As we get ready to start a new year, we want to take a moment to reflect back on everything we accomplished in 2022.
As your industry association and the leading voice for housing in Minnesota, our responsibilities have never been more important. With shifting economic dynamics, a tight labor market, and other regulatory headwinds, our industry has faced a unique set of challenges throughout the last year.
However, we know that our industry together is stronger together and can face these challenges head on. Through every challenge, we have pressed forward strategically thanks to the strong leadership of our board and support and dedication from our volunteer committees. Together we have defended our industry while uplifting and elevating the message of homeownership for everyone, everywhere.
Below you will find a brief collection of some of our success throughout 2022.
- Halted the Expansion of Street and Park Impact Fees
Despite renewed energy to try and advance expansions of street impact fees and park fees, Housing First Minnesota was successful in pushing back against these policies. This victory saved homebuyers as much as $10,000 per home.
- Promoted and advanced significant legislative priorities
Throughout the entirety of the 2022 legislative session Housing First Minnesota was on the frontlines advocating for numerous legislative priorities related to land-use practices and PUD requirements. Additionally, we helped to expand the housing coalition in support of these initiatives. The legislature ultimately left most of this work unfinished and is likely to take up this work again in the next legislative session.
- Helped expand the housing caucus at the Capitol
During the 2022 election cycle, the Housing First PAC endorsed 76 candidates, a new record. 80% of these candidates were victorious.
- Constructed two veteran-focused homes and started four more
Built two 4-bedroom transitional housing residences and our first accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to serve veterans experiencing homelessness in partnership with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and Lennar—a massive undertaking—will be completed in 2023. These four homes will add 20 more beds for unhoused veterans in North Minneapolis
- Celebrated homeownership on the Parade of Homes
As the largest Parade of Homes event in the country, we activated over 330,000 consumers to visit the Parade of Homes website and browse homes on tour. We partnered with local influencers to extend our brand to new audiences. We grew our social channels to a combined nearly 60,000 followers, introduced a TikTok channel, increased Instagram engagement 31%, and grew video content views by 471%. We also introduced the Parade of Homes First Time Homebuyer $10K Giveaway and have helped two winners achieve their dream of homeownership!
- Provided the most continuing education opportunities
More than 5,100 continuing education courses were taken and completed through Contractor University and Housing First Minnesota in 2022. Contractor University offers more individual online courses for Minnesota Contractors than all competitors combined.
- Minnesota’s Green Path led the way in green building
Minnesota’s Green Path has issued more than 5,100 Home Performance Reports in 2022 for a grand total of 38,000 over the past decade. There are more than 45 builders enrolled in the Designated Green Path Builder program.
- Successful Artisan Home Tour
The 2022 Artisan Home Tour generated more than 47,000 combined visits. In 2023, the event expands to two tours in the summer and fall.
- Came together to celebrate as an industry
Events are back in person again! Not including the thousands of people who attend our home tours, our other events such as The BIG Night, Foundation Gala, Golf Open, Golf Classic, Shooting Clays, BASH, KickStart, and more attracted more than 2,500 combined attendees.
- Maintained membership efforts and prepared for the future of our industry
Our association is strong because of you – the member! This year we have emphasized what it means to be a member of Housing First Minnesota and have adapted our programs and offerings to best serve you and your business. We will continue to evolve and adapt in 2023 to best engage our members as the needs of the industry changes.
