The 2022 Minnesota State Legislative session saw the introduction of proposals including the “Legalizing Affordable Housing Act” that would have broadly preempted local government authority to administer fees and zoning regulations for residential housing development. The preemption efforts were supported by private developers focused solely on reducing the cost to build new market rate single-family homes without any parameters to guaranty affordability by limiting city authority and shifting costs onto local taxpayers.
Rejecting the notion of a one-size-fits-all solution for addressing housing needs in our state, the League of Minnesota Cities worked alongside city officials and other interested stakeholders to successfully advocate against the proposals. The advocacy efforts resulted in the ability of cities to continue making, for now, their own decisions about zoning, land use and fees associated with residential development that best fit the locally identified housing needs of their communities.
With housing expected to emerge as a front-and-center priority for the new legislature in 2023 and a significant state general fund surplus, the League prepares to once again advocate for sensible solutions including both policy and state resources to address housing supply and affordability challenges without compromising local authority. Specifically, the League will continue to work toward a four-pronged approach:
1. Address the full housing spectrum.
2. Support local housing innovations.
3. Utilize incentives instead of mandates.
4. Partner with the state to create community-specific solutions throughout Minnesota.
For details visit Housing Needs in Cities: State Policy Solutions That Work.
As noted in a previous post, cities acknowledge that racial disparities exist in housing and want to address them. Cities across the state are making intentional changes at the local level to address these disparities and broaden affordable housing options across the housing spectrum for all residents. Cities are also working to address other affordable housing needs in our communities. In order to continue that work and to support the diverse needs of their residents, cities require local authority to respond to community-specific housing needs and support the construction and preservation of housing stock.
Results can be better achieved with federal, state and local governments working as partners, rather than adversaries. Significant resources are needed from both the state and federal government to bolster efforts at the local level to address housing needs across the spectrum. State preemption promoted by for-profit developers will only hinder local efforts to support the diverse array of housing needs in our cities. Throughout the legislative session, the League will make available information useful for city officials to promote and advocate for sensible housing solutions in their own communities. Legislative updates on housing and other issues can be found in the League’s Cities Bulletin publication.
