Author: Laura Burt
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Choose the right heat pump for your project
A heat pump can be an efficient and environmentally friendly solution to a home’s heating and cooling needs. A heat pump is not one-size-fits-all, however. Selecting an HVAC engineer to help select the right option for the project, and perform a quality installation, is important to ensure the heat pump operates at peak efficiency. A… Read More
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Shelter for single mothers and their children finds its place in Ham Lake
A new chapter of hope has taken root in Ham Lake, as the Housing First Minnesota Foundation proudly announced that Elevate Hope House, a three-bedroom home designed to serve single mothers and their children experiencing crisis, was moved to its permanant home site. The project, which began in early 2024, was a collaborative effort that… Read More
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Construction sector faces mixed outlook amid backlog declines and cost pressures, survey finds
A recent regional survey highlights a challenging but nuanced outlook for the construction sector, marked by declining project backlogs, tighter competition for fewer opportunities and persistent cost pressures — despite some isolated signs of resilience. The survey presented by The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis received over 250 responses from individuals representing all areas of… Read More
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Housing industry groups urge state to prioritize affordability in new energy code
A coalition of housing and real estate organizations is calling on Minnesota regulators to preserve home affordability in the state’s forthcoming residential energy code update. Housing First Minnesota led the coalition, submitting a formal letter in May to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), urging the agency to incorporate key provisions from the… Read More
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Blaine rezoning lawsuit settlement highlights clash between housing demand, local control
The city of Blaine settled a lawsuit with a property owner who was denied a rezoning request to build apartments in the city, agreeing to pay $400,000 to the owner. The federal lawsuit was filed in 2023, arguing that the property owner’s equal protection rights were violated when the city denied a 196-unit apartment complex… Read More
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Gov. Walz, legislative leaders leave housing shortage largely unaddressed
Minnesota’s severe housing shortage, estimated at more than 100,000 homes, was a constant refrain throughout the 2025 legislative session. Lawmakers from both parties introduced numerous bills designed to expand housing options across the state. Still, despite bipartisan support and vocal backing from advocates, none made it across the finish line. At the center of the… Read More
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Cottage Grove revises Temporary Certificate of Occupancy policy following industry pushback
The city of Cottage Grove made changes to its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) policy following input from Housing First Minnesota and local builders, including concerns over seasonal deadlines and a controversial $8,000 fee. City officials are now adjusting key components of the TCO process. TCOs issued between July 1 and October 1 will expire… Read More
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Tariffs add uncertainty to state’s housing market
Recent tariffs announced by the Trump administration are impacting Minnesota’s housing landscape. These trade policies, targeting imports from Canada, Mexico and China, are influencing construction costs, home prices and market dynamics across the state. The newly imposed tariffs, currently 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico and 30% on Chinese goods, have led to increased… Read More
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Community gathers for St. Jude Showcase Dream Home floor signing
Dozens of industry and community members gathered on June 2 at a floor signing event to celebrate progress on the 2025 St. Jude Showcase Dream Home, a featured entry in this fall’s Parade of Homes. Hosted at the nearly completed home built by Hanson Builders, the event marked a meaningful moment in the project’s journey,… Read More
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Bravo Zulu House opens in Winnebago, offering first sober living home for veterans with PTSD
A groundbreaking initiative for veterans launched on May 28 with the grand opening of Bravo Zulu House, the first all-military sober living residence in the nation specifically designed for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). More than 200 attendees — including veterans, community members, local officials and project partners — gathered in Winnebago, Minnesota,… Read More
TOP STORIES
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Housing supply solutions left on the table
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Exclusive: Minnesota single stair review shows taller buildings possible with code changes
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Federal government withdraws energy code rule
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A framework for improved model building codes
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Less efficient, older homes make up greatest share of housing stock as energy codes focus on new home construction