Advocacy Updates – July 2024

East Metro News

The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) has welcomed Gabe Walsh as the new CEO of the Association.
Saint Paul's Downtown Improvement District has plans to double in size with a proposed distract expansion, as leaders call the City's core "a crisis". Mayor Carter recently recognized the importance of the downtown corridor for the City (subscription).
In Saint Paul, a local church is the primary opposition for an 88-unit supportive housing complex.
In Washington County, four candidates are vying for an open spot on the County Commission (subscription).

A project in Lakeville is currently under investigation by the State due to ties with the Feeding Our Future fraud case.
Lakeville has plans to build a new 167-unit townhome development in the City (subscription).
The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district has plans to buy land previously owned by the University of Minnesota for a new middle school (subscription).

Mounds View has voted to approve an ordinance that will require restrictive covenants be removed before home sale.
Lino Lakes voted to implement a one-year development moratorium on the Muslim-oriented project in the City.

After a long legal battle, Minneapolis has the go-ahead to move forward with the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Minneapolis city leaders have put forth a plan to get rid of the vacant and blighted properties in the City. They also spoke to affordable housing wins.
In Bloomington, remediation efforts have begun at a proposed development location in the City (subscription).
Shakopee will see many opportunities for new development throughout the remainder of 2024 (subscription).

Minnesota Lt. Governor announced the state's First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program. The program offers loans up to $35,000. Find out how to help your clients.
Find out who or what is on your Minnesota ballot before the State's August 13 Primary. Here's your SPAAR Voter Guide for all other information.
Minnesota has seen some of the highest rates of eviction since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota cities have begun banning public camping in the wake of the Supreme Courts' ruling on the issue.
Greater Minnesota has a problem of aging housing stock (subscription).
The Minnesota Legislature passed many tenant-focused laws during the 2024 Legislative Session.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun gave insight into the latest housing data and its implications for rates.
NAR has responded with opposition to President Biden's proposed national 5% rent cap. This is coupled with many of the other issues that NAR advocates for.
Nationally, built-for-rent home developments increased by 20% with 18,000 new units. This occurs as the median sales price jumped to a record high of $426,900.