Nick Erickson
@nserickson.bsky.social
Executive Director, Housing Affordability Institute
Sr. Director of Housing Policy, Housing First Minnesota
Bring Back New Starter Homes
Sr. Director of Housing Policy, Housing First Minnesota
Bring Back New Starter Homes
Missed this when on PTO last week:
St. Paul homeowner says he
was overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seekingwas overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seeking
a refund for the entire citya refund for the entire city
www.twincities.com/2025/11/19/s...
St. Paul homeowner says he
was overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seekingwas overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seeking
a refund for the entire citya refund for the entire city
www.twincities.com/2025/11/19/s...
St. Paul asks for pause on $22 million suit over building permits
A Macalester-Groveland homeowner says he was overcharged for $1,960 permits, and demands a refund for the entire city.
www.twincities.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Missed this when on PTO last week:
St. Paul homeowner says he
was overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seekingwas overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seeking
a refund for the entire citya refund for the entire city
www.twincities.com/2025/11/19/s...
St. Paul homeowner says he
was overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seekingwas overcharged for $1,960 permits, is seeking
a refund for the entire citya refund for the entire city
www.twincities.com/2025/11/19/s...
From Fortune: The housing crisis is also a crisis of hopelessness as young Americans give up, hustle less, spend more and make risky investments as a last resort
fortune.com/2025/11/30/h...
fortune.com/2025/11/30/h...
The housing crisis is also a crisis of hopelessness as young Americans give up, hustle less, spend more and make risky investments as a last resort | Fortune
"For those priced out of the housing market, gambling on improbable but potentially transformative gains may appear rational, particularly among younger cohorts."
fortune.com
December 1, 2025 at 3:11 PM
From Fortune: The housing crisis is also a crisis of hopelessness as young Americans give up, hustle less, spend more and make risky investments as a last resort
fortune.com/2025/11/30/h...
fortune.com/2025/11/30/h...
It was a pleasure speaking with @wcconews.bsky.social last week as @carorcummings.bsky.social dove into the latest @housing-inst.bsky.social report.
www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/ne...
www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/ne...
December 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
It was a pleasure speaking with @wcconews.bsky.social last week as @carorcummings.bsky.social dove into the latest @housing-inst.bsky.social report.
www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/ne...
www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/ne...
From MinnPost: In a K-shaped economy, is there anything Minnesota can do to bridge widening gaps?
(And yes, housing is the top mention)
www.minnpost.com/economy/2025...
(And yes, housing is the top mention)
www.minnpost.com/economy/2025...
November 26, 2025 at 5:12 PM
From MinnPost: In a K-shaped economy, is there anything Minnesota can do to bridge widening gaps?
(And yes, housing is the top mention)
www.minnpost.com/economy/2025...
(And yes, housing is the top mention)
www.minnpost.com/economy/2025...
Jobs require people.
People require housing.
Yet the first barrier to new housing begins in local planning offices, which are often part of Community Development departments.
People require housing.
Yet the first barrier to new housing begins in local planning offices, which are often part of Community Development departments.
The housing shortage and affordability crisis are economic development issues:
‘Where did all the staff go?’: Maine restaurant owners blame the housing shortage
www.penbaypilot.com/article/wher...
‘Where did all the staff go?’: Maine restaurant owners blame the housing shortage
www.penbaypilot.com/article/wher...
‘Where did all the staff go?’: Maine restaurant owners blame the housing shortage
When Malcolm Bedell opened Honey’s Fried Chicken Palace in Thomaston last year, he had dreams of bringing the restaurant to locations across the state. But one question is stopping him from moving for...
www.penbaypilot.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Jobs require people.
People require housing.
Yet the first barrier to new housing begins in local planning offices, which are often part of Community Development departments.
People require housing.
Yet the first barrier to new housing begins in local planning offices, which are often part of Community Development departments.
This article ties together two of my favorite topics: WWII History and Housing Policy
Quonset huts were part of Rochester's (MN) housing shortage into the 1950s
www.postbulletin.com/community/wo...
Quonset huts were part of Rochester's (MN) housing shortage into the 1950s
www.postbulletin.com/community/wo...
World War II huts were part of Rochester's housing shortage into the 1950s
Quonset huts made for affordable family housing at the Olmsted County Fairgrounds.
www.postbulletin.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:24 PM
This article ties together two of my favorite topics: WWII History and Housing Policy
Quonset huts were part of Rochester's (MN) housing shortage into the 1950s
www.postbulletin.com/community/wo...
Quonset huts were part of Rochester's (MN) housing shortage into the 1950s
www.postbulletin.com/community/wo...
"The ultimate impact of the builder’s remedy is likely to be measured not just in units that are built by using it, but in the ones built in fear of it. "
Must read from @conordougherty.bsky.social
"For years, the state has been nudging its cities to build housing to address a severe shortage. Maybe what they needed was a shove."
@nytimes.com dives into California's "Builders Remedy"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
@nytimes.com dives into California's "Builders Remedy"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
November 20, 2025 at 2:14 PM
"The ultimate impact of the builder’s remedy is likely to be measured not just in units that are built by using it, but in the ones built in fear of it. "
Must read from @conordougherty.bsky.social
"For years, the state has been nudging its cities to build housing to address a severe shortage. Maybe what they needed was a shove."
@nytimes.com dives into California's "Builders Remedy"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
@nytimes.com dives into California's "Builders Remedy"
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/b...
The Housing Strategy That Has California NIMBYs in a Corner
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Must read from @conordougherty.bsky.social
The median first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old — a record high — and some of the country’s most seasoned agents say the ‘starter home’ has become more of a luxury.”
More red flags on the American dream of homeownership slipping further out of reach for younger generations
www.foxbusiness.com/real-estate/...
www.foxbusiness.com/real-estate/...
American dream of homeownership slipping further out of reach for younger generations
The American dream of homeownership faces new challenges as rising prices and living costs push the median first-time buyer age to a historic 40-year milestone.
www.foxbusiness.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:38 PM
The median first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old — a record high — and some of the country’s most seasoned agents say the ‘starter home’ has become more of a luxury.”
Our latest report looks at the sharp decline in Minnesota's homeownership rate.
The reason?
The high cost of construction and the state's housing shortage have created a self-reinforcing cycle.
www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
The reason?
The high cost of construction and the state's housing shortage have created a self-reinforcing cycle.
www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
November 18, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Our latest report looks at the sharp decline in Minnesota's homeownership rate.
The reason?
The high cost of construction and the state's housing shortage have created a self-reinforcing cycle.
www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
The reason?
The high cost of construction and the state's housing shortage have created a self-reinforcing cycle.
www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
Reposted by Nick Erickson
New report from @housing-inst.bsky.social highlights Minnesota’s declining homeownership Rate.
Full report available at www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
Highlight 🧵 Follows
Full report available at www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
Highlight 🧵 Follows
November 18, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New report from @housing-inst.bsky.social highlights Minnesota’s declining homeownership Rate.
Full report available at www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
Highlight 🧵 Follows
Full report available at www.housingaffordabilityinstitute.org/minnesotas-h...
Highlight 🧵 Follows
"We need a Marshall Plan for housing, a collection of broad initiatives to make homes more affordable and put the American dream back on track"
www.foxnews.com/opinion/we-n...
www.foxnews.com/opinion/we-n...
We need a Marshall Plan to tackle America’s housing crisis
The Trump administration can use its bully pulpit to help solve the housing crisis and cut the red tape and regulations that are holding back building.
www.foxnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:21 PM
"We need a Marshall Plan for housing, a collection of broad initiatives to make homes more affordable and put the American dream back on track"
www.foxnews.com/opinion/we-n...
www.foxnews.com/opinion/we-n...
NY puts off implementing law that would ban natural gas in new homes and buildings
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
NY puts off implementing law that would ban natural gas in new homes and buildings
The law was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1.
www.syracuse.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:12 PM
NY puts off implementing law that would ban natural gas in new homes and buildings
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
Housing First Minnesota is joined by several members and partners at the MN DLI Code meeting to fight against a major cost increase in the state's energy code - more than $13K.
Minnesota's construction costs already are the highest in the region.
Minnesota's construction costs already are the highest in the region.
November 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Housing First Minnesota is joined by several members and partners at the MN DLI Code meeting to fight against a major cost increase in the state's energy code - more than $13K.
Minnesota's construction costs already are the highest in the region.
Minnesota's construction costs already are the highest in the region.
Dr. O also highlights how 1/2 of renters start out as buyers but cannot find/afford a home.
Today's episode is a must-listen
Today's episode is a must-listen
On the latest episode of Everyday Economics, Zillow Economist Dr. Divounguy highlights how policies like minimum lot sizes inhibit the free market from responding to the housing shortage.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
What incentives are home builders offering new home buyers?
Podcast Episode · Everyday Economics · 11/14/2025 · 13m
podcasts.apple.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Dr. O also highlights how 1/2 of renters start out as buyers but cannot find/afford a home.
Today's episode is a must-listen
Today's episode is a must-listen
New apartment building overlooking St. Croix River tests limits of scenic protections
www.startribune.com/osceola-apar...
www.startribune.com/osceola-apar...
www.startribune.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:00 PM
New apartment building overlooking St. Croix River tests limits of scenic protections
www.startribune.com/osceola-apar...
www.startribune.com/osceola-apar...
Reposted by Nick Erickson
Understated headline of the year:
NIMBY opposition remains major hurdle to housing developments
johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/13/n...
NIMBY opposition remains major hurdle to housing developments
johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/13/n...
NIMBY opposition remains major hurdle to housing developments in JoCo, officials say
The force of neighborhood opposition has stalled or killed housing projects, harming efforts to address Johnson County’s housing shortage.
johnsoncountypost.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Understated headline of the year:
NIMBY opposition remains major hurdle to housing developments
johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/13/n...
NIMBY opposition remains major hurdle to housing developments
johnsoncountypost.com/2025/11/13/n...
“These are all regulations that local cities have put in place in various parts of Minnesota. And this bill ... limits mandates that just drive up costs.”
www.dl-online.com/news/local/s...
www.dl-online.com/news/local/s...
November 13, 2025 at 2:45 PM
“These are all regulations that local cities have put in place in various parts of Minnesota. And this bill ... limits mandates that just drive up costs.”
www.dl-online.com/news/local/s...
www.dl-online.com/news/local/s...
"50-year mortgage would do little to resolve other core problems in the housing market, such as a lack of supply and high interest rates."
www.startribune.com/white-houses...
www.startribune.com/white-houses...
White House's 50-year mortgage proposal has one notable benefit but a number of drawbacks
The White House says it is considering backing a 50-year mortgage to help alleviate the home affordability crisis in the country. But the announcement drew immediate criticism from policymakers, socia...
www.startribune.com
November 12, 2025 at 2:27 PM
"50-year mortgage would do little to resolve other core problems in the housing market, such as a lack of supply and high interest rates."
www.startribune.com/white-houses...
www.startribune.com/white-houses...
Affordability woes push Americans to delay first home purchases, delaying homeownership to 40
www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
Affordability woes push Americans to delay first home purchases
Faced with higher prices, big student loan bills and elevated mortgage rates, Americans are waiting longer than ever to buy a home.
www.nbcnews.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Affordability woes push Americans to delay first home purchases, delaying homeownership to 40
www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcn...
ICYMI: Home Aid America highlights @MACV and Housing First MN's Foundation's efforts to end Veterans Homelessness in Minnesota
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgl6...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgl6...
Sophia, Jon, & Jeremy: Housing Our Heroes — Building Homes and Hope for Veterans
YouTube video by Unsheltered Conversations
www.youtube.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:51 PM
ICYMI: Home Aid America highlights @MACV and Housing First MN's Foundation's efforts to end Veterans Homelessness in Minnesota
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgl6...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgl6...
Reposted by Nick Erickson
Connecticut Lawmakers convene special session to address housing shortage
www.wfsb.com/2025/11/12/l...
www.wfsb.com/2025/11/12/l...
November 12, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Connecticut Lawmakers convene special session to address housing shortage
www.wfsb.com/2025/11/12/l...
www.wfsb.com/2025/11/12/l...
☑️Reform zoning and land use rules
☑️Update building codes to support faster, more cost-effective construction
☑️Streamline permitting processes to improve transparency, speed up approvals, and reduce delays for new housing development.
☑️Update building codes to support faster, more cost-effective construction
☑️Streamline permitting processes to improve transparency, speed up approvals, and reduce delays for new housing development.
From JPMorgan Chase
Building blocks: State and local opportunities to increase housing supply
www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/polic...
Building blocks: State and local opportunities to increase housing supply
www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/polic...
Building blocks: State and local opportunities to increase housing supply
www.jpmorganchase.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:18 PM
☑️Reform zoning and land use rules
☑️Update building codes to support faster, more cost-effective construction
☑️Streamline permitting processes to improve transparency, speed up approvals, and reduce delays for new housing development.
☑️Update building codes to support faster, more cost-effective construction
☑️Streamline permitting processes to improve transparency, speed up approvals, and reduce delays for new housing development.