Advocacy News
SPAAR advocates for you and your business.
Our Government Affairs team works to make sure both REALTORS® and homeowners are represented in government.
In addition, the Government Affairs Committee works to expand the Association’s sphere of influence in local, regional, state and national public policy areas focusing on issues affecting communities throughout the Association’s jurisdiction.

Model Container Home: A Solution In A Box (Sponsorship Opportunities)
SPAAR is working on an innovative project to propose a concrete solution (actually a steel solution) that could contribute to resolving this housing crisis.
City of Saint Paul Seeks REALTORS® For Focus Groups
Saint Paul’s Planning and Economic Development Department is seeking Realtors® to participate in a virtual focus group in March or April to discuss demand for 1-4-unit housing types and potential opportunities for Saint Paul to add more housing.
SPAAR Book Club Read: The Affordable City
The United States faces a housing crisis. Nationwide, including both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, cities are struggling to address rapidly increasing housing costs and household instability.
Scholarships Available For Housing Day At The Capitol
SPAAR’s Government Affairs Committee is offering five scholarships to SPAAR members who have not previously attended Housing Day at the Capitol.
Saint Paul’s 1-4 Unit Housing Study
Saint Paul’s 1-4 Unit Housing Study is engaging the community around zoning and 1-4 unit, neighborhood-scale housing types to inform the proposed zoning code amendments to support a greater range of housing options in one-family, two-family, and townhouse zoning districts.
2021 Market Wrap Up & 2022 Market Projections
Much like 2020, many unique trends emerged in 2021. Homebuyers were still interested in moving to the suburbs; the continued work-from-home changes had families looking for more space; and the minimal time that homes spent on the market forced buyers and sellers to move quickly to close deals.
Advocacy Report: Saint Paul Rent Control Results
Saint Paul’s rent control ballot measure was approved with 53% of the vote in the 2021 election. This is a disappointing result as the Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) and its coalition partners through the Sensible Housing Ballot Committee worked very hard to educate voters about the pitfalls of such a policy.Statement on rent control from SPAAR
St. Paul’s rent control ballot measure was approved with 53% of the vote in last week’s election on November 2, 2021.