Housing Not Keeping Pace With Employment in the Twin Cities

The Twin Cities provide a case study for the role of the housing market in regional employment markets.

1 minute read

August 10, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Minneapolis Celebration

estudiante / Flickr

"The Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area is a prime example of how strong employment growth is putting a strain on the housing supply available in many U.S. cities," according to an article by Beth Mattson-Teig.

Among the data signaling this disconnect: a rising number of cost-burdened households, the country's lowest unemployment rate among large cities, and a shortfall in workers (a gap of 114,000 workers is anticipated by 2020).

The housing shortage in the Twin Cities was the focus of discussion at the recent ULI Minnesota / Regional Council of Mayors 9th Annual Housing Summit, which Mattson-Teig takes as inspiration for this post.

Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Urban Land Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Line of tents set up against a fence on a public sidewalk in San Francisco, California with bikes and personal items around.

San Francisco Announces Plan to Overhaul Homelessness Strategy

Mayor Lurie’s three-phase plan promises 1,500 new shelter beds and a restructuring of outreach teams and supportive service programs.

March 20 - ABC7 News

Close-up on door handle with door key inserted and blurred furnished room visible beyond.

$5 Billion Rental Assistance Fund Set to Run Out of Cash

“No additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming,” HUD announces.

March 20 - News From the States

Parking lots and buildings in downtown Denver, Colorado.

Denver Could Eliminate Parking Requirements

The city could remove parking mandates citywide to reduce the cost of housing construction and ease permitting for new projects.

March 20 - Strong Towns