The Minnesota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report, Examining Fair Housing and Equal Access to Housing Opportunities in Minnesota, following a series of web hearings held in the fall of 2023 to winter of 2024. During this study, the Committee heard testimony and received written statements from individuals responding to the Committee’s inquiry concerning housing affordability and equitable access to housing.
The Committee’s examination led to five key findings:
- the concentration of affordable housing can impact long term outcomes for individuals and families by restricting availability of housing choice
- the housing system is disparate and creates concerns for equity in access among vulnerable populations
- source of income discrimination is a barrier for certain protected groups
- reliance on tenant screening tools may discriminate against protected groups and violate the Fair Housing Act
- the lack of funding dedicated to maintenance of affordable housing creates a challenge for nonprofit housing providers and puts tenants in vulnerable circumstances.
The report puts forward 18 recommendations directed to the Commission and asks for corrective actions from stakeholders including the U.S. Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Minnesota Governor, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Minnesota Legislature, and Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Among the 18 recommendations include: strengthening the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing provision within the Fair Housing Act, enacting legislation to fund universal rental assistance, and ensuring the availability of affordable housing units across all areas of Minnesota to maximize housing choices for residents.
afortes@usccr.gov