Housing on the Hill
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Zoning modernization takes first steps at Capitol
As the legislature moves into its third month of the 2023 session, Minnesota’s crisis-level housing supply challenge took its first step forward. Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL-Bloomington) authored HF 2235, a zoning modernization bill, calling it the ‘Legalize Affordable Housing Act’. The measure cleared its first hurdle, passing out of the House of Representatives Housing Committee. […] Read More
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Bill proposing ban on single-family rental construction garners national attention
As with any legislative session, a wide variety of issues are being discussed and debated. Among these are many housing-related issues. Recently, a bill to ban the construction of single-family for rent homes by corporations, has stood out as housing leaders look to address the state’s housing supply crisis. And now, this proposal has caught […] Read More
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Bill on Zoning Changes Heard at the Legislature
The leading zoning reform bill at the legislature, HF 2235 (Elkins), was heard in the Minnesota House Housing Committee on earlier this week. Among many things, the bill includes provisions that would: Nick Erickson, senior director of housing policy for Housing First Minnesota, was a testifier at the hearing and explained the significance of this […] Read More
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Minnesota Democrats unveil $3 billion housing plan
At a press conference this week, DFL members of the legislature introduced what they are calling a “transformational” and “bold” approach to solving the state’s housing crisis. Members from both the Senate and House unveiled “All Roads Lead Back to Home“, a proposal to spend $3 billion on new programs and funding to address child […] Read More
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Energy Code Chaos at the Legislature
A bill that has potential to create chaos in the energy code process was heard in a house committee for the second time on Tuesday. HF 772 (Rep. Kraft, St. Louis Park), originally was drafted to modify the adoption process for the energy code for new commercial buildings. But, author amendments that have since been […] Read More
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Bill limiting certain single-family rental investments debated at legislature
On Tuesday, House File 685, a bill that prohibits certain corporations, real estate developers and residential building contractors from purchasing single-family homes to rent, was heard in the Housing Finance and Policy Committee. Representative Esther Agbaje (DFL, Minneapolis), the author of the bill, cited the language as a proposal in an effort to allow more […] Read More
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Housing and homeownership challenges await Legislature
As the newly elected Minnesota Legislature begins its two-year session in January, a host of housing market challenges lie before them. Uncertain economic conditions and the ongoing ripple effects of the past three years have exacerbated the persistent supply and affordability challenges impacting the housing market. Without enough homes to meet demand, pressure is dispersed […] Read More
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New faces among legislative leadership
In the days following the election, each legislative caucus held its own internal meetings to nominate its leaders. Three of the four leaders will be brand new to the role. House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) will be the only returning legislative leader, after being nominated to serve her third term as speaker of the […] Read More
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Housing First Minnesota honors 2022 Legislators of the Year
Housing First Minnesota, the state’s leading voice for housing, has recognized Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) and Rep. Steve Elkins (DFL-Bloomington) as recipients of the 2022 Legislator of the Year awards. The honor recognizes legislators for their efforts in promoting housing affordability and homeownership opportunities for everyone, everywhere. “As more Minnesotans struggle with housing affordability and […] Read More
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Gov. Walz announces cabinet reappointments
Following his electoral victory for a second term, Gov. Walz announced that 16 of the 20 state agency commissioners will be reappointed to their roles, including several commissioners that play a role in housing. Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, Pollution Control Commissioner Katrina Kessler and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen will all be reappointed. […] Read More
