Inclusionary Zoning Set for Council Vote in Minneapolis

"Under the Minneapolis 2040 plan, developers will have to set aside specific numbers of affordable or deeply affordable units to create mixed-income communities," reports Marissa Evans.

Supporters of inclusionary zoning, as the policy is known, argue that the requirements will ensure new affordable housing supply. "But building developers say the mandate could be costly for them and even cause them to forgo building in Minneapolis altogether," according to Evans.

While the City Council gave final approval for the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan in November, parts of the plan will require a more piecemeal approach to approval, including inclusionary zoning. "The council is slated to vote next month on whether to re­quire de­vel­oper­s to set a­side 8% of rental units for households earning up to 60% of the area median income. Developers could also set aside 4% of affordable rental units for households earning up to 30% of the area median income," reports Evans.