Opinion: We need both direct renter aid, more construction
Star Tribune, March 22, 2023
Policymakers who accept housing supply skepticism risk locking us into a worsening housing affordability crisis.
Apartment Rents Fall as Crush of New Supply Hits Market
Wall Street Journal, February 27, 2023
Declines signal tenants may be maxed out on how much income they can devote to rent
Affordable housing advocates and developers need help, but not a rent cap
Star Tribune, February 15, 2023
The Twin Cities Housing Alliance of about 40 developers and the Minnesota Housing Partnership have led the chorus for more investment to produce more housing to accommodate working-poor households that make up to about $50,000 annually and pay more than 30% of their income in rent. The state median household income is about $80,000.
The additional funding would include long-term renewal of the state historic-building tax credit to accelerate conversion of more abandoned and underused properties into housing.
Mayor Frey on rent control recommendation: ‘It’s not happening’
KSTP, December 14, 2022
Cathy Capone Bennett with the Twin Cities Housing Alliance had a seat at the table during the discussions.
“I believe we need to focus on real solutions,” she said. “We believe that Minneapolis can be a real leader in addressing residents’,’ concerns with a targeted approach that gets in the hands of the lowest of incomes. … The working group’s recommendation is not going to solve that.”
Suburban voters sour on officials fighting growth and development
Star Tribune, November 12, 2022
The housing shortage has become personal for families at all income levels, said Cathy Capone Bennett, executive director of the Twin Cities Housing Alliance. The Twin Cities ranks 13th nationally for the underproduction of housing, according to a new study. from the national housing advocacy group Up For Growth.
"New development is needed to meet the needs across the entire housing ecosystem," Capone Bennett said. "People are feeling it in their families. They feel it when their 29- and 30-year-old kids still live with them and they can't afford rent or a house."
Young people who can afford houses in the suburbs are eager to bring urban amenities with them, including restaurants, shopping and walkability.
While election results provide a tangible metric, the pro-development movement in the suburbs has quietly taken root across much of the Twin Cities during the last decade, Capone Bennett said, pointing to building booms in cities including Hopkins, Edina and Woodbury.
