The 2026 Minnesota state legislative session started in February, and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s Government Affairs team has been working closely with staff, homeowners, and partner organizations to advocate for policies and programs most needed to advance affordable homeownership. Check out what we want to accomplish below and how you can get involved!
One of our priorities this year is building off the progress we’ve made in previous years around reforming Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). Two years ago, we helped advocate for the creation of a working group that would compile recommendations to inform policy priorities. Last year, we helped advocate for an ombudsperson’s position that can now help resolve disputes between homeowners and associations, providing needed resources. This is great progress, but there’s more to be done to ensure HOAs can function sustainably and reasonably for both associations and residents.
This year, we're working to pass more reforms that improve this environment, including reasonable standards and fines, prohibiting unnecessary foreclosures, improving oversight of management companies, and strengthening rights and participation for homeowners. From data, testimonies from our homeowners, and trends across the state and country, we know these reforms are much needed and can make this system work better for everyone. We are grateful to have support among state lawmakers and look forward to building off the momentum of last year to continue advancing this work.
This legislative session, we support reforms to property insurance so the system can work better for everyone. It has become increasingly known that rising insurance costs and inadequate coverage have become barriers to long-term stability and affordability for homeowners. This is especially concerning for low-income homeowners who cannot afford rising insurance premiums.
Similar to HOA reform, last year resulted in the creation of a task force to inform recommendations to the legislature. This year, we want to help elevate and implement their recommendations. Like most policy changes, there isn’t one big solution to fix these issues, but there are many small solutions that can create impactful change in our communities. Solutions may include funding for home improvement programs that can lower premiums, banning certain income and financing metrics from being used to calculate insurance risk, or investing in state programs that provide a safety net for those unable to secure insurance in the regular market.
We are working closely with partner organizations and the task force to evaluate these solutions and advance them this session, and we'll continue this work in future years as well.
Lastly, we will advocate for state investment into The Heights this year, a transformative investment into St. Paul’s Greater East Side that will create 147 affordable homes. As the biggest development in our history, this project wouldn’t be possible without public partnerships at the local, state, and federal level. We are so grateful to have leaders that want to work together to meet our communities affordable housing needs, and look forward to building off the work we’ve done in past years to secure additional investments.
While The Heights is a long-term vision, we are already celebrating its first major milestone. In December, the first Habitat homebuyers closed on their homes at The Heights! We can’t wait to continue this development and welcome more residents into the community.
Additionally, we’ve spent this legislative session advocating for critical housing programs that support our work and other nonprofit homeownership providers. We’ve elevated programs including Homeownership Education, Counseling and Training, First Generation Down Payment Assistance, and Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance.
These programs help prepare buyers for homeownership, expand access, and prevent the displacement of families during times of financial instability. Especially after the hardships so many experienced during Operation Metro Surge, we know households across Minnesota need of this kind of support.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of our volunteers and supporters. As lawmakers start to think about what bills they will pass before the end of session, now is a critical time to make your voice heard and advocate for affordable homeownership. One of the best ways to do this is right around the corner by joining us at Habitat on the Hill!
On April 16, we will gather at Christ Church on Capitol Hill before making our way to the Minnesota Capitol to meet with state lawmakers. This event is a great way to gain real experience in advocacy, let lawmakers know what matters to you, and make an impact in your community! The event is free, and lunch is provided. Check out our event page for more information and register below. We hope to see you there!
Even if you can’t join us in person, you can be an advocate and help advance affordable homeownership in small and big ways, even virtually. Sign up for action alerts below to stay up to date on our work, and we’ll let you know when there are actions you can take.