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Committee backs bill to allow multifamily housing in commercial districts to ‘revive Main Street’
Summary
Senate File 2286, presented as a way to build the ‘missing middle,’ was recommended by the committee after testimony that split municipal leaders wary of losing commercial tax base and housing developers and advocates who said the measure would unlock more affordable housing and reduce project delays.
Senator Clark introduced Senate File 2286, described in testimony as the Transforming Main Street Act, which would require municipalities to permit multi‑family residential development in most commercial zones, allow administrative review for qualifying projects, and provide modest density or affordability bonuses for projects that meet specified standards.
Senator Clark told the committee the bill targets the “missing middle” by allowing multifamily units and mixed‑use buildings in commercial corridors to strengthen tax bases and revive Main Streets. He cited housing cost data and affordability pressures: “600,000 Minnesotans are paying more than 30% of their income on housing,” and he…
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