Slate of bipartisan bills are aimed to increase housing options and opportunities across Minnesota.

Nearly a foot of fresh snow did not stop a bipartisan group of legislators from introducing the most comprehensive slate of housing policy bills seen at the Minnesota Capitol in a generation during an early March press conference. The “Yes to Homes” agenda is aimed at allowing for more housing options throughout the state and at more affordable price-points. 

“Today, we as a group of Republicans and Democrats stand together in addressing the issue that is at the core of every Minnesota community: housing,” said Housing Committee Chair Spencer Igo (R-Wabana Township) when introducing the agenda. “Whether you live in St. Paul, up on the Range, in the suburbs or in southern Minnesota, our communities need and are asking for more housing.”

The slate of bills is led by the “Minnesota Starter Home Act.” This language seeks to introduce new starter homes back to Minnesota by allowing for increased density without a costly and often indefinite variance process. Duplexes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be allowed uses in residential zones.

“The median cost of a new single-family home is over $540,000, and that puts homeownership out of reach for many hard-working Minnesotans,” said Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) when speaking in support of the “Minnesota Starter Home Act.” “This proposal focuses on cutting red tape to increase the supply of starter homes and empowering the free market to meet the demand.”

Minnesota’s housing deficit of approximately 100,000 units has been cited often over recent years, as Gov. Mark Dayton’s Housing Task Force originally stated that the state was approximately 50,000 units behind in 2018. 

“Every moment we wait to take action, we fall farther behind,” said Senate Housing Committee Chair Lindsey Port (DFL-Burnsville). “Everyone in every community across Minnesota is spending more on housing and less on education, food and healthcare because we just don’t have enough housing.”

Other targeted bills include the “More Homes, Right Places Act” which would allow for upzoning in the places that make the most sense, including along transit lines; the “Transforming Main Street Act” targeted at allowing condo and apartment construction in commercial zones; the “Freedom in Home Design Act” that seeks to increase affordability by addressing a common exclusionary zoning tactic, aesthetic mandates; and the “People Over Parking Act” that would remove parking mandates across the state.

During the release of the agenda, Bloomington City Councilmember Shawn Nelson mentioned that his city has taken many of the same approaches to removing roadblocks and is finding results. But he also spoke in favor of state action. 

“This can be done, it is being done, but we aren’t going to get there by having a few cities do this,” said Nelson. “We need the entire state behind this initiative.” 

The press conference finished with comments from Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield). 

“This team is ready to get to work, and we have an amazing and growing coalition that is supporting the “Yes to Homes” agenda. You’ll never see a more diverse group,” Howard said when emphasizing the more than two dozen organizations that are in support of portions or all the agenda.

The bills have been introduced in each chamber and are expected to receive committee hearings in the coming weeks.