Housing and Economic Development

Amy knows that affordable housing is one of the staples of an economically sound community and that affordable housing is not only about subsidizing the cost to families experiencing hardships, but is also about keeping costs in a range that families can afford with rent or mortgage, property tax, insurance, utilities, and still be able to provide the basic necessities, and a little fun. Having a place to call home is essential to growth and stability, not only for a family, but for the community.

Minnesota has experienced extreme foreclosure rates that have and will continue to rise through 2010. This has presented several areas of concern for Minnesotans including renters being forced onto the streets; more families experiencing homelessness for the first time; neighborhoods increasing vacancy rates; property values decreasing; and property taxes increasing to cover the costs of vacant properties. Not only is the housing market experiencing turmoil but the small businesses in the neighborhoods are feeling the economic decline as consumers move away.

Although these challenges seem grave Amy sees opportunity to be creative and collaborate across sectors and intergovernmentally but there must be reform.

Amy is opposed to additional mandates on local government that only increase taxes and fees and pass the expense along to families and cause local entities to decrease services necessary for safety and basic needs. Amy will review and work on legislation to modify, or repeal these mandates where possible and believes there should be flexibility, when possible, in the implementation of absolute mandates so the cost can be minimized.

Amy proposes a coordinated response to the foreclosure crisis that will prevent additional foreclosures, and activate and guide private investment and home purchases in distressed neighborhoods. Amy will work with and support Minnesota Housing’s bonding request to fund foreclosure remediation efforts and will work with the city of St. Paul to create solutions, decrease barriers, and revitalize neighborhoods hit the hardest.

With the growing number of retirees on the horizon the state should have an interest in the number of skilled, trained, and ready workers we have. Amy recognizes the need to continue to organize, collaborate and fund job skill partnerships through grants. In addition Minnesota needs to revisit the core areas of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP). Amy will propose legislation that will change the options of core activities to include completion of a high school education for participants over the age of 21 and will work to regain funds in the Adult Basic Education budget.