Housing

The program, established in 2023, helped 600 families become homeowners in the first seven months of its existence, according to Rep. Esther Agbaje, DFL-Minneapolis.

The plan reflects Year Four of the state’s 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, which examines the housing and community development needs of Minnesota.

The bill would allow smaller single family homes, duplexes or townhouses to be built in areas where they are currently restricted by zoning laws.

Minnesota has invested money to accelerate affordable housing but project leaders note momentum is slow because of higher interest rates and regulatory issues.

Tamara Lowney of IEDC and Chuck Marohn of Strong Towns discussed rural Minnesota's economy and more ahead of this week's "Sparking Change" conference in Grand Rapids.

Recently awarded a $2.7M state grant, Leech Lake Financial Services' Wealth Creation Model aims to provide affordable housing and spur local workforce development.

The Door Coffeehouse, a combination coffee shop and temporary housing facility in Laporte, Minnesota, is featured Jan. 27, 2025, on KAXE’s "Bright Spot" series.

The workforce housing project was dependent on state funding. Previously planned for a city park, the project location was changed at the last minute following community pushback.

KAXE covered pushback on the LGBTQ+ community, changes in rural health care delivery, a coal ash spill at Boswell Energy Center, tribal land back efforts, helium mining and more.

While operating costs have risen for builders, so have rents for apartment dwellers.