Bill aims to lower affordable housing costs for taxpayers and tenants

Senator Mark Koran presented legislation in the Senate Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Policy Committee that would reform Minnesota’s affordable housing grant structure to allow for the construction of affordable manufactured housing.

“Manufactured housing is a low cost, high quality of living option for affordable housing in Minnesota,” said Senator Koran. “Our state has a shortage of quality affordable housing options. On average, construction costs for manufactured housing developments are $100,000 cheaper per unit than traditional high-density apartments. By making our taxpayer dollars go further, and increasing the quality of our housing options, this is a win-win opportunity.”

Senator Koran’s bill would allow for manufactured home parks to apply for state housing grants that would fund the preservation of existing parks, as well as new developments.  Currently, manufactured housing is ineligible to apply for such grants.

“Greater Minnesota needs new, innovative affordable housing options,” added Senator Koran. “Manufactured housing represents a unique opportunity to improve not only the quality of the housing itself, but also our rural communities.”