstMNFoundation.org

Advanced and Master Certiﬁcation

Minnesota’s Green Path program is the leading energy efficiency and green building program for the residential construction industry in the state. As part of its commitment to green building, Xcel Energy has teamed up with Minnesota’s Green Path to recognize new homes that go above and beyond in energy efficiency. Xcel Energy covers the $79 Advanced and Master Certification application fees for builders who build in their territory and achieve Advanced or Master certification on their homes.

LEARN MORE AT MNGreenPath.org

Update Your Member Info

As a member of Housing First Minnesota, your company has been added to our online association portal at housingfirstmn.org. This website makes it easy to search and connect with fellow association members, stay in the know with industry updates, and register for our upcoming events. The member portal is the best way to take advantage of association benefits and keep your team engaged with all Housing First Minnesota offers. When you first join Housing First Minnesota, the main contact we have on file will automatically have a profile created for them, but it’s important that everyone from your company creates their own individual profile so that everyone can take advantage of association benefits, register to attend member events, and stay in the loop.

Green Path Designated Builder

Become an industry leader with the Designated Green Path Builder program. Enjoy recognition in both building industry and consumer marketing, and gain access to exclusive Designated Green Path Builder program beneﬁts.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION AT MNgreenpath.org

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Advocacy in Action

LEGAL UPDATE

LAWSUIT FILED BY HOUSING FIRST AGAINST THE CITY OF EDINA

Housing First Minnesota has ﬁled a civil lawsuit in Hennepin County over the City of Edina’s tree fees. The suit follows many months of staff and member engagement and an October 2024 demand letter. The lawsuit alleges that the city has no statutory power to charge these fees relating to tree removal and replacement.

CEO James Vagle states, “The law is clear: Cities can only charge fees that the Legislature has authorized, and no such authorization has been given. It’s a base expectation for homeowners across Minnesota that city policies follow state law.”

The City of Edina requires that homebuilders and developers include a “tree protection plan” and must pay into escrow 110% of the value the city places upon the tree replacement, which the city can keep permanently if trees are not replaced without any obligation to use this money for tree replacement—

essentially making this escrow a fee. The lawsuit alleges that the city has no authority to impose this penalty.

Over the course of three years, the city has amassed nearly $1 million dollars in the tree fees escrow account, none of which is required to be used to plant replacement trees.

In addition to the tree fees, the city also has a “vegetation” ordinance, which imposes a fee upon landowners/developers corresponding to the “total valuation of work being performed” when living trees are removed. This fee does not correspond to tree replacement and is not security for the completion of work.

Under the Harstad v. Woodbury and Country Joe v. Eagan court precedents, cities can only charge fees for which the legislature has given them the power to collect.

Housing First Minnesota says in the lawsuit that both the tree fee and vegetation ordinances are without statutory basis and conﬂict with Minnesota law and asks that the ordinances be held invalid, null and void, and unenforceable.

Housing First Minnesota will continue to update its members on this lawsuit.

BLAINE ADU DENIAL

A Blaine family’s effort to build a small, affordable housing unit on their property has turned into a legal battle with national attention. The Pepin family wanted to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in their backyard to rent out to someone transitioning out of homelessness. Their plan followed all the city’s zoning rules, but the city council still denied their application because it felt the intent of the ordinance was violated. The family has now ﬁled a lawsuit, saying the decision goes against their property rights and the city’s own ordinances.

Blaine not only blocked the Pepins’ proposed ADU but also put a year-long moratorium on new ADU applications altogether.

Backed by the Institute for Justice, the Pepins are arguing that the city’s denial isn’t just unfair—it’s unconstitutional. They say it reﬂects a broader resistance to affordable housing rooted

in fear, not facts. Housing First continues to follow the lawsuit, which could become an important test case for whether cities can continue to block projects that meet legal standards simply because they’re unpopular.

For cities struggling with housing affordability, experts say these kinds of decisions can have a chilling effect on practical, small-scale solutions.

COURT OF APPEALS HEARS DLI / BUILDING OFFICIAL DISPUTE

In July, the Minnesota Court of Appeals heard a case involving a Minnesota building official and the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Todd Geske, the building official, is asking the state Court of Appeals to block DLI from enforcing what he calls an “unpromulgated rule” requiring room-level airflow balancing in single-family homes.

Geske argues that the DLI, through a State Building Code Board of Appeals decision, improperly applied Section 309.2.1 of the 2015 Minnesota Mechanical Code to single-family residences, despite clear exceptions for systems with fan motors of 1 horsepower or less and provisions directing residential ventilation requirements to the Residential Energy Code. He contends the agency also adopted a new deﬁnition of “balancing” not found in the code and reversed its long-standing policy that single-family ventilation standards come from the energy code.

Geske’s earlier challenge before the Oﬃce of Administrative Hearings was denied. His appeal asks the Court of Appeals to order DLI to stop enforcing the interpretation, which he says imposes new technical requirements without going through the formal rulemaking process.

APPEAL WATCH: MISCLASSIFICATION LAW AND PERMIT FEES

A federal court challenge from ABC of Minnesota and North Dakota, Builders Association of Minnesota, and J & M Consulting against the 2024 Worker Misclassiﬁcation law passed last session has been calendared for Sept. 16 in St. Louis, Missouri. Earlier this year, a

federal court judge denied the plaintiff’s request to declare the law null and void.

Housing First Minnesota has ﬁled a notice of appeal to the Minnesota Court of Appeals following a June decision by a Hennepin County Court Judge that the cities of Dayton and Corcoran’s multimillion-dollar overcollection of building permit fees did not violate state law. The case is still in the stages of ﬁling briefs, and no hearing date has been set.

NEW ENERGY CODE IMPACTS ON INDUSTRY

For the past two years, Housing First Minnesota has advocated for homebuilders at the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) while it works on the next residential energy code—the first energy code change since 2014. The state’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is expected to wrap up its work by early fall. This discussion comes after a law passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2024 that requires greater energy efficiency, moving to a 70% increase in efficiency from 2006.

This law requires that, beginning in 2026, the DLI commissioner will adopt the latest International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or a more eﬃcient standard every three years, with energy codes from 2026 to 2038 incrementally moving toward this goal.

COSTLY UPDATE EXPECTED

A lot has changed since Minnesota implemented an amended version of the 2012 IECC. While the state’s next residential energy code is far from finished, DLI cannot adopt any weakening amendments, giving a clear picture of the minimum changes that will be approved. Significant changes in the 2024 IECC and passed code change proposals include address-specific Manual JDS, continuous R-5 insulation (or equivalent total UA), a shift to 0.27 U-factor for windows in all climate zones, increased foundation insulation, and automated lighting controls.

Industry members are beginning to worry about the cost increase, with estimates of more than $7,500 for a townhome and more than $13,000 for a two-story home.

“We already have the most expensive new homes in the region,” says Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota. “Adding another $13,000 in the middle of a housing crisis will grow the state’s housing deﬁcit.”

MINNESOTA: NATION-LEADING IN EFFICIENCY

According to RESNET, which tracks new home efficiency across the United States and Canada, Minnesota is the national leader in efficiency for states testing a significant number of homes. At a median HERS of 47, Minnesota is already building 53% more efficiently, on average, than in 2006.

According to DLI data, the current Minnesota Residential Energy Code is 29% more efficient than in 2006; the 2021 IECC is 36% more efficient than in 2006, meaning most of the new homes built in Minnesota far exceed the target of the 2021 IECC. “Strong financial incentives have driven increased efficiency in Minnesota, not mandates,” says Erickson. “Our builders and code officials have grown comfortable with the code, and the state’s record speaks for itself. The aggressive path we are on will harm affordability and supply, which in turn will be detrimental to construction employment in the state.”

AFFORDABLE PERFORMANCE PATH VOTED DOWN

During hearings, state oﬃcials conﬁrmed that this code must be fuel source neutral, yet the committee voted to eliminate the only fuel-neutral performance path. Nearly two-thirds of all homes in Minnesota rely on natural gas for heating sources, according to a 2017 legislative report.

The potential loss of the simulated building performance path could negatively impact homes with natural gas, as it is a more fuel-source-neutral path than the ERI path. In addition to the potential loss of one performance path, at least one other amendment will weaken the other path and the ability for homebuilders to use the ERI alternative.

“The direction the TAG committee has chosen to take with the review and

adoption of the 2024 IECC is disappointing to say the least,” says Eric Boyd, regional president of Arcxis and Housing First’s TAG appointee. “If the TAG had adopted the 2024 IECC model code as written, we would have given code oﬃcials and builders the opportunity to implement a viable performance path. This performance path would have had a minimal impact on affordability and met the Department of Labor and Industry’s goal of a 16% reduction in energy use over the current code.”

Boyd added that it was unfortunate that the TAG had decided to go beyond the goals set by DLI, which will have a signiﬁcant impact on affordability, as it keeps Minnesota from having a viable performance path that gives builders more options to show compliance with the code while saving buyers money.

NEXT STEPS

Following the TAG’s completion of its work, a report will be issued to the state’s Construction Codes Advisory Council. The Commissioner of Labor and Industry has the ultimate say on the state’s energy code. The version approved by the

commissioner will need to work through the state’s formal rulemaking process, in addition to undergoing a statutorily required durability analysis.

The IECC with Minnesota amendments will be adopted along with the state’s residential building code and will go into effect in 2027 or 2028.

Housing First Minnesota continues to engage on the new energy code and will keep members updated on DLI’s progress.

HOUSING FIRST HONORS LEGISLATORS WITH HOUSING LEADERSHIP AWARD

Housing First Minnesota has recognized 24 members of the Minnesota Legislature with the 2025 Housing Leadership Award, honoring their outstanding efforts to advance housing affordability and expand homeownership opportunities during the 2025 legislative session.

For the second year in a row, housing supply, land use, and zoning reform were front and center at the Minnesota State Capitol. In March, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers introduced the Yes to Homes agenda—an ambitious effort to address the state’s worsening housing

RECIPIENTS OF THE 2025 HOUSING LEADERSHIP AWARD

crisis by promoting the construction of more homes at all types and price points.

“Minnesota is currently more than 100,000 housing units short of what’s considered a healthy market,” says Mark Foster, vice president of legislative & political affairs at Housing First Minnesota. “The legislation introduced and advanced this session aimed to close that gap by allowing for a greater diversity of housing options. Many of these lawmakers worked tirelessly throughout the session to support policy changes that will strengthen Minnesota’s housing market.”

While none of the Yes to Homes agenda was ultimately signed into law, Foster emphasizes the importance of continued action.

“Though these speciﬁc measures fell short this year, the broad, diverse coalition behind them remains committed to meaningful reform,” says Foster. “We urge the legislature and Gov. Walz to prioritize these urgently needed policy changes in 2026.”

Housing First Minnesota is prepared for further progress in the 2026 Legislative Session and will keep members informed on advocacy opportunities.

Rep. Jeff Dotseth (Kettle River)

Rep. Kari Rehrauer (Coon Rapids)

Sen. Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks)

Rep. Michael Howard (Richﬁeld)

Rep. Roger Skraba (Ely)

Sen. Andrew Lang (Willmar)

Rep. Larry Kraft (St. Louis Park)

Sen. Rich Draheim (Madison Lake)

Sen. Lindsey Port (Burnsville)

Rep. Shane Mekeland (Clear Lake)

Sen. Steve Drazkowski (Red Wing)

Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (Fergus Falls)

Rep. Jim Nash (Waconia)

Sen. Omar Fateh (Minneapolis)

Sen. Tou Xiong (Maplewood)

Rep. Spencer Igo (Wabana Township)

Sen. Liz Boldon (Rochester)

Sen. Eric Lucero (St. Michael)

Rep. Katie Jones (Minneapolis)

Sen. Doron Clark (Minneapolis)

Sen. Jason Rarick (Cloquet)

Rep. Alicia Kozlowski (Duluth)

Sen. Gene Dornink (Brownsdale)

Sen. Susan Pha (Brooklyn Park)

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Hot Prices, Cold Feet: Buyers and Builders in 2025

MORTGAGE RATES: A STUBBORN CEILING

Rates remain a signiﬁcant factor in buyer psychology. For more than a year, the 30-year ﬁxed has hovered between 6.5% and 7%. While Freddie Mac’s recent reading of 6.58% in early August is the lowest since October 2024, it’s hardly a return to the sub-4% days that many buyers still remember.

Incremental rate relief has provided some breathing room, but elevated borrowing costs continue to be a barrier for many households. Until there is more signiﬁcant movement, buyer caution will persist.

PRICES PUSH HIGHER

Home prices in Minnesota continue to rise at a relentless pace. The statewide median hit $370,000 in June, up 4.2% year-over-year, according to Minnesota REALTORS®. In the Twin Cities, the median topped $400,000 for the ﬁrst time. Single-family homes are now averaging $449,000, while newly built homes command well over $520,000.

The acceleration is striking. It took the metro market eight years to move from $200,000 to $300,000, but just ﬁve years to climb another $100,000. This rapid growth underscores two realities builders

know well: Demand remains resilient, and affordability pressures are intensifying. Still, sales activity has held ﬁrm. Pending sales statewide were up 3.7% in June, while existing-home sales in the Twin Cities rose 5.5%. Sellers continue to see strong offers—on average, just over 100% of list price.

BUILDERS WEIGH MIXED SIGNALS

For builders, the signals are uneven. On the positive side, single-family permits in the Twin Cities rose 15% year-overyear in July, according to the Keystone Report—evidence that demand for new homes hasn’t disappeared despite increasing costs.

The multifamily sector tells a different story. With just six units permitted in July, activity hit its lowest point in more than a year. Nationally, builder conﬁdence reﬂects these challenges.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index dropped to 32 in August, the weakest reading since late 2022.

Nearly 40% of builders reported cutting prices, while two-thirds are turning to incentives, such as mortgage rate buydowns, to keep deals moving.

The slowdown in multifamily raises broader concerns. With demand for

diverse housing types strong across Minnesota, reduced production could further strain affordability and limit options for households at different income levels.

LOOKING AHEAD

The outlook for the rest of 2025 is cautiously optimistic. Analysts expect home price growth to cool but remain positive, with Fannie Mae projecting a 3.5% national increase this year. Mortgage rates are forecast to end the year around 6.5%, with gradual declines into 2026.

Much will hinge on Federal Reserve policy. A rate cut this fall could provide momentum, both by easing costs for buyers and unlocking inventory from homeowners who have been waiting for better conditions.

For now, the market is defined by contrasts: record-setting prices alongside steady sales and cautious optimism tempered by persistent affordability challenges. For Minnesota builders, the coming months will demand adaptability—balancing strong demand for new single-family homes with the uncertainties of financing, costs, and shifting consumer confidence.

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THE PEOPLE STRATEGY: HOW YOU CAN WIN

THE WORKFORCE CHALLENGE

On a jobsite, progress is measured in walls framed and deadlines met. But beneath the surface of every project lies another measure of success: the well-being of the people who build it. Today’s construction leaders are navigating not just a labor shortage but also an engagement crisis, where burnout, turnover, and rising expectations are rewriting the rules of leadership. The challenge is urgent. Data across industries shows employee stress climbing higher than ever, and construction crews are carrying the weight of leaner teams and tighter timelines. Yet the solution is not simply to pay more or push harder. The companies that thrive will be those that reimagine leadership itself—putting culture, care, and long-term retention at the center of their business strategy.

THE PRESSURE COOKER OF TODAY’S WORKFORCE

A common denominator across industries: Nearly two-thirds of employees say they’re more stressed than they were six months ago according to a recent national survey from SurveyMonkey. For construction, that pressure is ampliﬁed: Labor shortages mean smaller crews, bigger workloads, and responsibilities that don’t always come with added pay. The result?

A workforce running hotter, faster, and closer to burnout.

And burnout comes with a high price tag. Replacing an employee can cost up to twice their salary, not to mention the time, training, and disruption that comes with turnover. Leaders who see burnout not as an individual weakness but as an organizational risk are the ones most likely to build teams that endure.

LISTENING AS A LEADERSHIP TOOL

One of the simplest (and most overlooked) ways to address burnout is also the most powerful: listening. Employees are already talking. What matters is whether you take notice of the team chatter, rising stress levels, or shifting engagement in order to take action.

Forward-thinking leaders are ﬁnding ways to capture that feedback before it’s too late. Quarterly pulse surveys, structured one-on-ones, or even informal forums give crews a chance to voice concerns and surface ideas. The data is clear: Teams who feel heard are more likely to stay, perform, and grow.

Listening isn’t about adding more HR systems. It’s about creating consistent rhythms of conversation—and acting on what you hear.

TRAINING AS RETENTION, NOT A PERK

Construction is at a generational crossroads. Experienced tradespeople are retiring, leaving behind widening skill gaps. At the same time, younger workers are hungry for growth but not necessarily for the traditional path to leadership.

Professional development can close both gaps. Studies show that employees offered real training and mentorship are signiﬁcantly more engaged and much more likely to stay. For builders, that means rethinking development not as an optional perk but as a core retention strategy.

Housing First Minnesota’s Workforce Programs are one example of how companies can step up: From classroom presentations to job fairs, builders are showcasing career paths and apprenticeships to the next generation. By investing in training, leaders aren’t just ﬁlling today’s positions, they’re building tomorrow’s workforce.

PAY MATTERS, BUT CULTURE LASTS

Compensation will always be a factor, especially in a competitive labor market. But research points to something deeper: Employees who feel respected, recognized, and connected to their company’s mission report higher satisfaction—even when pay is held constant.

That means culture has to move from the margins to the center of business strategy. Recognition programs, ﬂexible scheduling where possible, and pathways for mentorship all help employees see a future with your company. In construction, where long hours and hard deadlines are often unavoidable, the cultural investments can be what tips the balance between loyalty and turnover.

THE GEN Z FACTOR

By 2030, millennials and Gen Z will make up nearly three-quarters of the global workforce, according to projections from Deloitte. Their expectations look different than the generations before them. Purpose, mental well-being, and work-life balance aren’t add-ons—they’re non-negotiables.

And ambition looks different, too. In a recent Deloitte survey, only 6% of Gen Z respondents said their top career goal was reaching a leadership position. For builders, that’s a wake-up call: Career growth needs to be deﬁned by more than

titles. Flexibility, mentorship, and valuesdriven work are now as essential as wages. Companies that ignore this shift risk losing out on the very talent they’ll need to grow.

THE FINAL WORD: CULTURE IS A BUSINESS STRATEGY

In construction, projects come and go, but culture endures. Leaders who see retention not as a perk but as a strategy will set the pace in the years ahead. The blueprint is simple:

• LISTEN—create consistent channels for feedback.

• INVEST—make training and mentorship a core part of your company.

• SHOWCASE—bring your culture into classrooms, career expos, and hiring platforms.

At its heart, construction has always been about building something that lasts. The same principle applies to your workforce. Prioritize people, and you’ll not only build stronger teams—you’ll build a stronger business.

TO REEL OR NOT TO REEL: DOES VIDEO MAKE SENSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

In an era of shrinking attention spans and endless scrolling, video has emerged as the dominant language of social media. For builders, remodelers, and designers, the question isn’t simply should you be creating Reels?—it’s whether your business can afford the visibility loss if you don’t. Short-form video now sits at the center of how audiences consume, share, and remember content.

So, does video make sense for your business? The short answer is yes. But the strategy depends on your goals, your audience, and your willingness to experiment.

WHY REELS WORK

Home design is inherently visual. Blueprints may map out the vision, but a ﬁnished home needs to be experienced, not just described—and Reels make that possible. Unlike still photography, video can capture ﬂow, light, and detail in a way that feels immersive and true to life. A timelapse of framing going up, the sweep of a camera through a new kitchen, or the moment of a dramatic reveal lets viewers feel the craftsmanship, not just see it.

Reels also humanize your brand. A designer explaining their vision, a project manager walking through smart-home features, or a realtor answering buyer

questions creates trust and relatability. Perhaps most importantly, video shifts the focus from product to lifestyle. Buyers aren’t evaluating square footage alone; they’re picturing the memories and milestones that will unfold within those walls. Reels provide the emotional bridge that helps them make that leap.

THE ALGORITHM ADVANTAGE

Great content only matters if it’s seen. Here’s where Reels provide a strategic edge: Social platforms prioritize shortform video, rewarding it with reach that extends well beyond your follower base. According to a recent trends report from Sprout Social, 78% of consumers prefer learning about products through video, and short-form clips generate 2.5x more engagement than longer formats. That engagement isn’t just vanity metrics—it fuels discovery, shareability, and recall. In a business where visibility often drives inquiries, this algorithmic lift translates directly into opportunity.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT VIDEO

Despite these advantages, many ﬁrms hesitate to embrace video. The most common objections—equipment, time, and audience—are largely outdated.

Today’s smartphones, paired with natural light, are capable of producing content that feels professional, yet approachable. Editing doesn’t require a production team; some of the highest-performing Reels are simple walkthroughs, beforeand-afters, or quick tips from a team member, all captured in minutes.

Data from WebFX shows 62% of consumers use social media to research brands, and nearly half of Gen Z now turns to platforms like Instagram and TikTok before traditional search engines when looking for information. That means that your next client may not ﬁnd you on Google—but rather discover you in their social feed.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTENT

Effective video doesn’t need to be complicated. Reels consistently outperform static photos or graphics

because they’re easy to consume and share. Detail-driven clips—like a spotlight on a ﬁxture, storage solution, or ﬁnish—highlight craftsmanship while inviting viewers to appreciate nuance. Educational content builds authority, positioning your brand as a trusted guide. And personality-driven posts, from behind-the-scenes moments to team introductions, foster connection. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s relevance, uniqueness, and consistency.

MEASURING SUCCESS

Success with Reels isn’t deﬁned by “going viral.” The more strategic measure is whether your content deepens engagement with the right audience. Social Insider’s 2025 Benchmark Report details Instagram’s average reach rate of 3.5% is more than double Facebook’s 1.65%—making it one of the most effective platforms for brand visibility.

Saves, shares, and proﬁle visits are small but powerful indicators of trust and intent. Reach and follower growth also paint a clearer picture of traction. And with new Instagram analytics reporting when a user liked your Reel, marketers can determine the exact hook that caught users’ attention.

TO REEL OR NOT TO REEL?

For housing professionals, Reels are not a passing trend—they’re an evolution of how your work deserves to be seen. They showcase design and craftsmanship with authenticity, amplify visibility through platform algorithms, and meet audiences where they already are: scrolling. The smartest move is to start small, test formats, and build consistency over time. In a marketplace where content spreads at lightning speed, Reels ensure your story isn’t left behind. The answer is clear—press record.

TARGET AUDIENCE REACHED

CUSTOM ADVERTISING ∆ SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

No organization connects Minnesota’s housing industry like Housing First Minnesota. Our advertising and sponsorship opportunities give your business direct access to engaged homebuyers, trusted industry professionals, and decision-makers across the state. From nation-leading home tours to high-visibility industry events, we put your brand where people are paying attention. Add in trusted publications and hightraffic digital platforms, and the result is marketing that delivers measurable impact. And in this feature, our sales team offers practical tips and forward-looking strategies to help you take full advantage of what 2026 has to offer.

REACHING THE RIGHT PEOPLE, THE RIGHT WAY

Partnership with Housing First Minnesota opens the door to high-value customers— like ready-to-act homebuyers, housing industry professionals, and both B2B and B2C businesses. “Our advertisers gain access to targeted audiences that can move the needle for their business,” says Devin Lehnhoff, senior account executive.

But access alone isn’t enough. It’s about showing up in the right way. “We’re a strong team of innovators that can elevate your brand to new heights,” adds Allyson Sample, engagement account executive. “You’re not just booking a print ad or a booth—we’re helping you create experiences that feel fresh, engaging, and tailored to your goals.” Every strategy is built around your end goal.

MOVING BEYOND TRADITIONAL ADS

While traditional placements like print ads remain powerful, today’s most effective strategies blend classic exposure with creative activations. “The most successful sponsorships sit at the intersection of clear business goals and revolutionary ideas,” explains Kate Gunderson, senior vice president, growth & engagement. “Today’s effective partnerships often focus on creating immersive, experiential activations that engage audiences on a deeper level.” These activations can take many forms— from hands-on experiences at consumer tours, to content-rich collaborations on digital platforms, to curated VIP networking opportunities at industry events. “Everyone is vying for attention,” Sample notes. “The brands that stand out are the ones willing to try something new—whether that’s blending digital with in-person touchpoints, experimenting with storytelling-driven sponsorships, or tailoring a campaign so it feels personalized to the audience.”

KATE GUNDERSON SENIOR VP, GROWTH & ENGAGEMENT

DEVIN LEHNHOFF SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ALLYSON SAMPLE ENGAGEMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

BRS 202º

MAXIMIZING YOUR MARKETING INVESTMENT

Budgets will always be top-of-mind. The Housing First sales team stresses that businesses don’t need to have massive resources to make a meaningful impact. “A strategically placed print ad in the right publication can deliver strong

brand exposure,” Lehnhoff shares. “On the digital side, cost-effective options like Instagram takeovers or collaborative Reels can quickly grow your reach among housing-interested consumers.”

Any investment, if well-targeted, can hit its target. Sample encourages businesses to think creatively:

“Sometimes it makes sense to narrow your scope rather than spread your spend too thin. We’ll help you ﬁnd smart, cost-effective ways to see a return on your investment.”

CUSTOMIZATION IS KEY

The common thread in Housing First Minnesota’s approach is customization. Every partnership begins with a conversation about goals, target audiences, timelines, and budget. From there, the sales team develops options tailored to ﬁt. “A well-deﬁned partnership from the start helps ensure that both parties have a clear vision of success, allowing for smoother execution and measurable results,” Gunderson emphasizes.

Sample sees customization as a way to truly elevate impact: “Every business is different, so no two sponsorships should look alike. We can build custom packages that combine traditional exposure with fresh delivery.”

LOOKING AHEAD: WHAT’S NEW IN 2026

Housing First Minnesota continues to expand its offerings to meet members’ evolving needs. Gunderson is especially energized by the innovation coming next year. “We’re experimenting,” she says. “Adding new event integrations, pioneering the digital space, creating more personalized sponsorship experiences, and offering tools that let brands interact with their audience in dynamic new ways.”

Now is the perfect time to plan. With 2026 on the horizon, reach out to sales@housingﬁrstmn.org to explore your options and discover how Housing First Minnesota can help your brand connect, engage, and thrive.

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A IMING FOR PASSIV E HOUSE

A Smart Move for Builders and Homeowners Alike

As energy efficiency continues to gain traction, forward-thinking builders and homeowners are starting to explore the Passive House building standard. Originally developed in Germany, this building standard was adopted for North America by the non-profit Phius organization. (Before a rebrand, Phius stood for Passive House Institute US.) This building standard focuses on the home as a system to create energy efficiency, comfort and durability. It’s a compelling case for anyone planning a new build or major renovation that wants to maximize comfort and limit energy consumption. Even if Passive House certification isn’t your end goal, employing the principles of Passive House can make a home significantly more efficient than a standard code-built home.

What is Passive House?

Passive House is a science-based standard, verified with modeling and real-world testing, that dramatically reduces a building’s energy consumption. Homes built to this standard use up to 90% less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings. This is achieved through five principles: superinsulation, air-tight construction, high-performance windows, thermal bridgefree design and balanced ventilation with heat recovery.

For builders, Passive House offers a competitive edge. As energy codes evolve and buyers become more eco-conscious, offering Passive House-certified homes can help a builder stand out. The standard is performance-based, meaning it can be applied to any architectural style or building type— from single-family homes to apartment complexes and commercial buildings.

Moreover, Passive House construction often leads to fewer callbacks and warranty issues. The emphasis on airtightness and moisture control details reduces the risk of mold, drafts and structural damage, leading to happier clients and fewer post-construction headaches. For homeowners, the benefits can be immediate and long-lasting. First and foremost, these homes are very comfortable. Passive Houses can maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round due to their well-insulated and air-sealed building shell. When a home is so well-sealed, ventilation is critical, and the ventilation system filters out pollutants, allergens and excess humidity.

An Efficient Investment

A certified Passive House is an upfront investment that yields long-term results. While Passive House construction may cost 10% or more upfront, homeowners may see significant long-term savings on energy use, even in cold climates such as Minnesota. Over time, that energy savings can offset the initial investment. Building to Passive House standards aligns with many local and national sustainability goals, and in some areas, incentives or rebates are available for certified projects. Whether you’re a builder looking to future-proof your business or a homeowner seeking comfort, savings, and sustainability, Passive House is a smart, forward-looking choice. It’s not just about building better; it’s about building smarter. Learn more at highefficiencynewhomes.com and phiusmn.org.

ASK THE:

AI Expert

with Kristin Marvin Director of Growth Technology, Housing First Minnesota

Artiﬁcial intelligence (AI) is no longer a far-off concept—it’s here, and it’s changing the way we build, market, and outﬁt homes. From design to project management, technology is reshaping the housing industry at an unprecedented pace. To help members understand how to embrace these tools, we sat down with Kristin Marvin, Housing First Minnesota’s director of growth technology, to talk about AI’s potential, practical applications, and the smartest way to get started.

Q. How do you see AI shaping the future of the housing industry?

Artificial intelligence is the new technical frontier and is drastically revolutionizing global industry. Construction is no exception. From blueprint interpretation to project management, to the physical home build itself, AI is being integrated into every aspect of the process. The benefits are wide-ranging: greater efficiency, reduced waste, fewer accidents, fewer errors, and the potential for lower costs—for both builders and buyers. In a market challenged by a nationwide housing shortage, these outcomes are no small matter.

Q. For those who feel overwhelmed or skeptical, what’s the easiest way to get started?

AI is advancing at such a rapid rate that it can feel like trying to set your sight on a moving target. My advice is to start small. Experiment with simple prompts and let the system show you what it can do. As you build conﬁdence, you can use AI like a personal assistant—oﬄoading repetitive tasks such as research, competitive analysis, meeting notes, or email summaries. This frees you up to focus on high-value work like customer relationships, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving.

Q. You talk a lot about “prompt writing.” Why is this so important?

I tell my team to think of prompt writing as “verbal code.” You’re telling the system what you want it to do with exactness and precision. Remember: Vague instructions lead to poor outcomes. If you don’t get the results you want, reﬁne your prompt and try again. Be clear about the role you want AI to play (“act as a project manager” or “summarize as a marketing expert”), specify the format you need (a bulleted list, a two-paragraph email draft, a comparison chart), and provide constraints like length or tone. Adding hyper-speciﬁc details—like an example

of the style you prefer—can dramatically sharpen the output. You can even ask ChatGPT if it has clarification questions before executing the task, which helps refine expectations and avoid misfires.

Q. Once someone is ready to move beyond experiments, how should they approach building a technology infrastructure?

Whether you’re building your tech stack from the ground up or evaluating it for improvement, it’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of your organization’s goals and strategic

direction. I recommend focusing on eight principles:

• Align on organizational goals

• Identify your system “source of truth”

• Prioritize cohesion and integration

• Plan for growth and scalability

• Invest in optimization

• Manage user adoption

• Perform regular health checks

• Embrace change and new ideas

A healthy tech stack is key to long-term success. Companies that optimize their systems consistently outperform those that don’t.

Q. How can AI help with marketing tasks?

AI can completely transform the way businesses connect with customers. Beyond campaign planning and content writing, tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot can generate social media calendars, suggest trending hashtags, draft ad copy variations for A/B testing, and even create eye-catching visuals sized for each platform. More advanced users can also analyze engagement data to see what’s resonating and reﬁne campaigns in real time.

Q. And what about day-to-day operations?

AI is equally powerful on the operational side. Integrated into systems like Outlook or Salesforce, it can automatically log interactions, track customer preferences, and surface predictive insights during meetings. Afterward, AI can generate meeting summaries, assign follow-up tasks, and even draft clientready emails—turning hours of work into minutes. Beyond that, it can help with sales forecasting, data visualization, project management dashboards, and technical problem-solving. AI isn’t just a tool for marketers or IT teams; it’s a business-wide accelerator.

Q. Once a company chooses a new tool, how do you recommend getting staﬀ on board?

New technology only works if people use it. Start by preparing staff with a clear explanation of the “why” behind the rollout. Then, offer training in stages: first broad overviews, then role-specific sessions, and finally one-on-one support. Not everyone adopts at the same pace, so leveraging early adopters to share their success can help peers who are more hesitant. And don’t stop at launch— ongoing support through refresher sessions, working groups, or user guides is critical.

Q. What safety or security concerns should professionals keep in mind?

Many AI platforms default to “learning” mode, which means anything you put in may be used to train the system. Never input sensitive or conﬁdential information. Also, be cautious about scams—AI can create convincing emails, voices, and even videos. If something feels off, verify directly rather than clicking links. And don’t forget the legal side: respect intellectual property, verify sources, and avoid plagiarism.

Q. Looking ahead, where do you see AI going?

The immediate future is robotics. Companies like Tesla, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics are already piloting humanoid robots, and within housing, builders are using robotics and 3D printing in home building projects. Longer term, the possibilities are enormous. We may see a time when diseases are nearly eradicated, when accidents claim fewer lives, and when people have more time to focus on what they love. Personally, I hope that means traveling more—and doing laundry less.

Building Hope Across Minnesota:

30 Years of Growth and Impact

For more than three decades, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation has been building far more than houses. This community of builders, remodelers, trade partners, and donors has built stability, dignity, and hope for Minnesotans. What began as a vision to serve neighbors in need and bring the housing industry together has grown into a statewide movement. Today, the Foundation has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, transforming lives across Minnesota.

A Statewide Impact

In the early years, Housing First Minnesota Foundation Community Build Projects were concentrated in the Twin Cities metro. But as the need for digniﬁed housing expanded, so did their efforts. Over time, the Foundation has grown to meet the needs of Minnesotans statewide, completing 72 community build projects, providing 259 shelter beds, and creating over 127,000 square feet of safe housing—an impact valued at more than $10.5 million.

This growth reﬂects both the generosity of project partners and the increasing demand for transitional and supportive housing solutions. By listening to nonproﬁt service providers and responding to urgent community needs, the Foundation has been able to extend its mission into Greater Minnesota—ensuring that the impact is felt not just in the metro but also in small towns and rural communities.

Serving New Populations

As the Foundation has grown, so too has the diversity of the populations served. Initially focused on veterans at risk of homelessness, the scope has expanded to include families, young mothers, and teens in crisis.

• Earlier this year, the Foundation celebrated the completion of its ﬁrst project outside the Twin Cities: BRAVO ZULU HOUSE in Winnebago.

The nation’s ﬁrst sober-living home for veterans with PTSD, this community integrates formal therapies and counseling with dog therapy, and hydroponic farming to aid in healing.

• VETERAN VILLAGE in Eagan, a ﬁrst-of-its-kind multi-unit housing complex, will house up to 36 veterans and their families when complete later this year. This project marks a monumental step toward ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

• ELEVATE HOPE HOUSE in Anoka County provides transitional housing for young, single mothers and their children, offering stability and a chance for a brighter future.

Bravo Zulu House

• HOPE HOUSE TEEN CRISIS SHELTER, now under development in the southwest metro, will be the only youth crisis shelter in the area, meeting the growing need for emergency housing for teens ages 14 to 19. Each of these projects represents a commitment to responding to where the need is greatest, expanding beyond a single demographic to serve Minnesotans of all ages and backgrounds.

“I am extremely proud of all the work that has been done at the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. It has been a goal of ours for some time now to expand outside of the Twin Cities and to serve an ever-growing homeless population that is diverse in many different areas. Because of the hard work at the Foundation, we are able to change the lives of many different people statewide, and of different backgrounds. I am extremely grateful and excited to see what we can accomplish in the years to come,” says Jeremy Larson, Foundation board president & vice president + part owner of Hampton Companies, LLC.

“Serving on the Foundation Board through the past several years, it has been evident that each year, there has

been a strong alliance to push harder and make a larger impact to assist in ending homelessness in our surrounding area. In 2024, it became apparent that more nonproﬁt organizations were aware of our work, and therefore, we can expand to serve new groups in the Twin Cities and beyond. With the generosity shown from our industry, this will only continue to grow,” says Meg Jaeger, owner & chief creative at Mega Remodel.

Industry Partners at the Heart of Our Work

This progress wouldn’t be possible without the builders, remodelers, and trade partners who make up the Housing First Minnesota community. From donating labor and materials to lending expertise and leadership, industry professionals are the backbone of every community build project.

Whether its electricians wiring a home, framers raising walls, or landscapers transforming outdoor spaces, housing industry partners remind us that housing is more than construction—it’s a craft rooted in care for community. Their contributions ensure that each project is built with the

same attention to quality, comfort, and dignity as they would for their own home.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As they celebrate more than 30 years of impact, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation is not slowing down.

“Housing First Minnesota Foundation remains steadfast in its mission. With the need for safe, supportive housing continuing to grow, we are committed to expanding our reach statewide, strengthening strategic partnerships, and serving more Minnesotans than ever before. Our vision is ambitious yet clear: to provide dignified housing in pursuit of ending homelessness in Minnesota. With the support of the housing industry, we are confident this goal is within reach,” says Sofia Humphries, Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s senior director, community impact.

Together, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation will continue to build not only homes, but also hope, opportunity, and community across Minnesota.

Elevate Hope House THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER PARTNER

Veteran Village Builds Momentum Industry Partners Unite

A bold vision is nearing reality in Eagan as Veteran Village pushes toward completion.

A ﬁrst-of-its-kind supportive housing community for veterans experiencing homelessness, this project is expected to see the ﬁrst veterans moving in by the end of the year. Each of the 22 units was thoughtfully designed to honor their service with dignity, comfort, and community. This progress is no small feat. It represents the collaboration of industry leaders, trade partners, donors, and community members who share a commitment to housing our heroes. With

every foundation poured, wall framed, and unit ﬁnished, the project highlights what can be accomplished when the housing industry rallies behind a cause.

Industry Leadership and Community Commitment

Veteran Village is made possible through the leadership of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation, the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), Lennar, and the Lennar Foundation. But beyond the anchor organizations, dozens of trade partners, subcontractors, and

suppliers have donated time, expertise, and resources to drive the project forward.

Heavy equipment operators, framers, landscapers, electricians, painters, and many more industry professionals have been at the heart of every milestone. Their work restores hope for veterans who will soon call this community their own.

“We are excited to be able to join MACV, Lennar, and Housing First Foundation to effectively help end veteran homelessness in Minnesota,” says Jim Fuschetto, vice president, sales at USBLM. “Being a part of the Veteran

Village build project is a great way to give back to our community that has given us so much.”

Progress On-Site

The summer season marked significant progress across all six buildings. Construction advanced through each phase— from foundations and framing to siding, cabinetry, stonework, drywall, and final inspections—with all buildings scheduled for completion in the final months of 2025.

Site improvements also moved forward, including sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, retaining walls, and the community’s central gazebo area. By Labor Day, the front entrance was nearly complete, offering an inviting preview of the village.

Building 1 reached full completion in time for the Fall Parade of Homes, where it was featured as a Dream Home. Visitors and tourgoers were able to step inside and witness the scope and impact of this transformative project.

Looking Ahead

For veterans who have endured years of housing instability, moving into Veteran Village will mean more than just a roof over their heads—it will mean a new beginning.

“When you get into this home, you can imagine the lives that are going to be impacted. People are going to call this home, and be taken care of,” says Sunny Bowman, Housing First Minnesota Foundation board president elect & owner/ CEO of Dakota County Lumber Co.

For the housing industry professionals who helped make it possible, it represents the best of what this community can accomplish together.

The dedication, craftsmanship, and generosity poured into every step of this project ensure that by year’s end, keys will be in the hands of the Minnesota veterans who need them most.

Veteran Village is proof that when the industry comes together with purpose, we can build more than homes—we can build hope.

The future of housing is e cient, transparent, and sustainable.

GREEN PATH IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD

IT.

In today’s housing market, competition is fierce. Buyers are no longer satisfied with surface-level finishes or aesthetic trends alone—they want confidence in how their home performs. Questions about energy efficiency, longterm operating costs, and environmental impact are becoming as important as square footage or location. In fact, 87% of consumers now say sustainability is a factor in their homebuying decisions (SurveyMonkey, 2025 Business Trends Report). For builders and remodelers, this means standing out requires more than curb appeal. It requires proof.

Enter Minnesota’s Green Path, the state’s leading energy-testing and green certiﬁcation program for new homes.

Developed by Housing First Minnesota, Green Path has quickly become the largest program of its kind in the state, with more than 40,000 homes tested since its inception. By providing thirdparty veriﬁed performance data, Green Path gives builders a powerful tool to showcase quality and buyers the transparency they increasingly demand.

What Is Green Path?

At its core, Green Path is a voluntary program designed to bring clarity and credibility to home performance. Each participating home receives a Home Performance Report (HPR)—a simple, digestible document that outlines energy test results, a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score, and other key performance data. For buyers, the HPR is like a blueprint for conﬁdence: proof that their investment is built to last.

Green Path offers three levels of certiﬁcation:

• ENERGY TESTED homes are evaluated by a third-party RESNET rater to provide a Home Performance Report and HERS Index Score at no cost. If a home scores low enough, builders may submit their project to gain Advanced or Master Certiﬁcation.

• ADVANCED CERTIFIED homes earn a HERS score below 47 and meet additional eﬃciency requirements.

• MASTER CERTIFIED, the most rigorous level, exceed rigorous standards and earn a HERS score below 45, showcasing the highest commitment to energy eﬃciency. These tiers allow builders to select the level that best aligns with their market positioning while still providing the credibility of independent veriﬁcation.

Why It Matters in 2025

The case for Green Path has never been stronger than it is today.

• MARKET COMPETITION: Minnesota’s homebuilding market continues to tighten, with inventory low and buyers selective. Differentiation is no longer optional. By showcasing performance data, builders can set themselves apart in a crowded ﬁeld. In 2025, 51 homes on the Fall Parade of Homes were Advanced Certiﬁed Green Path homes, underscoring how widespread (and visible) the program has become.

• CONSUMER CONFIDENCE: The modern buyer is more informed than ever. Builders who can provide transparent, veriﬁable data about performance gain a distinct edge in an era where information drives trust.

• SUSTAINABILITY IMPERATIVE: Minnesota, like much of the nation, is advancing toward stricter energy codes and sustainability benchmarks. Green Path positions builders not just to meet current standards but to lead in exceeding them. The program aligns with growing expectations for environmentally responsible building, making it both a present-day asset and a future-prooﬁng strategy.

• REPUTATION & TRUST: Aligning with Green Path signals more than compliance, it signals leadership. In an age where brand trust inﬂuences every transaction, certiﬁcation demonstrates a commitment to

quality that resonates with buyers and strengthens professional reputation.

The Value to Builders & Remodelers

Participation in Green Path is a business strategy on top of a commitment to sustainability. Homes with HPRs stand out in consumer-facing platforms like the Parade of Homes, where Green Path branding elevates visibility and builds credibility. The HPR also serves as a powerful sales tool, equipping teams with concrete data that speaks the buyer’s language—measurable eﬃciency, lower energy costs, and greater comfort.

Beyond its marketing beneﬁts, the program offers builders valuable operational insight. The testing process not only reassures buyers but also provides actionable feedback that helps reﬁne building practices, reduce callbacks, and improve long-term quality.

Perhaps most importantly, participation signals industry alignment. With many of Minnesota’s leading builders already embracing Green Path, joining the program demonstrates a commitment to best practices and positions remodelers and builders alike as forward-thinking leaders in a competitive marketplace.

Looking Ahead

Minnesota’s Green Path is a certiﬁcation program that pursues transparency, trust, and sustainability in homebuilding. As buyer expectations evolve and competition intensiﬁes, builders and remodelers who embrace Green Path are positioning themselves not only to win in today’s market but also to lead in the housing industry of tomorrow.

For those who have yet to get involved, the message is clear: Now is the time. Connect with Housing First Minnesota to explore how Green Path can help differentiate your homes, strengthen your reputation, and give your buyers the conﬁdence they’re searching for.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MINNESOTA’S GREEN PATH AND HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR HOMES FOR ADVANCED OR MASTER CERTIFICATION AT MNGREENPATH.ORG

11 Builders Achieve Advanced & Master Certiﬁcation in 2025

Energy Tested homes are rated on five main categories: energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, resource management in construction, water management, and land use. Raters walk through their checklist and look for things like quality insulation, seals, and foundation; use of solar power or energy-efficient appliances; air quality and flow; and use of recycled materials to name a few.

ADVANCED CERTIFIED HOMES

THANK YOU 2025 SPONSORS

ADVANCED & MASTER CERTIFIED HOME PERFORMANCE REPORTS POWERED BY

Advanced Certification is where homes truly start to differentiate themselves in the realm of energy efficiency. To achieve this level, homes must incorporate enhanced insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and superior windows and doors, among other features. This results in a lower HERS Index score, reflecting significant energy savings. The Advanced Certification highlights builders committed to exceeding the norm and investing in long-term efficiency and sustainability.

These builders built one or more homes that achieved Advanced Certiﬁcation in 2025:

• Bergeron Homes & Development, Inc.

• Brandl Andersen Homes, Inc.

• Creative Homes, Inc.

• D.R. Horton, Inc. Minnesota

• Eternity Homes Inc.

• Hanson Builders, Inc.

• Lennar

• Ron Clark Construction

• Stonegate Builders

• Traditions by Donnay Homes, LLC

MASTER CERTIFIED HOMES

At the top level of green building, Master Certiﬁed Homes exceed established standards. This builder built several homes that achieved Master Certiﬁcation in 2025:

• Paltrin, LLC

Xcel Energy covers the $79 Advanced and Master Certiﬁcation application fees for builders who build in their territory and achieve Advanced or Master certiﬁcation on their homes. ®

DISCOVER THE LATEST IN GREEN BUILDING!

THURSDAY, NOV. 13, 2025

8:00 AM-NOON

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

2960 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville

SPACE IS LIMITED!

COST:

•$49 Housing First Minnesota Member

•$59 Nonmember

Designated Green Path

Builders receive one complimentary registration

Summer Artisan Home Tour

Artistic vision, unmatched craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind homes this year’s Artisan Home Tour was a spectacular event with thousands of visits across the 20-plus homes.

june 6-22, 2025

PRESENTING SPONSOR

An

Evening of Purpose & Possibility

On a perfect summer evening, supporters and friends of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation were graciously welcomed at the Larson family’s Tuscany-inspired estate. Guests were treated to an incredible lineup of experiences—from curated cocktails and live music to culinary demonstrations by local Stonegarden chef Andrew Novak.

july 10, 2025

PRESENTING BY

EVENT PARTNERS

Housing First Minnesota Golf Open

The annual Golf Open at Majestic Oaks Golf Club was a fun-ﬁlled day with great prizes, delicious food, and exceptional company. Thank you to all our golfers and sponsors who made it a fantastic day on the green course!

aug. 7, 2025

CO-PRESENTING SPONSORS

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR

BAR SPONSORS

ABC Supply Co., Inc.

Action Overhead Garage Door, LLC

Air Mechanical, Inc.

Allstar Andersen Windows Arcxis

Bassford Remele

Black Hawk Garage Door

Capital One Business CenterPoint Energy FocalPoint Flooring, Cabinets & Design

GlassArt Design

Hallmark Building Supplies, Inc.

Hubbell Residential IDC-Automatic In-Focus Systems

Kolbe Gallery Twin Cities

Lampert Lumber

Lyman Companies

Marvin

Minnesota Construction Law Services, PLLC

North Star Law Group, PLLC

Outdoor Excapes

Pella Windows & Doors

Rockwool

Sharper Management

Synergy Products

Water Doctors Water Treatment Co.

CONTEST

Bayer Built Woodworks, Inc.

Brush Masters, Inc.

JL Schwieters Building Supply

Xcel Energy, MN Gas

Business Dev.

Krech Exteriors

Schluter Systems

Warners’ Stellian Appliance

BRAT

BEER All, Inc.

Dakota County

Lumber Company

Ferguson Enterprises

Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.

STAFFED HOLE

Vikings Training Camp

The Parade of Homes hosted a booth at the Vikings Training Camp this summer! Our staff greeted fans with games, giveaways, and excitement about the upcoming tours.

aug. 2025

Members Only

New and longstanding members gathered for our Members Only: Table Talk event. This new format focused on sparking conversations and deepening connections using a roundtable format with moderated discussions throughout the evening.

aug. 21, 2025

Veteran Village Open House

Housing First Minnesota Foundation welcomed donors, partners, and supporters to a special open house at Veteran Village Building 1. Featured as a Dream Home on the Fall Parade of Homes, visitors experienced ﬁrsthand the thoughtful design and progress of this community-driven project.

sept. 3, 2025

3-BEDROOM PREMIER PARTNER

1-BEDROOM PARTNER

BURGESS FAMILY

3-BEDROOM FURNISHING HOST PARTNER

1-BEDROOM FURNISHING HOST PARTNER

Knife River Company

GRANT SUPPORTERS

Eagan Community Foundation

Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation

The Home Depot Foundation

VETERAN VILLAGE-KEY PREMIER PARTNERS

ABC Cabinets

Contract Interiors, Inc.

Dakota County Lumber Company

Erosion Works

Focal Point Flooring

Leon’s Countertops

Lyman Lumber

Manor Concrete Construction, Inc.

Quality Insulation, Inc.

RENOVA ONE

Titeﬂex dba Gastite

Uponor (GF Building Flow Solutions)

Vantage Law Group

VETERAN VILLAGE KEY SUPPORTERS

Alex Lelchuk

Core & Main

DR Horton, Inc. - Minnesota

Hampton Companies, LLC

Krech Exteriors

Lennox Industries

LP Building Solutions

Maplewood Development & Construction, Inc.

Mitek USA, Inc.

Remick Family Foundation

Scherer Bros. Lumber Co.

Suite Living Senior Care

Building Futures Golf Classic

Members teed off at the Foundation’s annual golf event to work on their swing, network, and help support life-changing community build projects.

sept. 9, 2025

BUILDING FUTURES

CO-PRESENTING

BRAT

BEVERAGE

LONGEST PUTT

BEER ROLL THE DICE GAME

MEDIA PARTNER

DESSERT

HOLE-IN-ONE

PREMIER PARTNER

“HIT THE GREEN” GAME

PUTTING GREEN

MULLGAN BAG

GAME

Parade of Homes Community Pop-ups

To celebrate the fall tours and bring tourgoers to new developments across the metro, the Parade of Homes hosted a few community pop-ups. Tourgoers joined us for puppy parties, signature coffee drinks, and family-friendly fun!

sept. 5-28, 2025

News In The

Housing First Minnesota is making headlines. Dig in to some of the recent coverage of our work and mission within news outlets across the state.

The Parade of Homes has a long history of supporting those in need, and this fall, we wanted to take it to the next level. We’re giving tourgoers a special chance to see ﬁrsthand how some Minnesota homebuilders are making a difference in their communities.”

KRISTEN CROSSMAN

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER

Throughout last year, we worked with our members to engage the City of Edina to try and change the ordinance to fall within the parameters of the Harstad v. Woodbury ruling. The city has not yet done so.”

NICK ERICKSON

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HOUSING POLICY

The idea with this house is that it’s a symbol. And it’s a symbol of what can happen when people come together. It’s a symbol of healing, of hope, and of community.”

LUKE HANSON HANSON BUILDERS

This isn’t just about housing, it’s about restoring a sense of belonging and respect for those who’ve given so much for our country. Veteran Village will offer a space where veterans and their families can rebuild with stability, dignity, and community.”

JESSICA

RYAN HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

COVERAGE OF THE VETERAN VILLAGE BUILD PROJECT

COVERAGE OF THE FALL PARADE OF HOMES AND FALL DREAM HOMES

COVERAGE OF HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA’S LAWSUIT AGAINST THE CITY OF EDINA’S TREE ORDINANCE FEES

AVS Renderings, LLC

Ignacio Abellan avs-renderings.com 302-867-8310

Crown Warehouse and Delivery Service

Sue Gartner crownwds.com 763-550-1500

Edwards Sales Corp. Ted Stauber 952-929-6794

Express Window Fashions & Drapes Etc. Scott Needham expresswindowfashions.com 651-452-4953

Flooring, Inc. Jesse Moxness ﬂooring-inc.com 612-525-3219

Gene Johnson Graphic Arts

Gene Johnson homerenderings.net 903-539-5431

J & L Design, LLC Joe Locey jnldesign.net 612-296-9785

JamesCo. Homes, Inc. Jake Wille jamescohomes.com 402-659-2744

Landmark Builders, Inc.

Eugene Vorobey landmarkbuilders.us 651-509-5805

Marshall Gardens, LLC Kelsey Thompson marshallgardensep.com 651-253-0774

Moonstone Design & Build, LLC

Lidia Valdivia moonstonebuilds.com 612-425-5028

Qt Property Management

Debra Hansen qt-propertymanagement.com 612-850-0331

Ryan Windows & Siding Austin Ryan Ryan-ws.com 507-281-6363

ShelfGenie

Regina Dechant shelfgenie.com/locations/ minneapolis-st-paul 651-276-1220

Simplicity Organization MN, LLC

Sophia Riley simplicityorganizationmn.com 763-400-6808

Stewart Plumbing, Inc.

Travis Stewart stewartplumbinginc.net 763-428-1833

JUNE–AUGUST 2025

SW Builders, LLC

Josh Denning sw-group.co 402-659-2744

Teak & Olive Design Co. Michelle Burns teakandolive.com 612-226-8452

Virginia Tile Company Jacob Mehrer virginiatile.com 763-559-5531

WalkYourPlansMN Christy Kimbrel walkyourplansmn.com 612-231-5565

UPDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

Keep Your Company Connected

Make sure your team isn’t missing out on important updates, event invitations, or industry news. Log in to your member proﬁle to:

• Verify all contact information is current

• Ensure all employees are connected

A quick update now means your whole team stays in the loop.

Aﬃnity Programs

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER OFFERINGS & DISCOUNTS

Housing First Minnesota has brought together an array of member-only beneﬁts that positively impacts your bottom line. We seek companies that thoroughly understand the building industry and provide products at rates generally not available to the public. Give these folks a chance to see what they can do for you.

VIEW MORE MEMBER DISCOUNTS AT HousingFirstMN.org/MemberOﬀerings

Product Discounts

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

• 1% of your purchase goes to Housing First Minnesota Foundation

• Competitive & customizable pricing

• Free next-day business delivery (on most items)

• Your account rep is an active Housing First Minnesota member

Olivia Monk

763-595-5340 (o) 651-756-0205 (c) OMonk@OrderBE.com

HOMESPHERE

Learn how you can join over 2,700 builders receiving incentives and rebates from building product manufacturers. Rebates often exceed the cost of membership and it’s easily manageable!

Melissa Wolf

331-431-7433

MWolf@HomeSphere.com

NATIONAL PURCHASING

PARTNERS (NPP)

DISCOUNTS

• Airgas

• Cintas

• Projul

• Sherwin Williams

• Staples

Verizon Business

• And MANY more!

NPP

800-810-3909

CustomerService@MyNPP.com

Business Operations

Gas Discounts

HOLIDAY STATIONSTORES

• Save 30 cents per gallon for the ﬁrst 90 days (new applicants only)

• Save 6 cents per gallon all the time

• $2 off a car wash at any participating Holiday

Nick Carow

951-830-8889 | nick.carow@circlek.com

ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN

Our Association Health Plan (AHP) helps small businesses in the residential construction market provide insurance to their employees. Fully insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield and managed by North Risk Partners, the AHP is a great way to recruit and retain employees with an average savings of 7-10% for participating companies.

Janice Meyer

651-697-7566 | Janice@HousingFirstMN.org

SPEEDWAY & 7-ELEVEN

• Business fuel card program

• Fuel rebates up to 5 cents off per gallon

• Mobile management tools

Avani Mehta

630-698-0118 | Avani.Mehta@WexInc.com

Vehicle Discounts

JEFF BELZER’S COMMERCIAL

SALES

Members receive a $750 discount off any commercial new vehicle purchased from Jeff Belzer’s. Plus, enjoy a free service loaner, free pickup/drop-off for service work, and express commercial service.

Adam Engdahl 651-633-3500 AEngdahl@JeffBelzer.com