Issuu

Digest T H E

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2026

Craftsmanship Up Close The Artisan Home Tour puts Minnesota’s ﬁnest building talent on display

Examining the Local Housing Market

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Industry Pros Look Ahead to 2027

Housing First Minnesota Membership, Maximized

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Partner With Vesta DEVIN LEHNHOFF 651-697-7564 | Devin@HousingFirstMN.org

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Contents O CTOB ER-D E CE M B E R 2 0 2 6

HOUSING FIRST

From the Board Chair

Elite Sponsors

A message from our board chair, John Kraemer

Thank you to our industry partners

UP NEXT

20 16 26

Events

Need to Know

See what’s coming up next for association events A quick look at what’s going on at Housing First Minnesota

IN THE INDUSTRY

Advocacy in Action

Beyond the Lot Line

Advocacy work continues after legislative session concludes How infrastructure shapes residential development

BUSINESS TIPS

Habits That Make Projects Run Smoother Discover how builders keep jobs organized

Membership, Maximized

Ask the: Art Director

Make the most of your Housing First Minnesota membership

Build a visual identity that can help your business stand out in the market

F E AT U R E

The Minnesota Difference What the latest research reveals about Minnesota’s housing market

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Industry Resolutions Industry leaders share their goals for the coming year

The Digest HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

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CMY

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Digest T H E

Board of Directors EXECUTIVE BOARD BOARD CHAIR JOHN KRAEMER, John Kraemer & Sons, Inc. BUILDER VICE PRESIDENT JAMIE THARP, Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT ART PRATT, Pratt Homes SECRETARY/TREASURER PETER MARTIN, Pella Windows & Doors AT-LARGE MEMBER JENNIFER MCALPIN, McAlpin Marketing AT-LARGE MEMBER REBECCA REMICK, City Homes, LLC BOARD + COMMITTEE CHAIRS

BUILDING FUTURES

PARADE OF HOMES COMMITTEE BLAKE SWANSON, Swanson Homes

REMODELERS COMMITTEE ANDY MICHELS, Michels Homes

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE ANDREW LEJEUNE, GlassArt Design

Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s Impact

The Housing First Minnesota Foundation launches new Community Build Projects

SMALL VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE JOE BRAUN, Style & Structure LARGE VOLUME BUILDERS COMMITTEE JOHN RASK, M/I Homes AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE KATIE HRONSKI, CAMBRIA ARTISAN HOME TOUR COMMITTEE AMY HENDEL, Hendel Homes HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE PETER COYLE, Larkin Hoffman

SEEN + HEARD

Photo Galleries

Summer Artisan Home Tour An Evening of Purpose & Possibility Hampton Companies Golf Tournament Golf Open Members Only Vikings Training Camp Candidate Conversations: Minnesota’s Housing Future Fall Parade of Homes Dream Home Pop-Up Building Futures Golf Classic

HOUSING FIRST MN FOUNDATION JEREMY LARSON, Hampton Construction, LLC

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In the News New Members

Referral Program

Affinity Programs

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 JIM FUSCHETTO, Lyman Companies AT-LARGE MEMBER RYAN HANSON, Sustainable 9 Design + Build AT-LARGE MEMBER MATT HOLMSTROM, Nor-Son Custom Builders AT-LARGE MEMBER ALEX LELCHUK, Lelch AT-LARGE MEMBER JARRETT PARKS, D.R. Horton, Inc. - Minnesota AT-LARGE MEMBER RACHEL PAULOSE, Home Electronic Systems, Inc.

ON THE COVER

Home No. 7 on the Summer Artisan Home Tour by Mark D. Williams Custom Homes, Inc., embodies the Artisan experience through creative vision, exceptional craftsmanship, and details designed to inspire. | PHOTO Spacecrafting

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

ADVERTISERS

ABC Supply Co., Inc. .................................................................................................. 57 Allstar........................................................................................................................ 35 Arrow Building Center .................................................................................................. 1 CenterPoint Energy ....................................................................................................13 Cityscape Painting Contractors, Inc. ..........................................................................41 Corporate 4 Insurance Agency, Inc. ............................................................................41 Erosion Works ........................................................................................................... 57 IDC-Automatic............................................................................................................15 In-Focus Systems .............................................................................. Inside Back Cover James Hardie Building Products .................................................................................. 7 JL Schwieters Building Supply ....................................................................................19 Lampert Lumber ....................................................................................................... 35 Lyman Companies. ....................................................................................................29 Residential Warranty Company, LLC .......................................................................... 57 Schwieters Companies, Inc........................................................................................25 Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. ..........................................................................................5 Synergy Products ........................................................................................ Back Cover West Fraser .................................................................................................................3

SENIOR DIRECTOR, HOUSING POLICY NICK ERICKSON ART DIRECTOR MANDY FINDERS VICE PRESIDENT, LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL AFFAIRS MARK FOSTER SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE TAMMI HALL PROGRAM OPERATIONS MANAGER NIKKI HUBIN FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SOFIA HUMPHRIES FOUNDATION DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER KRISTI JORGENSEN EVENTS COORDINATOR GABRIELLE LANENBERG SENIOR DIRECTOR, CLIENT STRATEGY & GROWTH DEVIN LEHNHOFF 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 CONTENT & PROJECT MANAGER ELIZABETH ROUBIK CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER JESSICA RYAN ENGAGEMENT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ALLYSON SAMPLE OPERATIONS MANAGER CASEY SCOZZARI GRAPHIC DESIGNER PA GAR VANG CHIEF OF STAFF KATE WIGLEY

WA N T T O A D V E R T I S E I N T H E N E X T D I G E S T ?

Contact our sales team at Sales@HousingFirstMN.org to reserve your space. C O N TAC T U S

2960 Centre Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113 • 651-697-1954 • HousingFirstMN.org The Digest magazine is an official publication of Housing First Minnesota. The Digest is published and distributed quarterly to members of Housing First Minnesota and others associated with the housing industry. Neither the advertisers, nor Housing First Minnesota, will be responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, typographical errors, etc., herein contained. For advertising rates, resource ﬁles, or address change information, contact Housing First Minnesota. Suggestions, ideas, and letters are welcome. If circumstances require, Housing First Minnesota reserves the right to increase or decrease the number of The Digest issues published on an annual basis.

The Digest HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

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CONTAC T US

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FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

United Around Housing At Housing First Minnesota, our work is guided by a simple but powerful belief: Homeownership opportunities should be within reach for all Minnesotans. Housing challenges touch every corner of our state. Families face rising costs, communities lack housing options, and regulatory and development barriers make it increasingly difficult for our industry to deliver homes at attainable price points. Addressing these challenges will require leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink the policies that shape how and where we build. Homeownership is not a partisan issue—it is a Minnesota issue. There is growing recognition across the political spectrum that increasing housing supply, improving affordability, modernizing outdated regulations, and removing unnecessary barriers to development are critical for Minnesota’s future. That shared understanding creates an opportunity for us to make real progress. As we move closer to another election, Housing First Minnesota remains committed to working with leaders from across the state and political spectrum. That commitment is reﬂected in our most bipartisan slate of endorsed candidates to date—leaders who share a commitment to advancing practical solutions that expand attainable homeownership, support responsible growth, and strengthen communities across Minnesota. We are grateful for the members and industry leaders who lend their voices, expertise, and experiences to this work. Together, we can continue building momentum for policies that strengthen our industry, expand opportunities, and help more Minnesotans experience the beneﬁts of a place to call home. Onward, JOHN KRAEMER 2026 BOARD CHAIR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

The Digest HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

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SPONSORS

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UP NEXT

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Need to Know Introducing Vesta Meet Vesta: the market’s newest luxury magazine, created to reach homeowners and decision-makers at pivotal moments in the custom homeownership journey—from building and remodeling to creating a lasting legacy. Born from the Artisan Home Tour, Vesta is the only publication in Minnesota created from within the housing industry itself and dedicated entirely to the lifelong journey of homeownership. For more than 80 years, Housing First Minnesota has connected homeowners with extraordinary homes and the industry professionals behind them. Vesta brings that trusted perspective to a new platform, giving partners authentic, natural access to a highly valuable audience actively shaping how Minnesota builds, remodels, invests, and lives. TO PARTNER WITH VESTA OR LEARN MORE, CONTACT DEVIN LEHNHOFF AT

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Enter the Spring Parade of Homes & Remodelers Showcase Thinking ahead to the Spring 2027 Parade of Homes or Remodelers Showcase? Entries open in early November. Keep an eye on your inbox and Housing First Minnesota communications for important dates, deadlines, and everything you’ll need to get your homes on the tour. Parade of Homes March 12-April 11, 2027

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The Digest HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

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Need to Know Become an Advertiser or Sponsor Our sponsorship and advertisement opportunities enhance your ability to communicate your products and services to other members and engaged consumers. Your participation as a sponsor is a win-win opportunity: You gain exposure to your key markets, and Housing First Minnesota can continue offering high-quality programs to members, outreach to the community, and advocacy to create a healthy and vital industry. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT

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The Digest HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA | OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

GOVERNOR CANDIDATES DISCUSS HOUSING AT MINNESOTA STATE FAIR Housing supply, affordability, and land use reform took center stage at the Minnesota State Fair during separate conversations with the state’s two major-party candidates for governor, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D) and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R). Presented by Housing First Minnesota in partnership with Family Housing Fund and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the forum was moderated by KARE 11 political reporter Danny Spewak. The discussions provided an important opportunity to elevate housing issues in the statewide policy conversation ahead of the 2027 legislative session. With Minnesota facing a shortage of nearly 100,000 homes and apartments, the event reinforced the urgency of moving beyond discussion, with both candidates supporting solutions that remove barriers to building, expand housing supply, and create more attainable paths to homeownership.

FEDERAL HOUSING TOWN HALL PUTS MINNESOTA’S HOMEOWNERSHIP BARRIERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT Earlier this summer, Housing First Minnesota brought federal housing officials, state lawmakers, and industry members together for an important conversation about the policies shaping new-home construction and homeownership opportunities across Minnesota. Officials from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) heard directly from local builders and developers about how state and local regulations affect the cost, availability, and variety of new homes our industry can build. Much of the conversation centered on local land-use policies and the challenges of creating more entry-level homes. Industry participants shared how zoning requirements, minimum lot sizes, and other local regulations can make it difficult—or even

impossible—to build smaller homes at more attainable price points. The discussion reinforced the importance of the Minnesota Starter Home Act, legislation designed to create more opportunities for starter homes by modernizing local land-use standards. For Housing First Minnesota members, it was a valuable opportunity to share real-world examples of how outdated requirements can block efforts to meet the needs of today’s homebuyers. Participants also discussed proposed 2026 homeowners association (HOA) reform legislation. Sen. Jordan Rasmusson and Rep. Spencer Igo joined federal officials and industry representatives to outline how updates to Minnesota’s HOA statutes could bring greater transparency, consistency, and predictability for homeowners and developers while supporting continued housing development. The town hall gave federal and state leaders a firsthand look at the challenges facing Minnesota’s housing industry and gave builders and developers a chance to help shape the conversation around practical solutions. By bringing decisionmakers and housing providers to the same table, Housing First Minnesota continues working to remove unnecessary barriers and expand homeownership opportunities throughout the state.

CITY OF DAYTON ABANDONS PROPOSED HOUSING MORATORIUM In late July, the Dayton City Council removed a proposed six-month housing moratorium from consideration after

questions were raised about whether the city had the legal authority to enact it. The moratorium would have temporarily paused residential development while city officials evaluated staff workload and potential changes to land-use ordinances. Minnesota law allows cities to enact landuse moratoriums under certain circumstances, but staff workload is not among the reasons authorized by state statute. Developers also raised concerns during an earlier planning commission meeting about plans to structure the moratorium so certain identified developments could continue while others would be put on hold. Ahead of the scheduled July 28 public hearing, Housing First Minnesota submitted a letter outlining its concerns with the proposal. The letter emphasized that state law does not give cities broad authority to stop development outside the specific circumstances established in statute—particularly for reasons related to staff capacity. Housing First Minnesota also warned that the proposal lacked a sufficient legal basis and could leave the city open to legal challenges. The city council ultimately removed the moratorium from consideration, and it did not hold the scheduled public hearing. Dayton’s proposal is the latest example of a local government considering development restrictions amid conversations about growth, infrastructure, and planning capacity. At a time when Minnesota continues to face a serious housing shortage, these pauses can delay new homes, increase project costs, and make

Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing Minnesota families.” MARK FOSTER VICE PRESIDENT OF LEGISL ATIVE AND POLITICAL AFFAIRS AT HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA The Digest

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ADVOCACY IN ACTION

an already challenging housing market even more difficult. Earlier this year, Lakeville enacted a one-year development moratorium, citing in part proposed state legislation intended to remove local barriers to housing development. As of publication, Lakeville’s moratorium remains in place.

HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA HONORS 2026 LEGISLATIVE CHAMPIONS Housing First Minnesota recognized 24 state lawmakers with its 2026 Housing Leadership Award for their work to support Minnesota’s homebuilding industry and help make homeownership more attainable. This year’s honorees include 11 members of the Minnesota House and 13 members of the Minnesota Senate, representing communities across the state and both sides of the political aisle. Each demonstrated leadership on policies to improve housing affordability, increase the supply of homes, and create more opportunities for Minnesotans to become homeowners. One of the session’s most important housing accomplishments was passing legislation that prevents local governments from requiring developers to

establish unnecessary HOAs as a condition of residential development. For builders and developers, these mandates could add complexity to projects and create ongoing costs for the families who will eventually call those communities home. Eliminating unnecessary HOA requirements gives housing providers greater flexibility while helping reduce the long-term cost of owning a newly constructed home. “Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing issues facing Minnesota families,” said Mark Foster, vice president of legislative and political affairs at Housing First Minnesota. Foster credited this year’s honorees with engaging thoughtfully on the complex issues affecting housing production and finding opportunities to work across party lines. That leadership is especially important as our industry continues to navigate high construction and development costs, limited housing inventory, and ongoing affordability challenges for prospective buyers. The 2026 honorees from the Minnesota House are Reps. Kristin Bahner of Maple Grove, Dave Baker of Willmar, Nathan Coulter of Bloomington, Jeff Dotseth of Kettle River, Mike Howard of Richfield, Spencer Igo of Wabana Township,

Liish Kozlowski of Duluth, Larry Kraft of St. Louis Park, Shane Mekeland of Clear Lake, Jim Nash of Waconia, and Kari Rehrauer of Coon Rapids. Senate recipients are Sens. Liz Boldon of Rochester, Gene Dornink of Brownsdale, Rich Draheim of Madison Lake, Steve Drazkowski of Mazeppa, Glenn Gruenhagen of Glencoe, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger of Woodbury, Karin Housley of Stillwater, Jeff Howe of Rockville, Eric Lucero of St. Michael, Susan Pha of Brooklyn Park, Lindsey Port of Burnsville, Jason Rarick of Pine City, and Jordan Rasmusson of Fergus Falls. The geographic and political diversity of this year’s recipients reflects an important reality: Housing challenges affect every corner of Minnesota. Market conditions may look different in urban, suburban, and rural communities, but builders across the state face regulatory costs and other barriers that can limit the number and types of homes they can provide. As we look ahead, Housing First Minnesota will continue working with lawmakers from both parties to advance practical solutions, remove barriers to new-home construction, and put homeownership within reach for more Minnesota families.

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INDUSTRY D ATA

BEYOND THE LOT LINE

How infrastructure shapes residential development Long before a foundation is poured or a framing crew arrives, a new community’s feasibility may hinge on something far less visible: whether the necessary public infrastructure is in place. Roads, water systems, sanitary sewer, and stormwater facilities all affect residential development. For many projects, these issues arise early—often while developers are negotiating the development agreement that establishes project requirements and responsibilities with a city. “The most common infrastructure issue is whether sewer is available to the site,” says Paul Heuer, director of land planning and entitlement for Pulte Homes of Minnesota, LLC. “Occasionally, it may be a collector road or a city well that needs to be drilled, but sewer is the big one.”

Similarly, Tony Wiener of Cardinal Homebuilders, Inc., identified water, sewer, and roads as the public works projects that most commonly affect residential development. Their availability—and the requirements attached to them—can determine how quickly construction begins, what the project costs, and whether it is financially feasible.

INFRASTRUCTURE COMES BEFORE CONSTRUCTION A parcel may appear well-suited for housing, but development cannot move forward without adequate infrastructure. If sanitary sewer or water service does not reach the site, extensions may be required before roads can be built, lots can be finished, and home construction can begin.

The same is true when a development requires a new collector road, additional water capacity, or expanded stormwater systems. These needs typically emerge during planning, negotiations, and app rovals, but their effects can continue throughout the project. Infrastructure uncertainty makes it difficult to estimate costs and set reliable timelines. When improvements are delayed or cost more than anticipated, developers may have to postpone construction, redesign a project, or reconsider whether it remains feasible.

WHO PAYS—AND WHO CARRIES THE RISK? Public infrastructure may eventually serve residents and future development well beyond the boundaries of the project that initially required it. However,

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INDUSTRY D ATA

or added inspections, get passed along to homeowners in the cost of the lot,” Wiener says. By the time a buyer sees the final sales price, it reflects not only land, labor, and materials but also the roads, utilities, and public systems that made construction possible. When one project is expected to fund infrastructure that will eventually serve a larger area, those costs may be concentrated among the first homes built.

A CHANGING RELATIONSHIP

Heuer said developers are increasingly being asked to finance or construct major improvements as part of the approval process. The limits of that authority were tested in Harstad v. Woodbury, a landmark 2018 Minnesota Supreme Court case. The dispute began after Woodbury conditioned approval of a proposed townhome development on the payment of an infrastructure charge not authorized by state statute—and required the developer to waive his right to challenge the fee. The court unanimously ruled for the developer, finding that Minnesota statutory cities cannot make subdivision approval contingent on infrastructure charges they are not authorized by law to impose. The decision also rejected the idea that such payments are voluntary when a project’s approval depends on them. While the ruling established important limits, developers may still encounter a variety of legally authorized assessments, utility charges, engineering expenses, inspection costs, and development fees. Each additional expense increases the cost of producing a finished lot. “Any added costs from cities, whether it’s redundant engineering fees

According to Heuer, the relationship between cities and the development community has changed over the past several decades. “Until about 20 or 30 years ago, cities were ‘partners’ in seeing development occur,” Heuer says. “They recognized that creating an even flow of building permits allowed them to have stable staffing and also generate the revenue necessary to fund trunk infrastructure in a predictable way.” Under that model, cities could use municipal bonds to proactively finance major trunk infrastructure and recover the investment over time as growth occurred. Today, Heuer adds, developers are more frequently expected to determine how those improvements will be funded and assume the associated risk. The issue highlights a broader tension. Cities must manage debt, maintain public systems, and consider the effect of new investments on existing taxpayers. Developers need predictable requirements, costs, and schedules to determine whether housing projects can move forward. When those interests aren’t aligned, housing production can slow, cost more, and become less certain.

CREATING GREATER PREDICTABILITY Effective coordination begins well before a project reaches final approval. Developers need clear information about infrastructure availability, planned improvements, timing, costs, and financing responsibilities while evaluating land and designing a project. Cities can also benefit from understanding where development interest

exists and what infrastructure it will need. Early communication can help communities align capital improvement plans with housing demand rather than addressing major needs one project at a time. Wiener believes greater consistency across jurisdictions could reduce uncertainty and make the development process more efficient. “Having a statewide system that developers would know going into a project would help speed up the process, reduce unknown costs, and help with affordability,” he explains. Likewise, Heuer sees proactive municipal planning and financing as an important part of the solution. Rather than waiting for an individual developer to finance major trunk infrastructure, he says cities could use their access to lowercost financing to build improvements as needed and spread costs more broadly. A more consistent framework could give developers clearer requirements before making substantial investments. Proactive municipal financing, clear cost-sharing policies, and regularly updated capital improvement plans could further reduce the burden placed on the first development in a growing area.

INFRASTRUCTURE IS A HOUSING ISSUE Public infrastructure is essential to safe, functional, and growing communities. The central question is not whether it should be built but rather how it should be planned, financed, and delivered—and how those decisions affect housing supply and affordability. When infrastructure is planned proactively, it can open land for development, support a steady flow of new homes, and help communities prepare for growth. When investments are delayed, requirements vary significantly between cities, or costs are concentrated on one project, they can add risk, raise lot prices, and make housing harder to deliver. For the residential construction industry, public works decisions are not separate from the housing market. They are among the earliest and most consequential factors shaping what can be built, when construction can begin, and ultimately, what the finished home will cost.

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BUSINESS TIPS

HABITS THAT MAKE PROJECTS RUN SMOOTHER DISCOVER HOW BUILDERS KEEP JOBS ORGANIZED WHEN EVERYTHING IS MOVING AT ONCE 22

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BUSINESS TIPS

Having a refined process that promotes proactive communication and solid organization from the very start of every project is what allows every party to be set up for success.” STEVE GOEBEL DIRECTOR OF CONSTRUCTION, WOODDALE BUILDERS, INC.

As a builder, remodeler, or developer, you know this fact all too well: There are a lot of moving parts to manage throughout a project. From client priorities and adhering to a budget to scheduling subcontractors and tracking materials, a construction endeavor is often a tricky balancing act. And although you might consider yourself to be a professional juggler when it comes to all these details, you’re likely always looking for ways to improve and streamline your processes.

Whether it’s making the most of tools and systems, completing daily and weekly check-ins, or coordinating with everyone involved, how can you keep jobs on track even more effectively? And in addition to keeping things running smoothly, how can you prevent stress and headaches as well? “In theory, everyone involved is working together to have a good experience—and even better, an enjoyable experience,” says Steve Goebel, director of construction

at Minnetonka-based Wooddale Builders, Inc. “Having a refined process that promotes proactive communication and solid organization from the very start of every project is what allows every party to be set up for success.” Goebel also points out that if you aren’t using a strong system to keep each project organized, on time, and on budget, errors and mistakes tend to creep in—leading to costly delays, budget overruns, and other project setbacks. Scott Hockert, VP of production at Hanson Builders, Inc., agrees with this way of thinking, stating, “Efficiency almost always equates to increased productivity and profits, but I always consider the human factor of burnout. If you are not running efficiently and your team is doing nothing but putting out fires, it reflects on relationships, integrity, and job satisfaction.” Building greater efficiency into every project starts with the right approach. Read on for tips from the pros.

PLANNING AHEAD Goebel is a big believer in “pre-con meetings” with trade partners. “These

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are huge, especially for large-scale homebuilding projects,” he says. “Having a pre-con meeting with our partners in excavating, foundation, lumber, framing, trusses, and windows provides an opportunity for all partners to communicate, get in front of challenges, and talk through strategy. It sets up the project for success.”

TURNING TO TECHNOLOGY Gone are the days of simply relying upon phone calls and faxes to keep a project rolling. Technology has become an indispensable resource for those in the building industry. For instance, Hockert uses the website Monday.com (a cloud-based project management platform) and Buildertrend (construction management software), which are up on his screen whenever he’s working. “These are real-time systems that help us all keep up to date and not waste time over or under communicating,” he says. Goebel likes using JobTread (another type of construction project management software) for daily updates. “We use this construction management system to communicate with our clients and trades to keep schedules, selections, and change-orders aligned,” he says. “We make sure this is a part of our daily habits, especially for our field supervisors who maintain our schedules and use it to communicate with our trades, which is crucial to keep the project running smoothly.”

REGULAR CHECK-INS Hockert and Goebel are both strong proponents of weekly and bi-weekly check-ins. For example, Hockert focuses on weekly status reports of important data that gets communicated by department heads internally and externally to their trades. Goebel takes part in weekly internal meetings across departments, which includes sales, design, estimating, project management, and construction.

FOLLOWING UP Hockert additionally relies upon “constant, consistent follow up” on emails, texts, and phone calls. “Responding diligently to others instills reliability and integrity, both internally and externally,” he says.

STAYING ON THE SAME PAGE “Accuracy of information in our Builder trend system is key,” Hockert says, referring to the firm’s construction management software. “This connects our clients, the builder, and our trade

partners. If we don’t have good communication there, nothing works.” He says that a simple change order, for example, gets created by the builder in the system, is sent to the client for approval, and then automatically gets communicated to trade partners. “This can happen in a matter of minutes,” he says. Goebel says that the company’s weekly internal meetings help the team stay aligned as clients move from phase to phase, articulate changes, and provide client feedback “so each department is on the same page for each project.” He continues, “This minimizes surprises and helps us forecast and work proactively instead of reactively.”

PLENTY OF TENACITY Good old grit and determination can pay off when it comes to staying on top of everything, which Hockert refers to as “tenacity.” “This is a personality trait we try to instill with all who work here,” he says. “It means not taking things at face value, pushing the envelope, and always wanting to do better.”

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BUSINESS TIPS

MEMBERSHIP,

MAXIMIZED YOU’RE ALREADY A HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA MEMBER. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF IT.

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BUSINESS TIPS

Being a Housing First Minnesota member is more than adding a logo to your website or attending the occasional event. Membership opens the door to industry connections, professional growth, business development, advocacy, and exclusive resources designed to help you succeed. Yet many members only scratch the surface of what’s available. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, elevate your brand, sharpen your skills, or help shape the future of housing in Minnesota, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved. Here are just a few opportunities you might not be taking full advantage of.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK One of the greatest benefits of membership is access to an unmatched network of builders, remodelers, suppliers, trade partners, and other industry professionals. With a year-round calendar of events—from member-exclusive happy hours and golf tournaments to home tours, galas, and educational programs— there are countless opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and grow your business. Katie Hronski, ambassador committee chair at Housing First and market representative at Cambria, says, “The connections I’ve made [through my Housing First Minnesota membership] have led to new business opportunities, valuable partnerships, and a stronger sense of community within the industry.”

LEAD THE CHARGE From home tours and events to advocacy initiatives and Foundation projects, committee members help shape many of Housing First Minnesota’s most important programs and priorities. It’s one of the best ways to contribute your expertise while building meaningful relationships with fellow members. Find a full list of committees and task forces at HousingFirstMN.org/Committees.

STAY IN THE KNOW Knowledge is one of the most valuable member benefits. In fact, Housing First Minnesota provides exclusive access to

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BUSINESS TIPS

market data, housing research, business resources, and industry publications that help members stay informed and competitive. Weekly permit data is shared through the Keystone Report, while The Hot Sheet provides a monthly snapshot of the housing market. Members also receive The Digest and Housing Industry News, each of which offers industryrelevant information and news. For those interested in exploring more in-depth research, Housing Affordability Institute offers expert analysis on housing policy, affordability, and the forces shaping the industry’s future.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MEMBER SAVINGS Housing First Minnesota offers a variety of programs that help members reduce operating costs, from exclusive rebates and discounts to health insurance opportunities and more. The Association Health Plan helps qualifying businesses save an average of 7–10% on employee health insurance, while HomeSphere connects more than 2,700 builders with rebates and incentives from leading building product manufacturers. Members also receive discounts from companies including Sherwin-Williams, Verizon, Cintas, Staples, Speedway, Circle K, Airgas, and many more. See the full list at HousingFirstMN.org/MemberOfferings.

REACH THE RIGHT AUDIENCE Whether your goal is to connect with fellow industry professionals or reach prospective homeowners, Housing First Minnesota offers myriad ways to put your business in front of the right people. “Housing First advertising has allowed us to have valuable conversations with both prospective customers and strong leaders in the industry,” shares Nick Super of ABC Supply Co., Inc. “We have unlocked access to a market we previously struggled to enter and gained valuable name recognition within that market.” Associate members can increase visibility through sponsorships at association events like Members Only or the Builders and Remodelers Show (BRS), or they can take advantage of advertising

opportunities in the many B2B products available. For builders and remodelers seeking new business, Housing First’s consumer-facing publications and home tours are the perfect place to position your business front and center.

CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS Every year, Housing First Minnesota recognizes the outstanding people and projects shaping Minnesota’s residential construction industry. From exceptional new homes and remodeling projects to sustainability, innovation, marketing, craftsmanship, and professional achievement, the association’s annual awards program offers members the opportunity to showcase their work and earn recognition from peers across the industry.

KEEP YOUR SKILLS SHARP The industry never stands still—and neither should you. Throughout the year, Housing First Minnesota hosts industry workshops, expert-led panel discussions, and many more educational opportunities. Members can also earn continuing education credits through Contractor University, which offers more than 50 online courses covering everything from business management to building and energy codes.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD Housing affordability remains one of Minnesota’s most pressing challenges, and

Housing First Minnesota is at the forefront of the conversation. As a member, you can participate in grassroots advocacy efforts, engage with lawmakers, attend Housing Day at the Capitol, and help influence policies that impact the future of homeownership throughout the state. “One of the best parts of being a Housing First member is having the chance to bring your real-world experience into the policy conversation,” says Andrew LeJeune, advocacy chair at Housing First and president of GlassArt Design. “Housing First is viewed as the leading voice for housing in the state, and we have a unique opportunity to influence the direction of our state by getting involved.”

AMPLIFY YOUR BRAND Membership brings opportunities for organic brand visibility. Whether through social media features, magazine articles, television segments, or project spotlights, Housing First Minnesota actively promotes member companies and their work. The more involved you become, the more chances you’ll have to share your story and elevate your brand.

Interested in learning more about how you can take advantage of your Housing First Minnesota membership? Contact Member Services Manager Kim Carter, Kim@HousingFirstMN.org

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Q+A

Ask the: Art Director With Mandy Finders

ART DIRECTOR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

very company has a story to tell—but the strongest brands begin telling it before a single word is spoken. Through thoughtful design, consistent visuals, and a clear identity, businesses can build recognition, earn trust, and create lasting connections with customers. After all, every visual touchpoint shapes how consumers perceive your business. Here, we dive into practical insights on building a visual identity that can grow alongside your company and help your business stand out in the market.

Q. What role does visual identity play in shaping a customer’s first impression of a company?

Your visual identity is the ﬁrst thing a potential customer sees, so your logo and graphics should reﬂect your style. For example, if you build modern homes,

your branding should be modern. If you build more traditional homes, your branding, tone, and visuals should lean more traditional as well. An outdated look can make someone question a company’s reliability, potentially turning away a loyal customer before they even set foot through the door.

Q. When you think of a strong brand, what visual elements matter most beyond the logo?

A cohesive visual system helps customers recognize and connect with your brand. Think color, typography, photography style, and graphic elements such as patterns and icons. When these elements work together across every touchpoint, they create a clear, recognizable identity. Consistency builds familiarity, strengthens credibility, and ultimately, makes a brand more memorable.

Q. How can thoughtful design help a company stand out in a crowded marketplace?

Design can be a powerful differentiator when you want your brand to stand out. A distinct visual identity makes your company easier to recognize and remember, which in turn helps customers remember your company versus another. Thoughtful design can also communicate what makes your brand unique, reinforce your values, and create an emotional connection that keeps customers coming back again and again.

Q. How do you know when it’s time to refresh your brand?

If your company evolves but your visual identity remains the same, it can create a disconnect between who you are and how customers perceive you. Outdated

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Q+A

graphics and websites can make even a modern, forward-thinking business appear behind the times. If your branding no longer reﬂects your business, you’re attracting the wrong audience, or your competitors have evolved while you haven’t, it might be time for a refresh. Updating your visual identity can help realign your brand with where your company is today—and where it’s headed next.

Q. Many builders and remodelers have logos that have been around for decades. How do you modernize a brand without losing the recognition and trust you’ve built?

There’s a difference between a rebrand and a refresh. A brand refresh isn’t always about changing your logo. An update to existing elements such as colors, typography, photography, or messaging

can help give your branding the boost it needs while preserving your company’s legacy. A rebrand is a more signiﬁcant transformation that may include a new logo or even a new name, but this type of major overhaul is typically driven by a greater motive, such as a change in business strategy or shift into a new market. Start by identifying what’s no longer working, then determine whether a thoughtful refresh or a full rebrand will best move your business forward.

Q. How do typography, color, photography, and graphics work together to communicate a company’s personality and values?

These brand elements each communicate something different about your company: Typography sets the voice, color creates emotional connections, photography tells your story, and graphics

bring these elements together to reinforce recognition. These elements should complement each other rather than compete for attention, and they make the most impact when they work together to form a cohesive visual language.

Q. How can companies ensure their visual identity reflects the quality of work they deliver?

Invest in professional design. You want your customers to trust in your expertise, so it’s important to put your trust in experts outside of your ﬁeld as well. A graphic designer understands the importance of a strong, consistent brand identity and can help reﬁne and align your visuals to match. Once that identity is established, maintaining consistency across every touchpoint and customer interaction is key to building a recognizable, cohesive brand.

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THE MINNESOTA DIFFERENCE WHAT HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE’S LATEST RESEARCH REVEALS ABOUT MINNESOTA’S HOUSING MARKET—AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE PROFESSIONALS BUILDING IT Over any given news cycle, an abundance of national headlines declares the United States has a housing problem: Builders are constructing fewer homes. Affordability continues to erode. Firsttime buyers are older than ever. Homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. These headlines are true, but they’re also incomplete. Because while nearly every state is navigating some version of the same housing story, Minnesota’s chapter reads a little differently. Housing Affordability Institute’s latest United States of Housing report compares all 50 states using measures like housing production, affordability, and homeownership. At first glance, Minnesota appears to be performing relatively well. The state still boasts one of the nation’s highest homeownership rates, household incomes remain strong, and demand for housing has hardly disappeared. Look closer, however, and another throughline begins to emerge—one where Minnesota isn’t simply participating in national trends but, in several key measures, is falling behind its closest competitors. For builders, remodelers, and industry partners, these numbers help explain many of the conversations happening every day: buyers who can’t quite qualify, projects that no longer pencil, communities waiting longer for development, and businesses trying to plan for an increasingly uncertain future.

A PIPELINE UNDER PRESSURE If you judged Minnesota’s housing market by 2025 alone, you might conclude that construction activity has begun to stabilize,

and builders may finally be finding their footing after several turbulent years. But that single-year snapshot hides a much larger picture. Zoom out five years, and Minnesota begins to separate itself from the rest of the country—albeit not in a way anyone should automatically celebrate. Between 2021 and 2025, total housing permitting fell 37.75%—the fifth-largest decline in the nation. Singlefamily permitting declined nearly 23% during that same period. That distinction matters because a permit isn’t just paperwork. It’s a future neighborhood, a framing crew’s next project, and a cabinet supplier’s production schedule. It’s an excavator’s workload and a landscaper’s contract. A mortgage written. A family moving in. Every permit that disappears represents work that never enters Minnesota’s housing economy. The slowdown has been especially pronounced in the Twin Cities, where permitting declined 43% between 2021 and 2024—substantially more than comparable metropolitan markets, including Chicago. That leaves Minnesota attempting to overcome an estimated statewide housing shortage of 98,000 homes. At today’s pace of construction, closing that gap would require roughly four-and-a-half years of production. “I work for one of the oldest familyowned building companies in Minnesota,” says Steven Behnke, AIBD, senior project manager at Traditions by Donnay Homes, LLC. “This is a company that has ranked in the top 25 in Minnesota, closing in the low 100s every year but now struggles to close over 50. The staff is now at 50%, or smaller, than the size it was during the ‘boom

times.’ Land is not being purchased for long-term strategies—the look-ahead for development is measured at 2-3 years.” “Production in Minnesota is declining because housing affordability is not improving, and that’s a policy choice,” says Nick Erickson, executive director of Housing Affordability Institute. “The rate shock hit all states equally. We’ve seen states like Colorado, Montana, and Texas respond by making it easier to build. Despite the loud calls in Minnesota, that hasn’t happened here yet.” Erickson highlighted that since the “Montana Miracle” package of land use reforms passed in 2023, the median closing price of a new single-family home has fallen 21% from its peak, while single-family permitting has begun to recover after a steep decline from 2021-23.

THE FIRST RUNG OF THE LADDER Minnesota has long enjoyed one of the highest homeownership rates in the country. A young couple purchases its first home. Years later, they outgrow it and build new. Another family purchases that existing home. Eventually someone remodels, downsizes, or builds again. Every successful first-time buyer creates movement elsewhere in the market. That’s why Housing Affordability Institute pays close attention to homeownership trends. Minnesota’s homeownership rate rebounded slightly to 71.2% in 2025 after suffering its largest one-year decline in four decades the year prior. The state’s rate remains well above the national average of 65.2%, but the longer-term trend suggests Minnesota’s

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traditional advantage is becoming more difficult to maintain. The Institute’s earlier research from November 2025 helps explain why. When too few homes are built, would-be buyers compete for existing inventory. Existinghome prices rise. More households remain renters longer. Higher rents make saving for a down payment more difficult. The pathway into homeownership narrows, and the self-enforcing cycle repeats. “Five years ago, clients came in with a wish list and we worked from there,” recalls Rebecca Remick of City Homes, LLC. “Today, we’re talking about budget almost from the beginning. ... [Clients] may choose to build a little smaller or eliminate something, but they still care deeply about quality, craftsmanship, great windows, sustainability, and the spaces they use every day. A big part of our job now is being responsible with our clients’ money and making sure we’re designing to a budget from the start—instead of designing the dream house and finding out later that it costs too much to build.” “Builders are problem-solvers by nature, and they’re passionate about homeownership,” adds Erickson. “They’ve worked with trade partners on mitigating the impact of more cost increases, but that can only go so far. We remain the costliest state for homebuilding in the region—much of it driven by government policies.” For the industry, the shrinking path to first-time ownership is not a problem confined to entry-level builders. Why? Because housing is a progression. A firsttime buyer eventually becomes a move-up buyer, remodeling client, custom-home customer, or seller, whose existing home becomes another buyer’s starting point. When fewer households can enter that progression, the entire housing ladder moves more slowly. Existing homeowners remain in place longer. Inventory tightens. Families delay additions, major renovations, or moves into newly built homes because their next step has become too expensive or uncertain. Over time, fewer first-time buyers can mean fewer future clients for nearly every segment represented by Housing First Minnesota.

It also changes what buyers expect from builders and remodelers. Households stretching further to qualify might demand greater certainty around final price, operating costs, maintenance, and long-term value. The companies best positioned to respond might be those that can clearly communicate not only purchase price but also durability, energy performance, lifecycle costs, and the value of professional construction.

DEMAND ISN’T THE PROBLEM At first glance, Minnesota’s affordability numbers almost seem encouraging. New-home prices increased just over 2% in 2025, slower than several neighboring states. But slower appreciation doesn’t necessarily mean greater affordability when Minnesota entered the race carrying the region’s highest price tag. Today, it remains the most expensive Upper Midwest state for both new and existing single-family homes. In fact, Housing Affordability Institute’s research from late last year found that more than half of Minnesota households cannot afford the state’s median-priced existing home, while roughly three out of every four households cannot afford the medianpriced new home. That’s an important distinction for us, because the issue isn’t whether people want to buy homes—they do. The issue is whether enough households can reach the price point where building those homes becomes economically feasible. “Demand for great homes hasn’t gone away, but clients are definitely thinking longer and harder about what they’re spending and what they’re getting for it,” says Remick.

“Despite the deepening of the housing crisis, we’ve seen the government respond with more barriers,” Erickson adds. “Tree replacement programs, increased fees, punitive moratoriums, and the state’s 2038 energy code mandate are new challenges the industry has to fight against.”

LOOKING BEYOND THE NUMBERS Reports like United States of Housing inevitably produce rankings, charts, and comparisons, but for Minnesota’s housing industry, the numbers matter less than what they represent: families waiting longer to buy their first home; builders navigating narrower margins and more complicated projects; remodelers serving homeowners who are staying put because moving no longer makes financial sense; and trade partners trying to forecast workloads in an increasingly uncertain market. They also represent opportunity, because while national housing trends provide context, Minnesota’s challenges— and its solutions—will ultimately be local. Understanding where the state stands today is not only an exercise in data but is also the first step toward ensuring Minnesota remains a place where builders can build, businesses can grow, and homeownership remains an attainable goal for the next generation.

To learn more about Housing Affordability Institute, visit HousingAffordabilityInstitute.org

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ADVERTORIAL

EXTERIOR INSULATION

THE KEY TO COST-EFFECTIVE, ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES 36

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ADVERTORIAL

For today’s homebuilders, meeting the ever-changing energy code requirements while delivering comfort, durability, and long-term value has become a critical part of the construction process. As prescriptive building codes require more insulation than a standard 2-by-4 wall can hold, builders are beginning to use exterior insulation (often referred to as continuous insulation) as part of the overall building envelope. By adding an uninterrupted layer of insulation outside the wall framing, like a down coat, builders can improve thermal performance and create homes that are easier to bring into compliance with current energy codes.

REDUCING ENERGY LOSS THROUGH THERMAL BRIDGING Even in walls ﬁlled with insulation, wood framing creates thermal bridges that allow heat to move through the building envelope. These thermal bridges reduce the overall effectiveness of insulated wall assemblies and can increase heating and cooling demands. Exterior insulation can address this challenge by creating a continuous thermal barrier around the home. Instead of relying exclusively on cavity insulation between studs, builders can use a combination of cavity and exterior insulation to improve the wall assembly’s overall performance. For homeowners, the result may be lower energy consumption and more consistent indoor temperatures. For builders, it is a practical and repeatable solution that can help deliver measurable energy efficiency without dramatically altering construction practices.

RIGHT-SIZED HVAC SYSTEMS One often-overlooked beneﬁt of exterior insulation is its impact on HVAC design.

When a home’s thermal envelope performs better, heating and cooling loads are reduced. This allows builders and HVAC contractors to specify smaller, more appropriately sized equipment while still maintaining comfort throughout the home. For builders incorporating heat pumps, this benefit becomes even more important. High-performance wall assemblies with continuous exterior insulation can reduce heat loss during winter months, helping heat pumps operate more efficiently and maintain indoor temperatures with less energy consumption. In colder climates, reducing overall heating demand can improve heat pump performance and make whole-home electrification more practical. A tighter, better-insulated building envelope can also help eliminate hot and cold spots that sometimes occur in conventionally insulated homes. As a result, homeowners often experience more consistent temperatures, better humidity control, and quieter HVAC operation. Smaller equipment may also reduce upfront mechanical costs. For builders looking to meet energy code requirements, support all-electric home designs, and improve overall home performance, exterior insulation provides benefits that extend well beyond the wall assembly itself. By improving envelope efficiency, builders create opportunities to optimize the entire mechanical system and deliver a more comfortable, energyefficient home.

SUPPORTING COMPLIANCE WITH ENERGY CODES The latest editions of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) place a greater emphasis on high-performance building envelopes and continuous

insulation strategies. Depending on local code adoption, builders may be required to meet increasingly demanding wall performance standards through prescriptive or performance-based compliance paths. One reason exterior insulation continues to gain popularity is its ability to support consistent, repeatable construction details across multiple projects. When integrated properly, exterior insulation works alongside air and weather-resistive barriers; proper ﬂashing and drainage systems; and high-performance windows and doors to reduce air leakage, improve moisture management, and enhance overall building durability. In cold-climate regions such as Minnesota, keeping wall sheathing warmer during winter conditions can help reduce condensation risks inside wall assemblies. This added protection contributes to long-term building performance and homeowner satisfaction. Builders who standardize these details across their product lines often ﬁnd it easier to maintain quality control and achieve predictable energy-performance outcomes from one home to the next.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE As energy codes evolve and homeowner expectations continue to rise, exterior insulation offers builders a practical path toward higher-performing homes. By reducing thermal bridging, supporting IECC compliance, improving comfort, and lowering energy use, continuous insulation delivers beneﬁts that extend well beyond code minimums. For homebuilders seeking dependable building envelope performance and a competitive advantage in the marketplace, exterior insulation remains one of the most effective investments in modern residential construction.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS AT XCELENERGY.COM/NEWHOMES.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

INDUSTRY

RESOLUTIONS

INDUSTRY LEADERS SHARE THEIR GOALS FOR 2027, ALONG WITH THE MOST VALUABLE LESSONS THEY LEARNED THIS YEAR

As the new year quickly approaches (where did 2026 go?), it’s only natural for many of us to begin contemplating our goals and resolutions for 2027— and those in the housing industry are no exception. We asked four such individuals to share what they’re envisioning for the coming year, as well as the learning experiences they’ll take with them.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

PETER COYLE

PAUL GRABOW

ATTORNEY, L ARKIN HOFFMAN; HOUSING AFFORDABILITY INSTITUTE CHAIR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

PRESIDENT, ROBERT THOMAS HOMES, INC.; CENTER FOR HOUSING CAREERS, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

PASSING THE TORCH

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

“It has been a privilege to build a successful practice and so many strong and lasting client relationships over the years, but as a semi-retired attorney, my focus now is transitioning that practice to the next generation of capable attorneys on my team,” Peter Coyle shares as he looks back on his 30-year career at Minneapolis-based Larkin Hoffman. “As a retiring attorney, I’m fortunate to be able to pass along my practice to such a talented group and know my clients will continue to be in good hands.” Coyle shares his goal-setting philosophy, saying, “We are not able to achieve our dreams if we do not ﬁrst have dreams. The same applies for goals and goal setting. Setting goals is a constructive and important means by which a person or organization charts a path for growth and success. Goals are not rigid and should change based on new information or priorities, but they should reﬂect an honest and realistic attempt to map out steps to be taken with measurable outcomes in the year ahead.”

At Lakeville’s Robert Thomas Homes, Inc., you’d think that the goal would be to build even more homes next year—but that’s not the case for President Paul Grabow, and he has a good reason why not. “While it might sound strange, our 2027 goals are actually to sell less homes this year while we get ready to open new communities in early 2028 and generously grow our land position,” he shares. “It is essential for a larger homebuilder to always be looking one to two years ahead to ensure they have the right lot inventory. Setting a budget early against your lot inventory sets a governor for how much you can sell and ensures that number looks good for overall operation.” He goes on to say, “2027 is a strategic transition year for Robert Thomas Homes that will set us up for continued long-term success. We have a great team, exciting new communities on the horizon, and we look forward to creating more opportunities for families to build the home they’ve always dreamed of.”

Having goals is key, but being prepared for the unexpected is also essential. Even when it appears the economy is going in a positive direction, business planning and goal setting must always contemplate the possibility that economic conditions will change. Organizations that survive in such an environment adapt rapidly through planning that treats change as an inevitable necessity.”

I’m optimistic about the industry for 2027 because demand for new housing still feels strong. With interest rates being on the high side of what many buyers are accustomed to, it gives builders an opportunity to be different than the existing home market.”

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

KATIE HRONSKI

REBECCA REMICK

MARKET REPRESENTATIVE, CAMBRIA; AMBASSADOR CHAIR, HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

OWNER, CITY HOMES, LLC; MEMBER AT-L ARGE (EXECUTIVE BOARD), HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA

INTENTION & CONNECTION

ADAPTIVE THINKING

As a representative of Eden Prairie-based Cambria, which is famed for its high-quality quartz surfaces, Katie Hronski is heading into the coming year with ambitious goals and a clear vision for what’s ahead. “As I look ahead to 2027, my goal is to continue strengthening relationships with my partners and bringing new strategic opportunities to Cambria,” she shares. “I’m working on bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the table. Whether that’s new events, partnerships, or unique ways to engage our customers, I want to ﬁnd opportunities that create value for our partners and help grow the Cambria brand.” And those goals don’t come without some 2026 lessons learned. “This year, I learned the importance of being intentional with my time,” she says. “There are always more opportunities than there is capacity. I ﬁnd focusing on the partners, projects, and initiatives with the greatest longterm impact also deepens my relationships with partners, ultimately helping me reach my goals.”

For Rebecca Remick, owner of City Homes, LLC, her resolutions aren’t focused on simply growing her Edinabased firm. Instead, she wants to adapt, change, and improve in 2027. “Our industry is constantly changing,” she says. “Client expectations change. Technology changes. The market changes. If you’re doing things the same way you did five years ago, you’re probably falling behind.” Change can be difficult to achieve if you’re just going through the motions every day, and this is something Remick recognizes. “Before you know it, another year has gone by, and you’ve been so busy working that you haven’t taken time to think about where you’re trying to go,” she reflects. Some of Remick’s specific goals for the coming year include continuing to elevate client experience, investing in her team, and looking at technology in new ways, including AI, which she believes “can help us work smarter and communicate better.” “To me, success in 2027 won’t be measured by how many homes we build,” she says. “It’ll be measured by whether we’re building a stronger company, developing great people, and continuing to improve what we do every day.”

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to build relationships with so many talented builders, designers, architects, and remodelers. It’s exciting to see their energy and creativity continue to grow. People are thinking differently, pushing boundaries, embracing new ideas, and collaborating in impactful ways.”

Going into 2027, I want us to continue listening, improving our communication, and never assuming we’ve got everything figured out. I think the best companies are the ones that are always willing to learn.”

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Roofing Siding Windows Tools Gutter

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APRIL–JUNE 2021 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA Th

OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2026 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA The Digest

APRIL–JUNE 2021 | HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA The Digest

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BUILDING FUTURES

Bravo Zulu Women’s Home

360 Communities - Lewis House

The Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s Impact Throughout this year, the Housing First Minnesota Foundation has continued to grow—deepening its impact by listening closely to the communities it serves and responding where the need is greatest. That commitment is taking shape through a strong pipeline of upcoming projects designed to meet critical housing needs across Minnesota. Whether through ﬁnancial support, donated materials and services, or hands-on involvement, there are many ways for housing industry partners to

give back and help build a stronger future for Minnesotans in need.

Community Build Projects

East Metro Family Homelessness Shelter

THANK YOU TO OUR PREMIER PARTNER

in Winnebago, a 2025 Foundation project. The Bravo Zulu House partnership continues the Foundation’s commitment to ending veteran homelessness in Minnesota.

BRAVO ZULU WOMEN’S HOME

This fall, the Foundation will support the new Bravo Zulu Women’s Home in Mankato. This project will create a safe harbor where women veterans can heal from both addiction and PTSD among their peers. These veterans will be supported by the same proven Bravo Zulu House model used for the men’s home

360 COMMUNITIES - LEWIS HOUSE The Housing First Minnesota Foundation, in partnership with 360 Communities, is advancing plans for a new 50-bed, apartment-style domestic and sexual violence shelter in Eagan—enough space to house more than 600 individuals each year, half of whom will be children. As the

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BUILDING FUTURES

area—will help address that need. The work will include renovating more than 20 apartment units for families experiencing homelessness, as well as building a commercial kitchen that will allow service organization Interfaith Action to serve more than 400 people at a time.

Interfaith Action

Get Involved

With these upcoming projects, the Foundation will have more opportunities than ever for members of the housing industry to get involved. Builders, remodelers, and trades are invited to contribute their time, talent, and expertise to work for a greater purpose.

Partner Pathways

only domestic and sexual violence shelter in Dakota County, this $14 million project will provide safe, stable housing and critical support services for survivors and their families. In addition, the project will include a Survivor Support Center that will provide inclusive, life-changing services to uplift both residents and nonresidents alike. The Foundation’s scope of work includes ﬁnishing the residential apartment units alongside residential build partner PulteGroup, Inc. Greiner Construction will complete the commercial construction for the project. This

collaborative effort will create a secure, welcoming environment designed to foster healing, stability, and hope.

ENDING FAMILY HOMELESSNESS IN THE EAST METRO Over the past year, the Foundation has listened to the needs of communities across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota—one of the most prominent being safe, supportive housing for families experiencing homelessness. Two new projects—a partnership with Interfaith Action in St. Paul and a large-scale apartment remodel in the White Bear Lake

The Partner Pathways Breakfast series is a great way to learn about the Foundation’s work and upcoming project needs. Dedicated gatherings for trade partners, build partners, and remodelers, these events connect industry experts with Foundation projects where support is needed most and provide opportunities to give back through time, talent, materials, and financial support. To learn more about these upcoming breakfasts, visit HousingFirstMNFoundation.org/GetInvolved. Interested in supporting a specific project or initiative? Contact the Foundation at foundation@housingfirstmn.org to start a conversation.

Give Back

As the year ends, now is the perfect time to give back and make a meaningful gift to the Foundation. Every dollar contributed generates more than $2.50 in community impact, helping your generosity go even further for Minnesotans facing homelessness. With important projects ahead and growing needs in our communities, your support can help provide safe, stable housing and create lasting change for those who need it most. Now is the time to make your impact!

DONATE TO THE HOUSING FIRST MINNESOTA FOUNDATION

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SEEN + HEARD

PRESENTING

Summer Artisan Home Tour This year’s Summer Artisan Home Tour opened the doors to 17 extraordinary homes across the greater Twin Cities metro, showcasing the very best in luxury design, craftsmanship, and innovation. Thousands of visitors spent three weekends exploring one-of-a-kind homes and gathering inspiration from the region’s premier builders and remodelers.