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Minnesota housing reform proponents remain hopeful for movement

On March 23, the Starter Home Act stalled in committee, missing the March 27 deadline for advancement in its house of origin. The bill aims to limit local zoning authority and incentivize multifamily housing.
Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, noted there have been roughly 30 different versions of the bill through weekly stakeholder meetings. This marks the third push for housing reform at the Legislature since the 2024 session.
Opponents argue the act constitutes government overreach, though Daniel Lightfoot, senior intergovernmental relations representative at League of Minnesota Cities, noted the League adopted a neutral stance after changes accommodated local flexibility.
Rep. Patty Acomb, DFL-Minnetonka, expressed concern the act addresses housing supply but not affordability, while Sen. Jordan Rasmusson, R-Fergus Falls, stated, "This issue isn't going away."
Igo remains hopeful despite the setback, stating, "Everything we've done in Minnesota in the past 15 years hasn't moved the needle yet," and pieces of the legislation may emerge later this session.

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Minnesota housing reform proponents remain hopeful for movement

ST. PAUL — A bipartisan group of Minnesota lawmakers working on housing reform remains motivated and hopeful despite hitting another roadblock this session. One of the major bills in the overall housing reform effort, the “Starter Home Act,” stalled in committee on March 23, just before a key March 27 deadline that says committees must advance bills in their house of origin. The bill, HF3895/SF4123, hits on several reforms, including limiting th…

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