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Conclusion <br />We have seen too many instances of publicly - <br />subsidized affordable housing projects that <br />were built with the help of workers who could <br />not afford to live in them due to low pay, lack <br />of benefits, and wage theft by unscrupulous <br />employers. Beyond undermining efforts to <br />address Minnesota's affordable housing <br />crisis, awarding public subsidies to <br />developers that facilitate or allow wage theft, <br />misclassification fraud, or other forms of <br />worker exploitation that disproportionately <br />affect vulnerable Latino and immigrant <br />workers encourages the spread of abusive <br />practices in the construction industry and <br />undermines the State's commitment to <br />equity. <br />This report has shown how the failure <br />to condition access to key affordable <br />housing financing sources on responsible <br />conduct allows taxpayer money to flow to <br />unscrupulous developers and contractors. <br />This fuels abuse not only on publicly financed <br />projects, but it fosters low -road practices <br />throughout the multi -family housing <br />industry. <br />Minnesota can meet its ambitious <br />affordable houseing development goals <br />without sacrificing worker dignity and <br />safety. The use of irresponsible contractors <br />should not be tolerated on publicly <br />financed projects. Greater transparency, <br />a responsible contractor standard, <br />systems of accountability for issues on a <br />developer's past projects and investments in <br />enforcement are all important concrete steps <br />that elected and appointed officials can take <br />at all levels of government to ensure high- <br />road affordable housing development. <br />North Star Policy Action 21 <br />