Advocacy Updates – April 2024

East Metro News

In Saint Paul, neighbors are asking the City's Planning Commission to reconsider the University of Saint Thomas's new arena (subscription).
The Saint Paul City Council is considering a proposal that would require developers to include electric vehicle infrastructure in their plans (subscription).
In Saint Paul and Minneapolis, there's a renewed push to redevelop Interstate 94.

Woodbury has advanced two affordable apartment developments with nearly 500 units (subscription).
Eagan is working with developers on plans around underused office sites in the City.
Inver Grove Heights is in the process of developing at 242-unit apartment building in a high cost area of the City (subscription).
Dakota County is resuming plans for a homeless shelter that was previously stymied by concerned residents.
Inver Grove Heights, South Saint Paul, and Savage are all dealing with higher than normal levels of radium in the water supply.

Columbia Heights is considering a point of sale ordinance that would require a sewer inspection and a structure inspection. For more information, visit the City's website. The conversation regarding the point of sale change starts at the 14 minute mark.
North Oaks is asking the Metropolitan Council for a change to density requirements in the City.
The Falcon Heights City Council narrowly approved a new apartment development near the State Fairgrounds.

Hennepin County is rolling out a Lead Removal Program . Here's everything you need to know.
Richfield is in the early stages of creating an affordable housing development for households at 30% or less of the area median income.
Plymouth is expected to redevelop a 75-acre site with plans for both housing and commercial.

Twin Cities developers are considering new ways to develop office space, including demolishing high rises.
The Minnesota Legislature is unlikely to pass the " Missing Middle Housing" bill, which would create statewide zoning rules allowing for higher density.
In Minnesota, there was a statewide increase in new listings.
Minnesota salaries aren't keeping up with housing costs , according to the Minnesota Housing Partnership. Minnesotans need an annual income of over $90,000 to afford a median-priced home.
Minnesota legislators have announced a new plan to protect Minnesotans from "forever chemicals", after the Environmental Protection Agency announced new guidelines.
Minnesotans could achieve homeownership for less than $100,000 if they consider manufactured homes as an option. Many Minnesotans are buying homes with friends to decrease housing costs.
Minnesota Housing has some of the most successful down payment assistance programs in the U.S. but has room for improvement.

Nationally, higher-than-expected inflation data is expected to push borrowing costs up during the busy homebuying season. NAR's Deputy Chief Economist testified about inventory in front of Congress.
A new study shows that baby boomers that are aging in place are prolonging the housing shortage (subscription).
The Biden Administration is looking at local zoning restrictions and how they drive up housing costs, nationally.
The National Association of Realtors® has urged the Department of Veterans Affairs to revise its policies pertaining to fees with VA home loan benefits.
The National Association of Realtors® has reached a settlement agreement—which is still subject to court approval—that ends ongoing litigation brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions.