Public Policy

MHP advocates for smart, efficient, and equitable solutions and investments to develop and preserve affordable housing and increase access and opportunities for the lowest income and most marginalized communities. MHP’s policy work is informed by our research on housing and disparities, as well as our Public Policy Advisory Group, who provide an equity focus to policy analysis.

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Federal Policy

State Policy

MHP Deputy Director Elizabeth Glidden testifies at a US Senate subcommittee on rural housing issues; Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Michael Howard, MHP Executive Director Anne Mavity, MHP Policy Director Libby Murphy rally for housing at the MN Capitol

MHP conducts policy development and advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels by:

Metric Giles testifies before the House Climate Action Caucus in Nov 2019

Alisha Gelhert (MHP board member), ThaoMee Xiong, Sean Mock PPAG 2020 co-hort members meeting with former Minnesota Housing Commissioner Mary Tingerthal

Convening advocates, and nonprofit, for-profit, and government sector partners for campaigns, coalitions, and conversations on important policy topics. In 2023, MHP launched Our Future Starts at Home, advocating for $2Bill in housing investment in 2023, and a state housing campaign for ongoing, dedicated revenues via a constitutional amendment. MHP is a founding member of Homes for All, a 250+ strong state coalition; and Opportunity Starts at Home Minnesota Chapter (OSAH-MN), Minnesota’s only federal housing advocacy campaign.

Driving administrative advocacy on federal, state and local housing issues to ensure existing resources are prioritized to underserved communities and those most marginalized by current housing conditions. Innovating with new policy solutions and investments. MHP led efforts to create the state’s first housing tax credit, approved by the Minnesota legislature in 2021, funded at $60 million over the next six years.

Educating and training advocates, and engaging lawmakers on housing issues. MHP’s advocacy activities have included educating candidates for state office on housing issues, connecting housing champions with lawmakers, and advising partners on how to create housing programs and access resources, such as local housing trust funds.