Housing First Minnesota members,
There is growing optimism as we look toward 2025. I truly believe that we are standing at a pivotal juncture in our industry. With the recent electoral outcomes, our industry and our association are presented with a unique opportunity to make meaningful strides toward our goals of protecting and growing homeownership opportunities in Minnesota.
We’re seeing early signs of business-friendly policies in homebuilding, including a national effort to review regulations through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts. This has the potential to streamline federal-level housing policies and expedite project approvals, while also potentially sparking state-level reform discussions. There’s also an opportunity for economic stimulus policies to boost the housing market and provide tax incentives to drive new construction projects!
We can maximize these opportunities by executing our association’s strategic vision as we move into the future.
As it’s been since the housing crash, our foremost priority remains industry advocacy. For over a decade, we’ve been building an advocacy platform to shape the homeownership conversation. We will use our new political landscape to advocate for policies that support these goals and to protect our industry.
The next priority is building community throughout home tour platforms. The Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, and Artisan Home Tours each present an opportunity to usher in the next generation of homebuyers. We will continue to engage these buyers on our home tours by enhancing the in-person experience amidst a digital world.
We also look forward to growing our workforce by expanding the Center for Housing Careers which attracts and trains the next generation of builders, ensuring our industry has the skilled labor it needs.
As board chair, I’m committed to uniting Housing First Minnesota to support homeownership for future generations. I’m looking forward to the opportunities lying in front of us in 2025—let’s build the future together!
Tim Fohr
2025 Board Chair
