What can a business leader do to help?
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Be a public civic leader for new housing. Let policy makers know that housing for your employees matters for your business’ success and your community’s economy.
43% of Minnesota voters are “quiet supporters” for more housing. You have a unique role to represent this support, and your policymakers need to hear from you. Educate yourself on the supply needs in your specific geographic area, and say yes to more homes.
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Support your employees’ efforts to attain affordable housing.
Survey your employees to understand whether or how housing is an issue for them. They may be preparing to buy a home, need help raising their credit scores, or in need of a reference to strengthen their rental application. Consider making available a few key supports that can help them secure stable and affordable housing. With fewer housing worries, they are likely to be better able to perform their job, too.
- Consider matching downpayments or security deposits to help ensure your employees can access quality housing.
- Establish an emergency loan fund for your employees who need immediate help.
- Be a reference for your employees to list on their rental applications.
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Advocate for a strong housing policy agenda.
Stay updated on local policy priorities. Zoning, 4d, public lands policies, and ADU policies are set by cities and counties. You can advocate for good housing policy.
- Learn more about the potential of local housing policies: Housing Counts Policy Toolbox.
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Ask yourself what else you can do.
How can you put housing on the agenda of groups you have access to? How can you help inform the policy debates? What types of support can you offer your employees in need of affordable housing? Contact us with your ideas.