Tag: Housing Affordability
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Housing supply solutions left on the table
The 2026 legislative session wrapped with housing affordability and supply once again dominating conversations at the Capitol, but many of the state’s biggest housing proposals ultimately stalled before reaching the finish line. Throughout session, lawmakers grappled with budget pressures, political divisions, and competing priorities, while Minnesota’s growing housing shortage continued drawing attention from policymakers, industry… Read More
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Q&A with Evan Roberts, Minnesota Zoning Atlas
Evan Roberts is an assistant professor in the History of Medicine and Population Studies programs at the University of Minnesota, and he leads the Minnesota Zoning Atlas project. Roberts is a demographer and economic historian who has published broadly on topics including residential segregation, social influences on health, and social science data construction. Currently, he… Read More
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2026 Minnesota legislative session: ‘Yes to Homes’ returns in an election year
Lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Feb. 17 for the second year of the biennium, kicking off a compressed 2026 legislative session shaped by election-year urgency and narrow partisan margins. All legislative seats will be on the ballot in November—a dynamic that historically favors targeted, bipartisan proposals with clear constituent impact. The Minnesota House remains… Read More
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Housing market stalls as rates remain stubborn, prices hold
The U.S. housing market struggled to gain traction last year, as high mortgage rates and a lack of inventory kept both buyers and sellers primarily on the sidelines. Despite brief flashes of activity, the year was defined by hesitation and affordability pressures that froze movement across much of the market. Mortgage rates fall slightly, still… Read More
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First-time buyers fall to 40-year low as market affordability tightens
The share of first-time homebuyers has fallen to a historic low, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)’s 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. The annual report shows that first-time buyers made up just 21% of all home purchases between July 2024 and June 2025—the lowest level since NAR began tracking the data… Read More
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Housing First Minnesota honors 2025 Legislators of the Year
Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (right) and Rep. Spencer Igo (left) recognized for championing housing affordability and homeownership Housing First Minnesota recently named Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R–Fergus Falls) and Rep. Spencer Igo (R–Wabana Township) as its 2025 Legislators of the Year, honoring their leadership and advocacy for housing affordability and homeownership across Minnesota. The annual award recognizes… Read More
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Exclusive: Minnesota single stair review shows taller buildings possible with code changes
A new report commissioned by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) concludes that single-stair multifamily buildings could be constructed at roughly twice the height and occupancy allowed under the current model code—with a small set of targeted code adjustments. According to the draft report, released on Dec. 30, 2025, requiring smoke alarms in… Read More
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Study: Land use reforms would increase housing production, lower construction costs in Minnesota
Analysis shows proposed legislative framework would be major step in addressing the housing shortage The question of how to address Minnesota’s housing shortage has been front of mind for lawmakers for years, and a major study by the Washington D.C.-based think tank American Enterprise Institute (AEI) shows three land use reforms would go a long… 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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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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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