Advocacy Updates – March 2024

East Metro News

Saint Paul's City Council has reignited conversations regarding Tenant Protections, which were previously struck down by the courts.
Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter highlighted housing and homebuyer assistance as priorities in the State of the City address (subscription).
Saint Paul's downtown leaders released a strategy with the goal to revitalize the City and bring in more than 20,000 residents.
Lake Elmo City Council signed off on plans for a new elementary school within city limits.

Rosemount has broken ground on an $800 million Meta data center.
Inver Grove Heights is considering a transition to a 4-year mayoral term (subscription).
In Cottage Grove, a conservation group has filed a lawsuit against a new housing development in the City.

The Falcon Heights City Council narrowly approved a new apartment development near the State Fairgrounds.
Stillwater's historic courthouse reopened after a major restoration (subscription).

Minneapolis is re-visiting the discussion around tenants' first right of refusal, also known as Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA) (subscription).
Minneapolis's well-known 2040 plan is currently on hold due an environmental lawsuit. Here's an update.
The Southwest Light Rail project is years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over budget.
The value of Minneapolis commercial properties is down due to office vacancies in the City.
A former Shakopee gravel pit could see up to 855 units of housing, retail, and multiple office complexes.
Edina and Minnetonka have implemented tree ordinances that are raising concerns from homeowners and developers.

Twin Cities suburbs continue to grow while rural western Minnesota counties lose population.
In the Twin Cities, finding an entry-level home for $300,000 or less could lead your clients anywhere from an inner-ring suburb to an exurb in the search.
Homelessness in Minnesota has declined since 2018, according to Wilder Research, though the figure still remains high (subscription).
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's budget dedicates funding to the child tax credit program, drinking water improvements, and ambulance services.

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.
The National Association of Realtors® highlighted the lack of housing affordability and inventory in a Congressional testimony.
The Biden Administration pitched a suite of expanded tax credits and new funding aimed at making it easier to build and afford housing in its annual budget. The White House is also looking at how zoning reform could help alleviate rising housing costs.