Housing industry leaders prepare for a legislative sprint
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- Created: Thursday, 11 February 2016 11:53
- Written by Victoria Clark
For the wonks who closely follow the comings and goings of the Minnesota state legislature, March 8—the first day of the 2016 legislative session—is a red-letter day.* But for those who work hard building, financing, and operating affordable housing around the state, it’s all too easy to be buried in day-to-day work and miss the action at the legislature altogether.
That’s why more than 100 housing industry leaders gathered on February 9 to prepare for engagement in state policy making. Attendees at MHP’s recent Investors Council breakfast, “Take it to the Steps,” left with a clear understanding that the upcoming legislative process is absolutely critical to ensuring that the state can continue to make progress on providing safe, decent housing to every resident. In 2016, the opportunity is large: The Homes 4 All coalition, which includes MHP, is advocating for $130 million in new bonding for affordable housing statewide; Governor Dayton’s office has proposed $90 million in his initial bonding budget.
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