Legislators hear bill aiming to close racial gap in homeownership

Minnesota has one of the largest racial gaps in the nation when it comes to home ownership. While approximately 70% of white households own their homes, about 30% of Black households do. Moreover, an estimated 60% of Black households are cost burdened when it comes to housing, which is double the statewide rate.  

Aiming to address this gap, Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (DFL-Brooklyn Park) sponsors HF2507, which would establish an African American workforce and affordable home ownership development program. It would appropriate an unspecified amount from General Fund for a grant program for land acquisition, site development, planning and design, to provide affordable homes targeting African American buyers, builders and developers.

The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee laid the bill over Tuesday.

Momanyi-Hiltsley said the bill represents a bold, community-driven effort to close one of the most persistent and painful racial gaps in the state.

“I know owning a home means more than a roof over your head. It means safety, security and legacy,” Momanyi-Hiltsley said, adding there are generational consequences to being locked out of home ownership.  

St. Paul NAACP Vice President Nieeta Presley said local groups have been working hard to increase Black home ownership, but those organizations are inadequately resourced. “Minnesota would gain mightily by investing in the smart, targeted provisions of the bill. Increased economic security for Black Minnesotans means economic gains for all Minnesotans."  

Rep. Liish Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth) recounted the not-too-distant history of Duluth, which tried to prevent a dockworker and first Black resident of Duluth from moving there, efforts that included a petition started by the mayor. “Huge kudos to you and keep going,” Kozlowski said to bill supporters.