EMCA News

Moving Forward Together: Recap of Our Minnesota Housing Crisis Discussion

January 3rd, 2025

Happy New Year from the East Metro Civic Alliance!

We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us for the Minnesota Housing Crisis Discussion on December 30, 2024. Your presence, energy, and commitment made the conversation not only possible but powerful. Together, we began charting the path toward bold solutions that address one of Minnesota’s most pressing challenges.

A Gathering for Change

This event, co-hosted with the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage and the NAACP Saint Paul, was convened to bring lawmakers, community members, and advocates into dialogue about Minnesota’s housing crisis.

Housing instability and affordability challenges touch every community in our state, but the harm falls disproportionately on Minnesotans of African Heritage. Our families continue to face higher rates of homelessness, lower homeownership, and barriers to affordable housing. As we move into the 2025 Legislative Session, the need for real, systemic solutions could not be clearer.

Highlights from the Discussion

We are grateful to those who made time to engage with us:

  • Representative Walter Hudson and Representative Jeff Dotseth joined us live and offered valuable insights.
  • Courtney Schaff, Housing Committee Staff Member, contributed her expertise and helped frame the legislative context.
  • Senator Karla Nelson, though unable to attend, provided written comments that were shared with participants.

Their engagement underscored that the housing crisis demands bipartisan attention and action.

The conversation itself was forward-thinking and solutions-oriented. Participants explored new approaches to tackling homelessness, housing affordability, and the racial homeownership gap. We emphasized that every Minnesotan deserves access to clean, stable, and affordable housing—and that bold policy action is needed to make that vision real.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Legislative Session is now underway, and we are committed to carrying forward the energy from December 30 into concrete advocacy. The voices we heard during our discussion—community leaders, lawmakers, and advocates—remind us that this crisis cannot be solved without collective effort.

We will continue to share updates, opportunities for action, and ways to stay involved. Whether it’s testifying at hearings, contacting your legislators, or sharing resources with your networks, your engagement matters.

Thank You

Once again, thank you to everyone who joined the conversation. Your presence and commitment reaffirm our belief that together, we can solve Minnesota’s housing crisis.

Let’s make 2025 the year Minnesota takes bold steps toward housing equity, affordability, and stability for all.