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Firefox hops://replica.startribune.com/infinity/article_popover share.aspx?gui... <br /> Relaxing zoning is a housing solUtion <br /> with consequences <br /> As suburban mayors, we understand the need <br /> but must emphasize why local control is <br /> needed. <br /> Opinion editor's note: This article was submitted by several Twin <br /> Citiesarea mayors. Their names are below. <br /> 000 <br /> In the last few years, the suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul have seen <br /> tremendous growth fueled by low interest rates and cities working with <br /> developers to build singlefamily homes, townhouses and multifamily <br /> units. Many cities like ours have worked with builders to grant <br /> exemptions from current zoning to encourage smaller lots to provide <br /> greater access to attainable homeownership. However, the prices of <br /> these homes on smaller lots continued to climb. The promise of lower <br /> price points from builders has yet to come to fruition. <br /> We know that one key component to promoting homeownership is to <br /> curate and protect naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH). One <br /> of the ways to promote NOAH is to create opportunities for people older <br /> than 55 to downsize. <br /> Currently, more than 1,000 seniors are waiting to get into county-owned <br /> affordable housing in Dakota County alone. When seniors downsize, <br /> their homes become important housing stock for the next generation of <br /> homeowners. The new metrowide sales tax to support housing will be <br /> crucial in increasing opportunities for seniors. However, those projects <br /> could be at risk because of new legislative initiatives. <br /> 1 of 3 4/2/2024, 1:06 PM <br />