Zoning reform bill makes headway at the Minnesota state legislature
Beacon supports the Multifamily Residential Development Act
Beacon believes that affordable housing belongs in all communities. That’s why we support the Multifamily Residential Development Act, an historic bill being proposed this legislative session that will use cities’ comprehensive plans to guide decisions around what housing to build, rather than the influence of the loudest neighbors.
Why does it matter?
Current zoning laws and land use systems are outdated, racist relics. These systems were created 60 years ago in response to the federal government outlawing blatant housing discrimination. New zoning requirements created more subtle discrimination, which put power in the hands of privileged property owners whose outsized voices determined who they’d allow into their communities.
The new Multifamily Residential Development Act, what we’re calling the zoning reform bill, is a bill with bipartisan support which will ensure that:
- Communities and municipal leaders can fulfill their multifamily residential development goals;
- Black, Brown, and Indigenous families can afford housing in the low-poverty communities where they have been excluded in the past;
- Minnesota businesses can attract the workers they need because housing is available nearby, and;
- Non-profit developers like Beacon can create the affordable housing Minnesota desperately needs.
If passed, this zoning bill will significantly disrupt NIMBY-ism and make it possible to build more affordable housing across the state.
Click here to learn more about this bill.
Take Action to Support This Bill
In person: Turn out at the Capitol tomorrow, Wednesday March 20, at 3:00 p.m. in your Beacon blue and let our elected officials know that you believe in home! Location: Room 5, State Office Building, 100 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155
Online: Watch the testimony of Rev. Emily Goldthwaite, Beacon’s director of congregational organizing, tomorrow at 3 pm. A live video link will be posted on Beacon’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beaconinterfaith
Send your elected officials a message in support of this bill today!
