Policy FAQs
Housing Basics
What is “abundant housing”?
Abundant housing means there are enough homes for everyone, regardless of income or neighborhood preference. Right now, we simply don’t have enough affordable homes, which drives up prices and forces people to compete for limited options. We support updating zoning laws and policies to allow more homes to be built in existing neighborhoods and cities, making housing accessible to all.
What is the housing crisis, and why should we care?
Housing is a human right, but we don’t have enough of it. If we care about people, we need to build an abundance of homes in a wide variety of types so that everyone can find one that meets their needs. We’re facing a growing affordability and availability crisis. Without building more homes, homelessness will rise, more people will be priced out, and those with fewer resources will be pushed farther out, increasing both costs and commute times. Solving this crisis takes all of us, not just policymakers or developers. We can all support policies that make room for more neighbors at every income level.
What is infill development, and why is it important?
Infill development involves adding new homes or businesses within existing neighborhoods by using vacant lots, underused buildings, or overlooked spaces. Instead of expanding outward and fueling sprawl, infill helps cities grow more sustainably. It brings more homes to areas that already have roads, utilities, and services, making better use of existing infrastructure and supporting vibrant, walkable communities.
How does building new homes in my neighborhood help my rent go down?
When there aren’t enough homes in a community, people compete for limited options, driving up rent. Even high-end new homes ease pressure by giving people more choices, so fewer are bidding on the same set of apartments. More supply at all levels helps stabilize, or even decrease, rents. It’s basic supply and demand. Here’s a simple video from the Sightline Institute that helps to explain it: Why is Rent so High?
Isn’t building more housing just for developers’ profit?
Developers do make a profit, but when restrictive rules limit what can be built, only expensive homes are feasible and get built. Allowing a broader range of housing types, including more affordable ones, benefits everyone by increasing supply and lowering costs. While developers may profit, increased housing supply nearly always benefits the broader community.
Housing Types & Design
What does “upzoning” mean?
Upzoning means changing zoning laws to allow more homes or denser development than previously permitted. For example, it might allow duplexes or small apartment buildings in areas that only allowed single-family homes. We support upzoning because it helps neighborhoods become more diverse, affordable, and adaptable.
What are “missing middle” homes?
“Missing middle” refers to medium-density housing types (like duplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, row houses, or cottage courts) that were once common but are now rare due to zoning rules. These homes bridge the gap between single-family houses and large apartment buildings, offering more affordable, walkable neighborhood options.
What are starter homes and ADUs, and why do they matter?
Starter homes (smaller, more affordable houses) were once a common first step into homeownership, but are now harder to build due to zoning restrictions. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), think backyard cottages, garage apartments, or tiny homes, offer flexible, lower-cost options that increase housing supply. Both are essential for meeting people’s needs across different life stages and incomes, and we support legalizing them statewide.
What are “Point Access Blocks” and why do they matter for housing?
Point Access Blocks, also called “Single Stair” buildings, are apartments designed around a single stairwell or elevator rather than long hallways. These buildings are more affordable to build, especially on smaller lots, because they use space and materials more efficiently. While they’ve historically been restricted due to outdated fire codes, modern fire suppression systems have made them safe. Minnesota law currently bans these designs in buildings over three stories, even though they’re legal and common elsewhere. Legalizing them could help unlock more “missing middle” housing that’s attractive, efficient, and cost-effective.
Policy & Planning
Why are zoning laws a problem?
Zoning laws dictate what kinds of housing can be built and where. Many existing rules restrict neighborhoods to single-family homes or limit density, which reduces supply and drives up costs. Reforming these rules is essential to creating affordable, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
What are parking minimums, and why are they harmful?
Parking minimums are rules that require a set number of parking spaces with every new home or business, even when they aren’t needed. These rules increase construction costs, take up valuable space, and encourage car dependence. Eliminating parking minimums gives builders flexibility, reduces costs, and supports walkable, climate-friendly communities.
What is land value tax (LVT) and what are its benefits?
A land value tax (LVT) taxes the value of land itself — not the buildings on it. This encourages landowners to use land productively, since their tax bill remains the same regardless of what they build. It discourages land speculation, promotes development, and helps communities grow more efficiently.
What is rent control, and do you support it?
Rent control limits how much landlords can raise rent each year. While it can help renters stay in their homes, it may also discourage new housing construction if not carefully designed. Neighbors for More Neighbors recognizes the complexity of this issue and does not have an official position on rent control. We do support strong tenant protections.
What is “transit-oriented development”?
Transit-oriented development means building homes, shops, and offices near public transportation and is a key strategy for creating vibrant, sustainable cities. Transit-oriented development reduces car dependence, increases walkability, and helps people access jobs and services more easily.
Climate & Environment
How does housing relate to climate change?
Where and how we allow homes to be built directly affects how much people need to drive. Building near jobs and transit reduces car dependence and cuts pollution. Restrictive zoning fuels sprawl and increases emissions. Smarter housing policies help fight climate change by creating compact, connected, walkable, and sustainable neighborhoods.
How does living in a connected community help the environment?
Connected communities, where homes, transit, jobs, and shops are close together, reduce the need to drive, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality. They also protect natural spaces by limiting sprawl. Thoughtful neighborhood planning supports climate resilience and a healthier environment.
Community & Equity
How does housing policy affect racial equity?
Historic policies like redlining and exclusionary zoning created deep racial disparities in housing access and generational wealth. The policies we support, inclusive zoning, affordable housing, and community reinvestment, aim to undo these harms and build a more just and equitable Minnesota.
Won’t building more homes cause displacement or gentrification?
Displacement is a serious concern, and strong tenant protections are critical to help. But limiting housing supply in a desirable area can actually worsen displacement when more people bid for the same small supply of homes. More housing options, especially when paired with renter protections, help keep communities stable and inclusive.
Why do some neighborhoods resist new homes?
Some neighborhoods resist new housing due to concerns about traffic, property values, or “neighborhood character.” In many cases, these concerns mask racial or class-based exclusion. In truth, thoughtfully planned housing brings diversity, supports local businesses, and helps neighborhoods thrive. Communities aren’t meant to stay static; they should grow and evolve.
I like my single-family home and neighborhood, why change anything?
We’re not against single-family homes, we’re for more options. Everyone should be able to live in a neighborhood they love, whether that’s in a house, an apartment, or something in between. Right now, zoning laws often allow only single-family homes, limiting who can afford to live there, including seniors, teachers, and young families. Allowing more types of housing creates more flexibility, more choices, and more vibrant communities, without taking away anyone’s existing home.
What does “aging in place” mean, and how can housing policy support it?
Aging in place means allowing older adults to stay in their communities as they age. Many older Minnesotans live in large single-family homes that may be hard to maintain, but there are no other options for them to move into within their own community. More diverse housing options, like condos, small apartments, or ADUs, make it easier to downsize and stay near loved ones. Aging in place also supports multi-generational living and strengthens community ties.
How does the work of Neighbors for More Neighbors help Minnesota become more equitable?
We advocate for policies that expand housing access, affordability, and choice for everyone, regardless of income or background. By fighting for zoning reform, tenant protections, and more homes in more places, we’re working to undo historic injustices and build a fairer Minnesota.