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.
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.
Housing Affordability Task Force Strategies Statement
The Task Force feels this is an urgent issue that is taking a real toll on individuals and families alike. Homelessness is on the rise, rents are increasingly unaffordable, and the cost of entry into homeownership is too high.Advocacy Report – September 2021
The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) is helping to enhance the Rice and Larpenteur Neighborhood with the creation of a community parklet.
RiversEdge Development
The proposed $788 million development with four new towers will transform how downtown residents, workers and visitors connect with the Mississippi River. Proposed private development could yield more than $15 million in new property tax revenue per year.Advocacy Report – August 2021
Last week, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter unveiled his 2022 budget proposal. Included in his budget proposal was a 6.9% increase in property taxes, which is equivalent to a $127 increase for a median value home in Saint Paul.