Rep Olson presents House Bill 1714 to address Fairmont's housing crisis

The House Capital Investment Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss key legislative proposals aimed at addressing infrastructure and housing needs in Minnesota. The meeting featured House File 1714, introduced by Representative Bjorn Olson, which seeks to provide the city of Fairmont with access to undeveloped and landlocked areas to alleviate a housing crisis in Southern Minnesota.

Representative Olson emphasized the urgency of the bill, noting that the city has faced challenges in accessing these properties due to regulations from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He highlighted the need for alternative routes to facilitate development, which is critical for meeting the housing demands of Fairmont's growing population.

Mayor Lee Bartz of Fairmont expressed gratitude for the committee's attention to the city's infrastructure needs. He underscored the importance of the proposed legislation in opening up approximately 55 acres for multifamily and single-family housing, which would support economic development and job creation in the region. Bartz noted that the city is preparing for its 150th anniversary in 2028 and is committed to enhancing its community infrastructure.

Matthew York, the Public Works and Utilities Director for Fairmont, provided further details on the projects included in the bill. He described two key initiatives: the Charles Street and Cott Street project, which aims to improve access and traffic flow on the east side of Fairmont, and the Fair Lakes project, which would develop 75 acres of farmland for residential and recreational use on the west side. York emphasized that these projects are shovel-ready and would significantly contribute to addressing the city's housing and infrastructure challenges.

Committee members engaged in discussions regarding the financial aspects of the bill, including local match requirements and project feasibility. Representative Olson reiterated the bill's potential to provide immediate relief to housing shortages in Southern Minnesota, urging the committee to support the initiative.

The meeting concluded with a call for further testimonies, as the committee continued to explore additional legislative proposals aimed at enhancing Minnesota's infrastructure and community development. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to address critical housing needs and support economic growth in the region.