Cities tackle housing crisis by ending single-family zoning

As U.S. cities face a growing housing crisis, many are reconsidering single-family zoning laws to increase housing density. In Minneapolis, the formation of Twin-Cities YIMBY in 2023 highlights a grassroots effort to advocate for more affordable housing options. The group emphasizes the need to eliminate restrictive zoning to address the significant rise in median housing prices, which increased by $100,000 over the past five years. This shift in policy aims to counteract the traditional reliance on subsidies, which have proven insufficient to meet housing demands. The Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan was introduced to tackle these housing challenges, although its implementation faced delays due to environmental concerns raised by advocacy groups. Despite these hurdles, the Minneapolis Fed is monitoring the economic impacts of the plan over the next decade. Interestingly, while rents in Minneapolis rose by only 1%, the rest of Minnesota experienced a 14% increase, suggesting that the city's strategies may be effective in stabilizing housing costs. Residents like Bernice Duncan have struggled to find affordable housing, with many being priced out of the market. The YIMBY movement aims to create a coalition of pro-housing advocates to challenge the NIMBY mentality that often opposes new developments. This shift in perspective is crucial for addressing the housing shortage and ensuring that more residents can find suitable living arrangements. Ultimately, the push for increased housing density and the elimination of single-family zoning could reshape the housing landscape in Minneapolis and beyond, providing more options for those in need and fostering a more inclusive community.