Cities in the Greater St. Cloud area have signaled they want more housing development, and do not want to increase municipal fees that could make it more difficult to build needed housing at affordable price points.

Each summer, Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) surveys area communities ahead of city budget approvals for an early indication of municipal fees and changes that could impact home building in the coming year.

“Local communities tell us they want and need more housing, especially affordable workforce housing,” said CMBA executive director, Wanda Schroeder. “They realize adding to fees and other costs only makes that more difficult.”

A couple of local communities plan minor fee increases for 2025, but most are holding steady. The survey includes the communities of St. Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park, Sauk Rapids, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, Clearwater and Foley. CMBA also surveys Stearns and Benton counties.