The Need for Action on Housing is Now

Four former state Housing Finance Agency commissioners from across the political spectrum penned an editorial in this week's Star Tribune: "A house-on-fire alarm for Minnesota housing": "[N]ever have we been more concerned about the state of housing in Minnesota. We need a new and renewed commitment to homes for Minnesotans with the speed, scale and intensity required."

"Here's why Minnesota needs to make a major investment in housing this year, alongside education, health care and economic growth. Investments in stable homes increase the positive impact of other investments. Kids don't learn without stable homes. Stable homes keep people out of expensive emergency rooms. And a growing economy depends on affordable homes near jobs." Read more

MHP's Executive Director Anne Mavity: "Housing investments are an excellent strategy for deploying our state’s historic surplus to leverage long-term, generational benefits for Minnesota. Every corner of Minnesota needs more homes that are affordable to families and seniors and ensure local businesses can recruit the growing workforce they need to expand and thrive. Our state leaders have an opportunity to come together to ensure that all our neighbors have homes from which to build their future. Read more 

Jan 11: Rally for Housing and 2023 Legislative Session Launch!

January 11th at 1:30-2:30pm, MHP is co-hosting the START WITH HOME rally. We invite our partner organizations to join our call for $2 billion for affordable housing in 2023 and to put housing on the ballot in 2024. 

Currently, total investment across the housing spectrum represents just 0.4% of the overall state budget. With an unprecedented budget surplus and a trifecta at the Capitol, now is the time to address the housing crisis that’s at the root of so many challenges Minnesotans face. Now is the time to Start with Home. Join us at the Capitol Rotunda on January 11th!

Join the Campaign to Put Housing on the Ballot in 2024!

In coalition, we are launching a statewide housing campaign focused on passing a constitutional amendment for housing. It will raise dedicated revenue to go to three funds; the Homeownership Opportunity Fund, the Rental Opportunity Fund (including a minimum of $100M annually for universal rental assistance/Bring It Home, MN), and the Household and Community Stability Fund. The funds are flexible to include innovative concepts as well as existing programs, funds, and financing. Each fund will have a council (with lived experience and grassroots organizations) to make budget and policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature.

 The percentage of revenues allocated to each fund will be determined in partnership with lawmakers. Read more about the policy proposal here, ENDORSE the constitutional amendment for housing, and let us know how you’d like to be involved! We are pleased that the Homes for All MN coalition has endorsed!

The Minnesota ERASE Campaign Opens Grant Opportunities

The Minnesota ERASE Campaign (End Rental Arrears and Stop Evictions) is an effort working to eliminate rental indebtedness caused by the pandemic, prevent evictions, and create support for long term policy changes to end housing instability and homelessness. The campaign has recently opened grant opportunities to assist both residents and organizations in participating in  campaign activities. 

Congressional leaders released today a final fiscal year (FY) 2023 omnibus spending bill that includes significant funding for HUD’s housing and homelessness programs. It provides HUD programs with $61.8 billion, or $8.1 billion more than FY22-enacted levels. At this amount, the final bill provides approximately $745 million more than the amount in the Senate proposal, and nearly $1 billion less than the amount in the House proposal. For more details, see NLIHC’s updated budget chart and full analysis.

The White House has released a new guidebook, “Building a Clean Energy Economy: A Guidebook to the Inflation Reduction Act’s Investments in Clean Energy and Climate Action.” For background and context on the IRA’s benefits for affordable housing, read this blog post from Enterprise Community Partners.  

MHP Hosts Central Minnesota Housing Summit