As Minnesota lawmakers return to the Capitol on February 17, 2026, Housing First Minnesota is focused on advancing practical solutions that address our state’s ongoing housing challenges. With all legislative seats up for election in November and a narrowly divided Legislature, the 2026 session will be shaped by election-year urgency and opportunities for bipartisan progress.
A Divided Legislature — and High Stakes for Housing Policy
The 2026 session marks the second year of the biennium, with adjournment likely in mid-May. The Minnesota House remains tied 67-67, while the Senate holds a one-seat DFL majority. In this closely balanced political environment, meaningful housing reform will require broad support across both sides of the aisle.
Because every seat in the Legislature will be on the ballot this fall, lawmakers are especially attuned to the needs and priorities of their constituents. This dynamic creates an opening for housing advocates to elevate the voices of homebuyers, renters, builders, and communities impacted by housing instability.
Persistent Housing Challenges and Momentum from 2025
Minnesota’s housing shortage, rising prices, and regulatory barriers remained central topics throughout 2025, and this focus carries forward into the 2026 session. Lawmakers enter this year with momentum from substantive debates last year around zoning modernization, permit fee reform, and housing policies that can help expand housing supply.
Housing affordability remains a critical issue for Minnesotans, with many households struggling to find attainable ownership or rental options. The ongoing shortage of new homes ,driven by supply constraints and increasing construction costs, underscores the need for policy reforms that reduce unnecessary costs and expand housing choices.
What Housing First Minnesota Is Focused On
Throughout the 2026 session, Housing First Minnesota will work strategically to ensure that statewide housing policy advances practical, pro-housing outcomes that benefit families and communities. Our priorities include:
- Advocating for lower regulatory costs and expanding homeownership opportunities across Minnesota.
- Opposing new mandates or fees that drive up housing costs without delivering measurable benefits.
- Spotlighting legislators who champion policies that enhance housing supply and affordability.
- Keeping members informed with timely updates, policy analysis, and action alerts.
As Mark Foster, vice president of legislative & political affairs for Housing First Minnesota, has noted: “As we head into the 2026 session, lawmakers need to hear clearly that every dollar added in fees, mandates, or delays is a dollar taken away from a Minnesota family’s ability to own a home.”
Why Member Engagement Matters Now
With control of both chambers effectively at stake and session priorities emerging early, member engagement is more important than ever. Personal stories, direct outreach to legislators, and real-world project examples can make a significant difference in shaping how policies are crafted, debated, and enacted — especially on housing issues that affect people across the state. Join us on April 30th for Housing Day at the Capitol. Registration is open at www.housingdaymn.org.
Looking Ahead: Shared Goals and Shared Effort
Minnesota’s housing challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities for meaningful progress. Through thoughtful advocacy, collaboration with lawmakers, and active participation from the housing community, the 2026 session offers a key moment to deliver policy changes that expand supply, improve affordability, and strengthen housing stability for families and communities statewide.
Stay tuned to Housing First Minnesota’s blog for session updates, policy insights, and ways to take action as the session unfolds.
