The Minnesota Legislature on Tuesday approved a $165 million housing package that includes $40 million in emergency rental assistance, a move lawmakers say is aimed at slowing a sharp rise in evictions and housing instability across the state.
Thousands of renters have fallen behind their rent as many stayed home and could not work during the federal immigration enforcement in the state.
The funding comes as nearly 8,500 Minnesotans faced eviction as of May 1, according to Eviction Lab, a Princeton University research initiative that tracks eviction filings nationwide.
The emergency assistance will be distributed through Minnesota Housing, the state agency that oversees housing finance and assistance programs. The agency typically works through counties and nonprofit organizations to deliver aid to eligible renters, many of whom qualify under federal income guidelines set at 200% of the poverty level.
The rental assistance funding arrives amid growing concern among housing advocates and lawmakers that more families are falling behind on rent as housing costs continue to rise statewide.
“The escalating cost of housing is pricing Minnesotans out of the American Dream from border-to-border,” said Rep. Michael Howard, a Richfield DFLer and co-chair of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee. “Our strong, bipartisan bill provides a lifeline to renters, builds new homes both to rent and to own, and recognizes the urgent need to step up to make housing more affordable for all Minnesotans.”
The largest share of the package — roughly $100 million — is dedicated to affordable housing development and preservation projects across Minnesota. Another $14 million will support workforce housing development in Greater Minnesota communities struggling with housing shortages tied to labor demand.
Lawmakers also directed $4 million to the Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation Program, which helps preserve and improve manufactured home communities while keeping them affordable for residents.
Another $4 million is earmarked for permanent supportive housing providers, organizations that combine stable housing with services for people experiencing homelessness, disabilities or chronic housing instability.
Those providers have warned that anticipated cuts from the Trump administration could jeopardize programs that many vulnerable Minnesotans rely on to remain housed.
“Minnesotans are facing record-high evictions and rising housing insecurity, and families need action now,” said Rep. Liish Kozlowski, a Duluth DFLer and co-vice chair of the House Housing Committee. “These bipartisan investments will help keep people in their homes, prevent homelessness, and send a clear message that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to live.”
The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk.
Need help with rent?
Minnesotans seeking rental or housing assistance can find local assistance providers through Minnesota Housing.
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About Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief
Born and raised in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, Tom is the Founder, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Mshale which has been reporting on the news and culture of African immigrants in the United States since 1995. He has a BA in Business from Metro State University and a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He was the original host of Talking Drum, the signature current affairs show on the African Broadcasting Network (ABN-America), which was available nationwide in the United States via the Dish Network satellite service. On the show, he interviewed Nobel laureates such as 2004 Nobel Peace prize winner, Professor Wangari Maathai, the first woman from Africa to win the peace prize and heads of states. Tom has served and chaired various boards including Global Minnesota (formerly Minnesota International Center), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. He has previously served as the first Black President of the Board of Directors at Books for Africa. He also serves on the board of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium. He has previously served two terms on the board of the United Nations Association. An avid runner, he retired from running full marathons after turning 50 and now only focuses on training for half marathons.
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