Advocacy Updates – September 2024

East Metro News

The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) has compiled a list of resources regarding the upcoming election. The Star Tribune is also making election coverage free until November.
Saint Paul has seen a slow down on new housing developments in 2024. Here's the status of each project in the City (subscription).
One of Saint Paul's newest developments will combine solar, geothermal, and all-electric in order to be a large net-zero community.
Ramsey County scrapped plans for the Riverview Streetcar project that would have run along West 7th St to the Mall of America (subscription).

Red Wing will see a manmade island in a section of the Mississippi River near the City.
Apple Valley may see a 148-unit affordable housing apartment building in the City (subscription).

Forest Lake announced three finalists for the City Administrator position in the City.
Maplewood City Council withdrew support from the Purple Line Bus Rapid Transit project in order to learn about other alternatives.
Maplewood also is discussing options for how to develop the former Battle Creek golf course site.
Arden Hills' Rice Creek Commons may add an additional 500 housing units to the proposed 1,960 units.
Roseville voters will vote on a half-cent tax increase that would construct a $77 million civic campus for city buildings (subscription).

Minneapolis and Saint Paul stakeholders have introduced multiple proposals including a land bridge or an at-grade boulevard for how to reimagine I-94 (subscription).
Bloomington residents will vote in November on whether to keep the ranked-choice voting system.
The Southwest Light Rail project continues to hit roadblocks after new design plans were required. This comes after West Metro Cities continue to oppose the project.

The Twin Cities housing market lost steam throughout August in anticipation of interest rate changes (subscription ).
Minnesota Realtors® have received a $1 million grant in order to help flood-affected families.
The First-Generation Homebuyer Community Down Payment Assistance Fund applications are now being accepted after a brief pause earlier this year.
Several Minnesota cities want to give tenants more time to catch up on rent before the landlord can file an eviction case.
Minnesota YIMBYs are assessing how to move forward after a disappointing 2024 Legislative Session for housing.
Minnesotans who lost their home to tax forfeiture may be entitled to money due to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision.
Election Day is 40 days away and Minnesotans will have the chance to cast their vote in many pivotal elections. Here's everything you need to know.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has one of the most unified messages that help to amplify members' voice around the country.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) proposed the "Homes Act" that would build and maintain a stock of permanent affordable housing.
Nationally, mortgage rates fell to the lowest point since February 2023.

Advocacy Updates go out monthly via the SPAAR Advocacy Report. If you're not receiving the advocacy report and would like to, email spaar@spaar.com.