How do we build more of the housing we need and at prices people can afford?  How do we focus on solutions and not only admire the problem?  Those are two key questions driving the 2025 St. Cloud Area Housing Summit later this month at St. Cloud State University.  CMBA has partnered with the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, the CentraCare-facilitated local Affordable Housing initiative, the United Way of St. Cloud Area, and St. Cloud State University to host the one-day Housing Summit on Thursday, April 29th, 8:00 AM - 2:45 PM.

The Summit is entitled "What If: Innovative Solutions for Housing Challenges" and will focus on examples of how communities have successfully provided more housing and at affordable prices.

"There are a lot of tools and solutions out there," said CMBA Government Affairs Consultant, Steve Gottwalt. "They range from regulatory relief at all government levels, to zoning reforms, public grants, creative financing mechanisms, and more."  Gottwalt noted there is significant discussion and bipartisan momentum at the Minnesota Legislature this year around the "YES to Starter Homes" legislation focusing on zoning reforms.

CMBA has opened regular conversations with area communities about what it takes to spur more housing development, and how to do it more affordably, including quarterly meetings with area mayors, and discussions with community development directors.  CMBA members have also been actively involved in the CentraCare-facilitated local Affordable Housing initiative which has pulled-together stakeholders from across the community to consider various aspects of housing development with a focus on solutions.

"We are thousands of units of housing behind around Central Minnesota, and  it's clear that has become a top priority for state and local policy makers," said Gottwalt. "There is no 'silver bullet' to immediately solve housing needs, and this Housing Summit will look at several aspects that can help us move in the right direction."  The Summit will also feature CMBA builders providing their perspectives about what it takes to build housing, and what could be helpful in getting more of built more affordably.

The Housing Summit is FREE.  For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.