Housing First Minnesota has honored Sen. Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville) and Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield) as their 2024 Legislators of the Year, recognizing their significant contributions to housing affordability and homeownership opportunities across the state. 

According to Housing First Minnesota, during the 2024 legislative session, both lawmakers played pivotal roles in advancing discussions on land-use and zoning reforms. 

Port, who served as Chair of the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee, championed bipartisan initiatives aimed at addressing Minnesota’s housing deficit and affordability challenges. She authored and supported numerous bills designed to streamline housing development approvals statewide.

Howard, as Chair of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee, spearheaded the “Minnesotans for More Homes” agenda, collaborating with legislators from both parties to promote the development of diverse housing options, including smaller starter homes on reduced lot sizes. 

“There is no greater issue that we need to tackle in the state of Minnesota than to build more homes, so that every Minnesotan has the opportunity to live in a place that they can afford in a community where they can thrive,” said Howard. His efforts were instrumental in revising the “Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan,” setting the stage for future land-use and zoning legislation.

Mark Foster, vice president of legislative and political affairs at Housing First Minnesota, commended their efforts. 

“We thank Sen. Port and Rep. Howard for their tireless efforts to move towards allowing for more homeownership opportunities for all Minnesotans,” said Foster. 

The awards were presented during Housing First Minnesota’s annual Building Industry Gala at Mystic Lake Center in October, celebrating excellence in building and remodeling homes for Minnesotans.