BIA Advocacy Update

2024 Elections

Below is a reminder of important dates for North Dakota and Minnesota elections. 

North Dakota

April 8 is the filing deadline for candidates

June 11 is the primary election

Nov. 5 is the general election

Minnesota

June 4 is the filing deadline for candidates

Aug. 13 is the primary election

Nov. 5 is the general election

Minnesota Day at the Capitol

BIA staff headed to the Minnesota state capitol two weeks ago to attend meetings with the Builders Association of Minnesota and FMWF Chamber. In addition to meetings with legislators, we heard from various departments, including the Dept. of Labor and Industry, Dept. of Employment and Economic Development and Governor's office.

Topics addressed with legislators were potential amendments to the paid family and medical leave act, a final funding request of approximately $52 million for flood mitigation in Clay County, and bills affecting the industry.

A few bills to particularly note:

• HF685/SF365: A ban on corporate entities turning single-family homes into rentals
  • This would remove the option of an owner (including corporate entities) of a single-family home from renting it out if the owner has property interest in 10 or more single-family non-homestead properties.
  • There are some exemptions included.
• HF4009/SF3964: Missing Middle housing mandates at the local level
  • This would require a certain amount of missing middle housing to be permitted in jurisdictions.
• HF4241/SF4203: Statewide building code adoption and enforcement
  • This would require jurisdictions with a population of 2,500+ that have not already adopted the state building code, to adopt, administer and enforce the Minnesota State Building Code by no later than Jan. 1, 2030.
  • There are discussions at the committee level to adjust the population to 10,000.

Fargo Growth Plan

The planning commission will meet today to hear updates on the growth plan. The Association is working closely with city staff and the consultants for the plan to communicate feedback. 

For more information on the plan, visit the website here. 

National Association of Home Builders News

NAHB called on the Senate March 18 to move quickly to pass the American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which would expand the federal child tax credit and enact a number of other business- and housing-related provisions. The House voted overwhelmingly to approve this bill last month

It includes several provisions to help families, assist small businesses and promote the production of attainable, affordable housing.

To read all that it includes, click here.