CMBA Executive Director, Wanda Schroeder, issued the following release and statements upon introduction March 6th of the "Yes to Homes" agenda, and the Minnesota Starter Home Act (SF2229/HF1987), in the Minnesota Legislature:

"The broad, bipartisan nature of this legislation speaks to the challenge and need for the adoption of the ‘Yes to Homes’ agenda," said Schroeder. "Area residents, employers and policy makers are deeply concerned about increasing housing shortages and the overall affordability of available housing.”

Central Minnesota communities recently indicated they are tens of thousands of units behind in new housing, and housing affordability remains an area-wide concern.

“While we understand the importance of local control, it is time for the state to step-up and enact uniform policies that can help meet these critical needs,” said Schroeder.  “If we want home ownership opportunities for workers and future generations, then we need our legislators’ help,” said Schroeder. “We call on our area lawmakers to support this important package of housing legislation, particularly the Minnesota Starter Home Act."

CMBA has also issued a letter of support for the bill among Minnesota legislators.

Why We Need These Bills:

• U.S. Census Bureau data shows permits for new homes and apartments across Minnesota are down more than 43% since 2021.
  
• Experts say Minnesota is nearly 100,000 homes short of demand, raising housing costs for both buyers and renters.
  
• Minnesota's median new home price is the highest in the five-state region at $540,000.
  
• In Minnesota, the median household income cannot afford a median-priced home.
  

The “Yes to Homes” Agenda Policy Proposals:

• The Minnesota Starter Home Act – Allows for entry-level housing through increased density without costly, drawn-out variance processes.
• The Increased Housing Options Act – Supports up-zoning in transit-accessible areas, creating new opportunities for mixed-use and higher-density projects.
• The Reducing Rent Inflation Act – Facilitates condo and apartment construction in commercial zones, expanding housing supply in high-demand areas.
• The Freedom in Home Design Act – Addresses affordability by limiting exclusionary zoning tactics like mandatory aesthetic standards, reducing unnecessary construction costs.
• The People Over Parking Act – Eliminates parking mandates statewide, allowing developers to optimize land use for housing instead of excessive parking requirements.

Many of these bills are scheduled for hearings in both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature next week. For industry professionals, this is a pivotal moment to engage with policymakers and advocate for solutions that balance growth, affordability, and community needs.

You can contact your legislators and sign up for more updates as these proposals move through the legislative process here.

Contact:  Wanda Schroeder, CMBA executive director, wanda@cmbaonline.org, 320-251-4382, or
Steve Gottwalt, CMBA Government Affairs, steve@cmbaonline.org, 952-923-5265.

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