Housing & Zoning Reforms at the MN Legislature's 2024 Session

01/17/24 • 85 min

I'm joined by Chris Meyer, legislative assistant for Minnesota state Sen. Omar Fateh, to talk about a slew of ambitious zoning reforms to be considered during the 2024 legislative session. You're really going to want to contact your state senators and representatives about these. Eliminating parking minimums, allowing fourplexes by right, requiring cities to allow apartments near high frequency transit, allowing cities to experiment with a land value tax -- and closing the loophole that's allowed rich folks masquerading as environmentalists to spend the last five years trying to have the state courts undo the Minneapolis 2040 Plan. Because Chris is also a member of the Minneapolis Planning Commission, we also talk about a series of reforms he'd like to see taken up in Minneapolis this year: allowing corner stores; making sure triplexes aren't just legal, they're viable; density bonuses for affordable housing; incentivizing more family sized housing units near schools; and more.

***Please listen until the end to participate in the Wedge LIVE podcast's first ever prize giveaway. You must email Chris Meyer -- [email protected] -- using the special code phrase played during this episode.*** Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Previous Episode

"Imagine" Better Streets in Minneapolis with José Antonio Zayas Cabán

A conversation with José Antonio Zayas Cabán about Our Streets Minneapolis' new 2024 event series "Imagine," block parties that ask residents to envision better neighborhood streets.

More information: https://ourstreetsmpls.org/imagine_series

Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee

Next Episode

Lyndale Ave Reconstruction is Once in a Lifetime Chance

John is joined by Julie Johnson and Katie Jones to talk about the "Livable Lyndale" campaign to fix a terrible, no good, super fast, dangerous, hostile to humans, neighborhood street. Right now in 2024 is our once in a lifetime chance to fix a street that hasn't had a full reconstruction since the 1930s. Hennepin County, who controls this street, is scheduled to publish design options soon. They need to hear from you. Final approval of a layout is expected this summer. Don't wait another 90 years to get involved! You'll be dead by then! The time to fix Lyndale Ave is now. We talk about the recent history of activism on the street, inspired by Ted Ferrara, who died crossing Lyndale on foot after getting out of a car; the 2022 4-to-3 lane conversion that worked despite years of naysaying from the county and other opponents; how Lyndale's super wide dimensions make it easier to fit pedestrian, bike, and transit amenities; and how you can get involved. For more information on the Livable Lyndale campaign: https://livablelyndale.org Engage with Hennepin County's Lyndale Ave reconstruction project page: https://www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/lyndale-avenue-safety

Watch: https://youtube.com/wedgelive Join the conversation: https://twitter.com/wedgelive Support the show: https://patreon.com/wedgelive Wedge LIVE theme song by Anthony Kasper x LaFontsee