CMBA has weighed-in in support of Minnesota's most sweeping zoning reform legislation in decades.  CMBA submitted a letter and provided testifiers in favor of SF3964/HF4009. The bill establishes minimum allowable densities on residential lots in cities; requires the authorization of middle housing types to be built on residential lots; authorizes subdivision of residential lots; limits city parking requirements; requires the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to create a model ordinance for cities; and limits city aesthetic mandates on residential building permits. Housing First Minnesota has been instrumental in drafting the bill and organizing a broad coalition of supporters in favor of it, including CMBA.

CMBA member developer/builder, David Werschay (Werschay Homes), and CMBA Government Affairs consultant, Steve Gottwalt, testified March 7 during the Minnesota Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee hearing on the bill.

Gottwalt testified that Minnesota is more than 100,000 units behind in housing supply, and "we need comprehensive zoning reform to turn that around." Gottwalt invoked the proverbial "definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results."

Werschay pointed-out that builders are ready to build the workforce affordable housing we need if the state can help reduce costly mandates and zoning restrictions. He said "affordable housing, property rights and cities' zoning powers" need to be addressed, and he encouraged committee members to support the reforms contained in SF3964.

(Click here to view/listen to the testimony.  Gottwalt's testimony begins at 1:00:50.  Werschay's testimony begins at 1:04:30)

CMBA Executive Director, Wanda Schroeder, also submitted a letter on behalf of CMBA supporting SF3964/HF4009.

The League of Minnesota Cities opposes SF3964/HF4009 over local control concerns, and Waite Park City Administrator, Shaunna Johnson, testified against the bill.  But St. Cloud Mayor, Dave Kleis, supports the zoning reforms contained in the bill, and plans to testify in support of the legislation as it moves forward. The City of St. Cloud is considering adopting some provisions of the bill as it looks to facilitate more workforce affordable housing development in the city.  CMBA continues to be closely engaged in local efforts to boost the supply of workforce affordable housing.

For more information, contact:  Steve Gottwalt, steve@cmbaonline.org, 952-923-5265.

#     #     #