Minn. House Housing Committee adopts finance omnibus, adds zoning‑incentive scoring for grants

The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee on an apparent voice vote adopted the housing finance omnibus, House File 2445, and approved a series of amendments that add incentives for local land‑use reforms and prioritize certain housing investments.

The bill, moved out of committee as the DE2 as amended, includes a provision that lets Minnesota Housing award additional scoring points to projects located in jurisdictions that adopt specified pro‑housing policies, and a $100 million housing infrastructure bond position and a $30 million boost for the Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) were highlighted by members during debate.

The measure’s authors and committee leaders said the bill is intended to expand housing supply, boost affordability and support diverse housing types across Minnesota. Chair Howard moved adoption of the DE2 as amended and then moved that House File 2445 as amended be re‑referred to the committee on Ways and Means; both motions were adopted by voice vote. The committee also adopted a technical A1 amendment and approved the A4 amendment, while an A5 amendment was withdrawn by its sponsor.

Greater Minnesota…