Zoning Reform Is Working in Minneapolis

The city has grown its housing stock and limited rent cost increase to just 1 percent.

1 minute read

January 9, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Sunset view of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota skyline.

Scruggelgreen / Adobe Stock

Minneapolis zoning reforms had a rough go of it in 2023, but data from the last several years reveal that the city’s efforts to change restrictive land use policies have resulted in a 12 percent increase in the city’s housing stock—and just a 1 percent growth in rent costs, compared to a 14 percent jump in the rest of Minnesota. “In fact, the city has the slowest rent-growth rate among the country’s major growing municipalities,” according to Route Fifty’s Molly Bolan.

“Policies around parking and permitting near commercial areas and public transit were the two most important steps in encouraging housing construction,” Alex Horowitz, director of Pew Charitable Trusts’ housing policy team, told Route Fifty. These policies led to almost 21,000 new permitted housing units.

“Surprisingly, eliminating single-family zoning and allowing two-to-four-unit buildings on all residential lots in the city—the policy that garnered the most attention nationwide—accounted for only 1% of new permits.” However, Horowitz points out that these reforms will also help increase the housing stock over a longer term.

Monday, January 8, 2024 in Route Fifty

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Graphic with blue background, flags, and text reading 2024 Presidential Election

Where 2024 Presidential Candidates Stand on 12 Issues Important to Urban Planners

Whether you’re yet undecided or have already cast your early vote, here is a roundup of the key positions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on important urban planning policies.

October 31, 2024 - Planetizen

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Commercial street in small rural U.S. town with storefronts and clocktower.

Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities

Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.

November 7, 2024 - Todd Litman

Downtown Denver as seen from behind Union Station roof sign.

Denver Voters Approve Downtown Revitalization Bonds

The city wants to bring new projects and residents to the downtown core, where 13 million feet of vacant office and retail space await new tenants.

November 11 - Smart Cities Dive

View of multistory buildings under construction in downtown Seattle, Washington with Space Needle and Mount Rainier in background.

Seattle Has No Plans to Ditch Parking Requirements

An update to the city’s comprehensive plan will reduce, but not fully eliminate, parking mandates for housing developments.

November 11 - The Urbanist

Bears Ears National Monument

Future of Public Lands Looks Litigious Under Trump

Experts say monuments and “unappropriated” federal lands will likely be the target for expanded drilling, mining, and other development under a new Trump administration.

November 11 - Bloomberg