Author: Kristen Ober

  • City of Lakeville approves halt on residential construction

    City of Lakeville approves halt on residential construction

    The Lakeville City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on new home construction applications, a move that is drawing attention as the state continues to face a significant housing shortage. City officials say the temporary pause is intended to give planners time to assess the impacts of rapid growth on infrastructure, including schools, roads, and… Read More

  • Twin Cities Homebuilding Continues to Show Strength in March

    Twin Cities Homebuilding Continues to Show Strength in March

    Residential construction in the Twin Cities continued its upward momentum in March, with the metro posting another strong month of activity as builders head deeper into the spring selling season. According to the latest data from Housing First Minnesota’s Keystone Report, single-family permitting rose 66% year over year, with builders pulling 419 permits for new… Read More

  • Twin Cities residential construction posts strong January rebound

    Twin Cities residential construction posts strong January rebound

    Residential construction activity in the Twin Cities opened the year on a high note, with measurable gains across both single-family and multifamily sectors — signaling renewed momentum heading into the 2026 building season. According to new data from the Keystone Report, builders pulled 453 single-family home permits in January, a 9% year-over-year increase. Multifamily construction saw… Read More

  • Twin Cities homebuilding activity slows in December as seasonal patterns take hold

    Twin Cities homebuilding activity slows in December as seasonal patterns take hold

    Residential construction in the Twin Cities wrapped up December with a marked slowdown, reflecting typical seasonal trends in cold-weather markets. According to the latest Keystone Report data, metro homebuilders pulled 369 permits for single-family homes in December—a 15% drop compared with the same month last year. Multifamily permitting also slowed sharply, with just 13 units… Read More

  • Fed cuts interest rates for first time in 2025, housing market poised for gradual relief

    Fed cuts interest rates for first time in 2025, housing market poised for gradual relief

    The Federal Reserve lowered its main interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, marking the first cut of the year. The move comes as the central bank looks to support the economy amid slower job growth and lingering inflation. For home buyers and sellers, the change could bring some needed relief.… Read More

  • First-of-its-kind Veteran Village project kicks off in Eagan

    First-of-its-kind Veteran Village project kicks off in Eagan

    A bold new chapter in Minnesota’s fight to end veteran homelessness began this spring, as partners from across the housing, nonprofit and faith communities kicked off Veteran Village, the state’s first dedicated multi-unit housing complex for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Located on Rahn Road in Eagan, the $5.5 million project will feature… Read More

  • Local homebuilders honored with spring awards

    Local homebuilders honored with spring awards

    The Twin Cities homebuilding community came together to celebrate some of its best work this season, as Housing First Minnesota announced the winners of the 2025 Spring Reggie and Trillium Awards. Twelve homes were recognized with Reggie Awards for their standout design, quality craftsmanship, and overall value. In addition, 21 Trillium Awards were handed out… Read More

  • Minnesota leading nation in energy-efficient homebuilding

    Minnesota leading nation in energy-efficient homebuilding

    According to recent data from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), Minnesota homebuilders are leading the nation in energy-efficient construction for states that test over 4,000 homes. In 2024, Minnesota tested 8,881 homes, achieving an average Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Score of 47 – the lowest among states that tested more than 4,000… Read More

  • Housing industry comes together to raise money for Minnesotans in need

    Housing industry comes together to raise money for Minnesotans in need

    The Housing First Minnesota Foundation hosted its 10th annual Gala on April 11 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, drawing more than 500 attendees and raising over $500,000 to support efforts to end homelessness in Minnesota. The event featured a botanical theme and included a dinner, live and silent auctions, and presentations highlighting the Foundation’s achievements… Read More

  • Building efficient homes with electricity demand in mind 

    Building efficient homes with electricity demand in mind 

    Powered by Xcel Energy All-electric, high-efficiency homes are constructed to higher energy standards that can achieve lasting energy savings.   To support all-electric homes operating at peak efficiency, the electrical panel should be able to handle the home’s energy demands. An electric panel controls the flow of electricity, measured in amps, through a home and maintains… Read More