There are a couple of good opportunities to provide input for planning for housing in Minnesota. The state is seeking feedback through two online surveys: one on Housing and Community Development, and one on Fair Housing.
MHP staff took the surveys (see bottom of post for the official descriptions and links). We thought we'd share a few tips to help you submit input through the surveys.
The "Fair Housing" survey might be tough to complete unless you work in that area; it requires enough knowledge to set priorities among different types of discrimination.
The "Housing and Community Development" survey, is one way that the state will get input in creating its Consolidated Plan, a 5-year plan required by HUD mentioned in a recent MHP blog post. in addition to housing, the survey also asks for input on economic development, public infrastructure, and human services. If you want to hone in the housing items, here are some pointers.
- You have to decide which area of the state you wish to address; only two choices – one includes the large population counties and communities throughout the state, the other for small rural communities.
- The second page gives you the opportunity to rank the need for housing activities (e.g., "demolition") from low to high, and to identify barriers to development (e.g., building codes. If you want to identify other things, you can use the write-in option.)
- Pages 3 and 4 concern non-housing options. (You'll likely need to skip these if you want to complete the survey in the 10 minutes the agency suggest that you can complete it.)
- Page 5 provides priority options on special needs, both housing types and populations.
- Page 6 allows the survey recipient the ability to choose how they'd allocate funds across the various community development areas (really); and two open comment areas about community development needs and the way the state can better address housing and community development challenges. (MHP's input here was on greater effort to communicate to different audiences the quality and value of housing funded by Minnesota Housing, and more support for local initiatives, particularly in small communities.)
-- And now for the official survey announcement. --
Housing Feedback Needed
The State of Minnesota, through its Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Department of Human Services (DHS), and Minnesota Housing, are researching two areas in the state in order to make plans and review policies. You are welcome to complete one or both surveys and to forward on to others. Descriptions of each survey are below the titles/links to the survey. Please click the title to go to the survey.
Your individual comments will remain anonymous and will be compiled with all other responses by an outside vendor. Western Economic Services (WES) is the firm conducting the study on behalf of the State. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.if you have any questions about these surveys.
Housing and Community Development:
DEED, DHS and Minnesota Housing are developing a five-year plan for housing and community development. The plan will guide housing and community development policy and actions related to housing, economic development, public facility and infrastructure over the next several years. Known as the "Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development," the study is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The planning process is intended to help the State provide decent housing, expand economic opportunities and provide a suitable living environment. The plan depends on the opinions and experiences of people who are knowledgeable about housing and community development in Minnesota. Comments gathered during this survey will be used to create narratives for inclusion in the Consolidated Plan.
The State of Minnesota is conducting a statewide study regarding impediments to fair housing choice. Known as the "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice," the study is required by HUD.
The goal of the research is to identify whether barriers and adverse policies exist in a variety of housing arenas including rentals and sales, lending, insurance, and the public sector. The success of the study depends on the opinions and experiences of people who are knowledgeable about housing and fair housing compliance issues.
