PEPA Advocacy Update

By Alex Fernandez

Across the nation, states are taking bold steps to address housing affordability and increase consumer choice by rolling back restrictive zoning and building mandates. South Carolina and Washington are looking to make headlines with efforts to limit regulations that dictate costly building materials, such as brick and fiber cement, helping to lower housing costs and expand options for homebuyers.

Minnesota is poised to continue its efforts in this growing movement. During the 2024 legislative session, a strong, bipartisan coalition championed the "Minnesotans for More Homes" agenda, tackling barriers to housing affordability. While the full agenda didn’t pass, significant progress was made, including laying the groundwork for serious zoning and land-use reform in 2025.

At the heart of these efforts is a push to eliminate exclusionary aesthetic mandates implemented by municipal governments, which often drive up costs and stifle consumer choice.

Mark Foster, Vice President of Legislative & Political Affairs for Housing First Minnesota, underscored the stakes: “Homebuyers are asking for greater affordability and more housing options, and the housing industry wants to deliver. But it’s up to the legislature to outlaw the exclusionary zoning practices that are in place throughout far too many Minnesota cities.”

With efforts building and lessons from other states in hand, South Carolina, Washington and Minnesota advocates are optimistic about passing meaningful reforms in the upcoming legislative session.

As momentum grows across the states, PEPA is committed to building on its track record of success opening markets for our members and championing policies that promote affordability and choice. For questions or to get involved, contact Alex Fernandez at afernandez@polymericexteriors.org today.