The Issues

As always, there is no need to be a political expert to attend Housing Day at the Capitol. We simply want you to share the challenges of your job and the importance of housing with lawmakers. We will give you additional background on the issues as the event approaches and post relevant updates on the Housing First Minnesota blog regularly. 

  • Homeownership is vital to creating and sustaining strong and vibrant communities. Creating conditions that will allow more Minnesotans to achieve the dream of ownership is essential and our highest priority.
    (Examples) – Homeownership is the backbone of - strong communities, safe neighborhoods, quality schools, a consistent labor force, as well as largest asset
    most people will ever own

  • There are not enough homes available to meet demand, especially at the most affordable price points. Lack of inventory to meet demand means prices are rising and pressuring individuals and family budgets.

    THE INVENTORY SHORTAGE IS SERIOUS:

    • Since 2021, new housing permits in Minnesota have dropped 38.5%. The total number of new housing units permitted in 2025 were at a decade low, on par with the post-Great Recession recovery pace of 2015.

    • Lack of inventory in the existing market continues to drive prices up.

    • In 2024, Minnesota’s homeownership rate dropped 300 basis points to 71%, the largest decline on record and a larger drop than during the Great Recession.

    • The median price for a new single-family home in the Twin Cities metro is $560,000, 35.1% higher than the national median new home price.

    • Builders cannot ease the inventory shortage, especially at the lower price points.

    • There are dozens of regulatory barriers to building affordable new homes.

    The Legislature should consider and advance policies that would result in the creation of more housing inventory overall, especially at the more affordable price points.

  • Housing affordability and availability are not only important issues for Minnesota, they are in the spotlight nationwide. 

    In addition to proactively considering policies that support homeownership and increase opportunities to add much-needed housing inventory, the Legislature should also refrain from advancing policies that will have adverse effects on the housing market. 

    ASK YOUR LEGISLATORS TO OPPOSE PROPOSALS THAT WOULD:

    • Increase the cost of building new homes

    • Add additional roadblocks to the construction of new homes

    • Create a disincentive to providing more homeownership opportunities 

    Every $1,000 added to the price of a home, prices out approximately 2,520 Minnesota families from the housing market. (NAHB/Wells Fargo)