August 30, 2026
On August 30th, MHP’s Elizabeth Glidden, presented on state housing solutions at the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Annual Meeting in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The annual conference brings together the region’s legislators for four engaging days of connection, collaboration, and learning. MHP’s presentation is available here.
Thank you for those who joined MHP and Habitat Minnesota for Housing on the Ballot: Engaging Candidates in 2026.
We invite our advocacy partners to join us in elevating housing as a priority this election and to encourage candidates to share where they stand on policies that advance housing stability and end homelessness.
Check out these resources to support your candidate engagement:
Ready to join us in this work connecting with Minnesota State Legislative candidates? Make your Questionnaire Action Commitment here! Whether contacting candidates, writing a blog, or encouraging community members to participate, every action helps elevate housing as a priority issue during the election season. Together, we can ensure housing remains at the forefront of policy conversations so that every Minnesotan has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
Questions? Please reach out to [email protected].
This webinar, hosted by MHP’s Kendra Home and Alma Perez, will provide an overview of the USDA Rural Development Section 515 program, preservation strategies, available tools, and MHP’s free support opportunities for nonprofits and housing authorities interested in acquiring, rehabilitating, preserving, or recapitalizing RD 515 properties. Fee-for-service technical assistance is also available to for-profit organizations and other entities.
This session is ideal for:
We encourage you to share this webinar with those interested in learning more about the RD 515 program and preservation of affordable rural housing.
MHP is joining Minnesota Housing and other partners for a regional housing event to explore housing development resources and technical assistance to help your community meet its needs. Connect with other attendees from the region to discuss housing needs and brainstorm opportunities. In addition to speakers on housing development resources, this event will feature panelists highlighting local community collaborations and housing developments in the region.
This event will focus on the Tribal Nations of Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux and the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, Upper Minnesota Valley, and Yellow Medicine.
MHP’s Policy Manager Courtney Schaff joined housing and healthcare leaders from across Minnesota for a discussion on the 2026 legislative session and opportunities to strengthen housing outcomes through cross-sector collaboration. Hosted by the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund’s Healthcare for Housing initiative, the conversation brought together representatives from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, CentraCare, Children’s Minnesota, Essentia Health, and Fairview Health Services. Participants also heard from Representative Spencer Igo, co-chair of the Minnesota House Housing Finance and Policy Committee, who shared insights on the legislative session and the role housing plays in supporting healthy, thriving communities.
As the Minnesota Legislature’s 2026 session comes to a close, we’re gathering to recognize the progress made and the people who made it possible. Join MHP and co-hosts at La Doña Cervecería on June 2 from 4:00–6:00 p.m. to celebrate the work of housing champions and lawmakers this session.
Join Our Future Starts at Home for a day at the Capitol on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, to advocate directly with lawmakers for the greatest possible funding for housing this session, and for future efforts to secure dedicated revenue for home.
We will have advocacy opportunities available throughout the day! Join us for session updates and advocacy training, meet with your State Senator and Representative, and attend a hearing. We will meet at the Minnesota State Capitol. You can join a variety of activities throughout the day, including meeting with your lawmakers.
All day – lawmaker meetings.
We will provide a script, talking points, and training to support your advocacy.
Come when you can, choose a time that works best for you. Questions? Contact Courtney Schaff, at [email protected].
Join us for a timely discussion on housing preservation strategies that protect communities and meet the moment, featuring Priya Jayachandran, CEO of the National Housing Trust. She will be joined by Minnesota housing leaders with expertise in nonprofit development, culturally specific housing, and affordable housing investment to explore preservation strategies and what it takes to meet this moment locally:
Priya Jayachandran: With 25 years of experience as a lender, developer, regulator, and advocate, Priya brings a rare, systems-level perspective to housing solutions. Her leadership includes serving as a senior policy advisor in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing under President Obama, and since 2018, she has led the National Housing Trust, one of the nation’s leading voices for affordable housing preservation.
The Edge Groundbreaking Ceremony June 17
WHAT: The Edge groundbreaking ceremony and brief remarks, light refreshments provided
WHO: D.W. Jones, DigiKey, Sanford, Minnesota Housing, City of Thief River Falls, Northern State Bank, Minnesota State Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, Representative John Burkel, other elected officials, invited media and other guests, including Leah Hall, Director of Community Development, MHP
WHEN: Wednesday, June 17
1:00 p.m. (Ceremony at Sanford/Edge Construction Site)
2:00 p.m. (Refreshments at DigiKey)
2:30 p.m. (Optional tour of DigiKey)
WHERE: Ceremony- 1926 Sanford Pkwy, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Refreshments and Tour– DigiKey Headquarters 601 Barzen Ave S, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
About The Edge:
The Edge is a new 65‑unit, market‑rate workforce housing development coming to Thief River Falls. The project will offer a thoughtfully designed mix of studio, one‑bedroom, and two‑bedroom apartments developed by D.W. Jones. The project is supported by a $3.5 million contribution from DigiKey through the State Housing Tax Credit Contribution Program, along with tax increment financing through the City of Thief River Falls, helping address critical housing needs in the community.
