MHP is proud to present its 2025 Legislative Leader Awards to housing champions. These lawmakers have promoted homes we can afford as an issue of public importance, advanced impactful policies and housing investments, and championed MHP’s policy initiatives. All of MHP’s awardees have demonstrated a deep resolve to make a difference for Minnesotans.

2025 Awardees:

Rep. Howard has consistently acted to advance affordable housing investment and policy, and secure sustained support for housing as a top issue in the House of Representatives. As co-chair of the housing committee, he worked cooperatively to ensure bipartisan support for a robust housing target, lead bipartisan efforts to advance land use and zoning reform bills, and continued as chief author of the bill for dedicated revenue for home through a constitutional amendment.  

As the co-chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, Rep. Igo exhibited an inexhaustible desire to learn about statewide needs for affordable homes, and advance policies and funding for solutions. He was a present, engaging, and accessible leader—attending forums, rallies, and conversations where he elevated housing as a top issue for Minnesotans. He fought for a robust target for the housing committee, helped advance land use and zoning reform bills, and ensured that the housing omnibus bill addressed highest priority needs for housing, including for rural communities. 

As Vice Chair of the Housing Finance and Policy committee, Rep Kozlowski has been a consistent champion for homes we can afford, advancing both policy and investment with significant effort. They have helped to shape the public narrative around housing by sharing personal stories and mentoring housing advocates, ensuring committee discussion is grounded in the personal experiences of Minnesota people and families. They have advanced and led on land use and zoning reform bills, helping to identify strategies and influence caucus support for structural change. 

Rep. Kraft has provided critical leadership by convening bipartisan conversations and engaging diverse stakeholders, including MHP, as a champion for land use and zoning reform. He has worked tirelessly to build backing within his caucus, make a persuasive case for change, and advance substantial policy reforms to support homes Minnesotans can afford. 

Rep. Mekeland promoted significant policy reform to support homes we can afford, including authoring a bill to advance regulatory reform for land use and zoning. He was accessible and engaged with MHP, lifted up the importance of homes for Minnesota families, and underscored housing as a top policy priority within his caucus. 

Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley advanced a vision for homes that all Minnesotans can afford, with enthusiasm and strategic effort. As chief author of a bill to increase emergency rental assistance, she fought tirelessly to prioritize support for renters and deeply affordable homes. Accessible to housing advocates and persuasive with her colleagues and leadership, she strove to establish bipartisan partnerships in support of home. 

Rep. Nash has continued, year after year, to advance the case for homes we can afford in Minnesota. As a key leader of efforts to reform land use and zoning in Minnesota, Rep Nash has provided strategic insights to advance meaningful policy change for home and worked to build the case for affordable homes and homeownership within his caucus. 

Sen. Boldon has been an engaged and influential housing leader, an important voice within her caucus, and a champion for Greater Minnesota housing solutions. She authored many housing bills and built support within her caucus, including for supportive housing, housing development, and emergency rental assistance. She has consistently championed structural change, including dedicated revenue for housing, as a necessary solution. 

Sen. Mohamed has tenaciously advocated year after year for structural reforms that strengthen investments and policies supporting Minnesotans’ access to stable homes. As chief author of the constitutional amendment for housing, a supporter of innovations like adaptive reuse, and a leader ensuring grassroots partners have the resources to serve families needing stability effectively, she has been one of the legislature’s most consistent champions for making home a top priority. 

As the Senate’s housing chair, Sen. Port continued to champion affordable homes, including fighting for a housing budget target, providing leadership on advancing multiple land use and zoning reform bills, and holding a hearing on the constitutional amendment for housing – helping to build support for dedicated revenue for affordable homes.  

Sen. Rasmusson supported significant housing solutions through regulatory reform, working with his colleagues to advance the Minnesota Starter Home Act. He led meaningful conversations around policies that lead to safe and stable homes. His willingness to engage with MHP and its stakeholders reflected his commitment to addressing housing challenges.