Welcome to today’s roundup of real estate news, where we delve into significant developments impacting housing across Minnesota. From the appointment of Roxanne Young Kimball at the Minnesota Homeownership Center, aiming to bridge the affordability gap, to the completion of a major safety upgrade in Minneapolis public housing, and discussions on housing development in Crookston, our coverage spans crucial updates that affect both homeowners and renters. Additionally, we explore the new legislation banning marijuana smoking in multi-housing units, reflecting changes in community standards and legal frameworks. Join us as we explore these stories, offering insights and detailed analyses on how they influence local communities and the broader housing market.
New leader of Minnesota Homeownership Center aims to close affordability gap
The new president and CEO of the Minnesota Homeownership Center, Roxanne Young Kimball, is dedicated to expanding homeownership opportunities and protections for Minnesotans. With her extensive experience in foreclosure recovery and working for the city of Minneapolis, Young Kimball is passionate about making homeownership accessible and equitable across the Twin Cities metro.
In an interview, Young Kimball discusses the center’s vision and the challenges facing Minnesota homebuyers and owners. She highlights the importance of dispelling myths about purchasing a home, addressing credit score barriers, and providing affordability assistance. The center is also focused on eliminating racial disparities in homeownership through targeted programs and advocating for representation and cultural responsiveness.
As the housing market faces trends such as investor ownership and increasing interest rates, the Minnesota Homeownership Center is committed to helping individuals navigate these challenges and achieve their homeownership goals. Learn more about their efforts here.
5 years after tragic high-rise fire, Minneapolis adds sprinklers to all public housing buildings – CBS Minnesota
Federal and local leaders in Minneapolis are celebrating the completion of installing fire sprinklers in all 42 public housing high-rises in the city. This achievement comes five years after a devastating fire at Cedar High Apartments claimed the lives of six residents. The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority set a goal to outfit all buildings with fire suppression systems by the end of 2025, which was accomplished ahead of schedule.
The ceremony, attended by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, highlighted the importance of retrofitting public housing to prevent future tragedies. Omar, who initiated the effort and secured federal funding, emphasized that there is still more work to be done nationwide.
The addition of fire sprinklers brings relief and peace of mind to high-rise residents, ensuring their safety from the threat of fire. The project showcased the collaboration between various stakeholders, including the housing authority’s investment of nearly $14 million, along with federal, city, and Minnesota housing support.
Learn more about this significant achievement here.
CHEDA TO HOLD DISCUSSIONS ON HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUGUST 15 AND 21 – KROX
The Crookston Community Development and Housing Board will be hosting two important discussions on housing development. The first discussion, taking place on Thursday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m., will feature Emily Contreras from the Grand Forks Community Land Trust, who will provide insights on available funding for housing development. The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 21 at 9:00 a.m., with Nate Dorr from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund joining to discuss funding opportunities.
Both meetings will be held at the Valley Technology Park and are open to the public. This is an excellent opportunity for community members to learn about the available resources and contribute to the conversation on housing development in Crookston.
For more information, visit the KROX website.
Waseca council hears recap of over $4 million in improvements to affordable housing | News | southernminn.com
The city of Waseca, in collaboration with the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, has successfully completed over $4 million in repairs and upgrades on 40 affordable housing units. This significant achievement was made possible through the aid provided by the Small Cities Development Grant program.
One of the notable projects is the revitalization of Waseca’s North State Apartments, which has undergone extensive repairs and upgrades since 2018. The commitment to improving affordable housing options in the community has resulted in positive transformations for residents.
Stay informed with the latest news by signing up for the free email newsletters offered by southernminn.com. For more details on the improvements made to affordable housing in Waseca, read the full article here.
Minnesota bans marijuana smoking in apartments | FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
A new law in Minnesota prohibits smoking marijuana in multi-housing units, specifically in places with at least three units. Landlords are now required to ban cannabis smoking in multifamily homes, making apartments no longer a safe haven for smoking marijuana.
The change in the law has led individuals to find alternative spots for smoking cannabis, such as private trails or discreet public areas. However, some residents feel that the new law is discriminatory, as they are unable to afford single-family homes and must share space and air vents with others who may report them.
The CEO of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association acknowledges the tension that can arise when residents have different expectations regarding a smoke-free environment. Landlords will be expected to enforce smoke-free policies if complaints are made, although enforcement may be challenging, especially for medical cannabis users who are exempt from the ban.
To learn more about the new law and its implications, read the full story here.