Advocacy in Action for January 2026

SPAAR’s Government Affairs Directors (GADs), Becky Wegscheid and Simon Opatz, actively engaged with numerous elected officials, government staff and housing stakeholders throughout January on behalf of SPAAR members.

To begin the month, SPAAR's CEO Gabe Walsh, VP of External Engagement and Professionalism Joe McKinley, and Government Affairs Director Becky Wegscheid attended the inauguration of St. Paul's mayor, Kaohly Her, who SPAAR endorsed as St. Paul's mayoral candidate. SPAAR looks forward to working closely with Mayor Her to turn around St. Paul's downtown and ensure that housing affordability and availability in the area is addressed.

Later in the month, Simon met with Lakeville mayor, Luke Hellier, to discuss the state of housing in his community. Their discussion focused on Lakeville's growth and commitment to adding new housing, and the mayor's relationships with Realtors® in his community.

Each of the GADs attended a number of legislative previews ahead of Minnesota's legislative session, which begins on February 17. Hearing from lobbyists, reporters and legislative leaders, the GADs learned that this legislative session is likely to be focused on fraud, guns and bonding. And while housing will continue to be a topic of discussion it's unlikely any major housing legislation will be passed.

Becky met with representatives from four communities that have applied to the Key Communities program. The Cities that have been chosen will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Please reach out to Simon Opatz (sopatz@spaar.com) or Becky Wegscheid (bwegscheid@spaar.com) with any questions about SPAAR's advocacy efforts, about participating in meetings with local elected officials or about becoming more engaged with SPAAR's Government Affairs Committee.