In his 2024 State of the State Address, Governor Burgum called for action to address housing needs through a comprehensive housing plan for the 2025 Legislature to consider. This summer, I had the opportunity to attend sessions with housing stakeholders to gather ideas, listen to other perspectives, and create actionable steps.
This process wrapped up this week with Governor Burgum holding a press conference with members of the Housing Initiative Advisory Committee to unveil the framework of the committee’s recommendations to address housing availability, affordability, and stability in North Dakota.
The framework includes a $96 million investment to increase access to attainable housing through suggested updates to zoning requirements and building codes, innovating financing to build housing to help with costs related to first homes or those who wish to age in place, building on infill lots with existing infrastructure, providing funds to help those experiencing homelessness through emergency shelters and rapid rehousing, growing housing construction trades and finally, financial coaching to prevent loss of housing.
To read the recommendation highlights, visit https://www.hhs.nd.gov/sites/www/files/documents/HousingInitiative/NDHI_Recommendation_Highlights-Nov_2024.pdf
In his remarks, the governor mentioned 30,000 job openings in North Dakota. Affordable housing will play a huge role in bringing more people to our state to fill these roles. The collaboration between the private sector housing industry and state and local governments will be crucial to working towards these recommendations.
The recommendations utilize existing programs, such as the Housing Incentive Fund and ND Rent Help Housing Stabilization program. While these recommendations are likely perfect (not), they at least provide a starting point for thoughtful discussions with our legislators on this important issue for our state. You can get involved by informing our legislators about these recommendations and letting them know your viewpoint.
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