Consider Minneapolis for affordable housing due to its low inflation rate.

Consider Minneapolis for affordable housing due to its low inflation rate.

Minneapolis: Keeping Inflation Low Through Innovative Housing Legislation

Minneapolis, the vibrant metropolis in Minnesota, has achieved a remarkable feat. It has become the first major metropolitan area in the United States to have an inflation rate below the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%. According to Bloomberg, Minneapolis reached this goal in May, boasting an inflation rate of just 1.8%. This accomplishment can largely be attributed to the city’s innovative and aggressive approach towards addressing the skyrocketing housing costs.

Minneapolis achieved its success by taking bold steps to tackle the issue of affordability. One of the key measures was the move to end single-family zoning in late 2018. This groundbreaking plan applied to a significant 70% of the city’s residential land, allowing for increased housing density. By diversifying housing options, Minneapolis aimed to create a more affordable and sustainable housing market.

Since the implementation of the zoning change, the city has invested over $300 million into rental assistance and subsidies, making it easier to build apartments and condos. These investments have not only stimulated the construction of affordable housing but also allowed for greater flexibility and adaptability in the city’s housing market.

The results of Minneapolis’ efforts are clearly reflected in the inflation data. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May, the city recorded a mere 1.8% pace of inflation. This low rate is not only well below the national average but also sets Minneapolis apart from other major cities in the country.

A visual representation created by Bloomberg demonstrates the more affordable ratios of income spent on rent in Minneapolis compared to other large cities. According to this chart, Minneapolis residents spend only 39.9% of their monthly income on housing costs, significantly lower than their counterparts in cities like San Francisco, who pay 46.7% of their income towards housing, or Boston, where housing costs consume a staggering 60.7% of monthly earnings.

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In New York City, the situation is even more dire, with people spending nearly 70% of their monthly earnings on renting an average apartment, as reported by CNBC. Considering these figures, Minneapolis emerges as a shining example, with residents coming closer to the ideal ratio of spending 30% of their income on housing. Andrew Aurand, Senior Vice President of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, emphasizes the importance of this benchmark in achieving housing affordability.

“The Twin Cities has historically been an affordable housing market relative to the nation,” says Ron Feldman, Vice President at the Minneapolis Fed and co-chair of the Itasca Project. “We’re trying to make sure we keep it that way,” he states in an interview with Bloomberg.

Minneapolis’s commitment to finding innovative solutions to address housing affordability has not only resulted in a better quality of life for its residents but also set an example for other cities grappling with similar issues. By implementing forward-thinking policies and investing in affordable housing options, Minneapolis has successfully kept inflation rates below the Federal Reserve’s target, providing an inspiring blueprint for achieving economic stability and social welfare.

• Housing
• Inflation