State Representative Tony Jurgens (R-Cottage Grove) has earned a 2021 Housing Leadership Award for his efforts to make homeownership more affordable in Minnesota.

“As a member of the housing committee in the Minnesota House, I am honored to have my legislative work recognized,” Jurgens said. “The cost of homeownership has jumped dramatically in recent years, and we need to continue finding ways to drive down housing costs and streamline expensive regulations.”

Housing First Executive Director David Siegel said Minnesota’s housing market is on thin ice and reform is needed to increase housing affordability. He credited Jurgens and other legislators for working to address this issue.

“With inventory at an alltime low, affordability at its worst in decades and the widest homeownership gap in the country, Minnesota’s housing market is at a pivot point,” Siegel said. “These leaders recognize the need to legalize starter homes by addressing the way we zone and permit new housing. The Housing Leadership Award recognizes legislators who worked to promote housing affordability and homeownership during the 2021 legislative session and special session.”