Story of Impact Submitted by Cathy Capone Bennett, ULI Minnesota
Housing Goal Two – Preserve the Homes We Have
Since 2017, ULI Minnesota/Regional Council of Mayors, has led the convening of a regional preservation work group. These work group sessions engage cities in knowledge sharing and technical assistance, elevating the importance of action on local policies and tools for the preservation market affordable housing.
The work has resulted in cities having the confidence to adopt tenant protection ordinances, clarification of non-discrimination of housing choice vouchers, create housing trust funds, and set aside funding for rental renovation and preservation.
In my 30+ years working in the industry, I have never before experienced the level of collaboration and energy that has occurred with the support of ULI MN. Advancements of housing policies and strategies promoting the creation and preservation of affordable housing have accelerated due to relationships
that ULI MN helped forge. It is critical that we continue to collaborate and keep the momentum going.
Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor/Deputy Community Development Director, City of
St. Louis Park
