Housing Toolkit

A toolkit for implementing local housing policies and programs

Coming in 2026 !

The housing toolkit will be live in 2026, if you would like to be a part of the review process or have questions about how the toolkit will be used for comprehensive planning please reach out to maia.guerrero-combs@metc.state.mn.us

The Housing Policy Toolkit is a resource to support communities during the 2050 comprehensive planning process and beyond. One of the goals of the Toolkit is to help communities develop a Housing Implementation Plan that meets the minimum requirements, and is consistent with Imagine 2050 and the Housing Policy Plan. 

Communities may use the Toolkit when describing the tools (policies, programs, partnerships, etc) that will be used to meet their locally identified housing needs, both existing and projected needs.

How to use the toolkit

Communities may use the Toolkit when describing the tools (policies, programs, partnerships, etc) that will be used to meet their locally identified housing needs, both existing and projected needs.  

The Toolkit will provide valuable resources beyond the comprehensive planning process – offering descriptions and examples of policies, partnerships, programs, ordinances, and fiscal devices that can be used to promote the creation and preservation of affordable housing in local communities, to better meet the needs of the residents of our region. 

Tools included in the toolkit

It is our intent that the Toolkit will be updated and added to throughout the decade, below is a list of some of the tools will be included in the Toolkit: 

4D (Low Income Rental Classification Program)  "Just Cause" provision for Lease Non-Renewals 
ADU Ordinance  Land Banking 
Advance Notice of Sale  Limiting Investor Purchasing 
Affordable Housing Trust Fund  Manufactured Home Community Preservation 
City-funded Rental Assistance  Municipal Bonds 
Community Benefits Agreement  Proactive approach to Code Enforcement 
Community Land Trust  Prohibiting Price Fixing Algorithms 
Community Preference Policy/Right to Return  Reduced Parking Requirements 
Consolidated RFP  Reduction of Minimum Lot Size Requirements 
Density Bonus  Rehabilitation and Deferred Maintenance Loans 
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance  Rental Licensing 
Expanding Allowable Housing Types  Right to Counsel  
Fair Housing Policy  Source of Income Protections 
Foreclosure Assistance  Same or Similar Plan Review 
Homeownership Education & Counseling   Streamlined Planning Application Process 
Impact Fee Reductions/Waivers  Tax Abatement 
Inclusionary Zoning  Tax Increment Financing 
Infill Incentives   
 

Housing Policy Contacts

Sarah Berke (she/her)
[email protected]