Affordable Housing Efforts Earn Senator Draheim 2025 Leadership Award

Housing First Minnesota, the state’s premier voice for the homebuilding industry, has recognized outstanding legislative leadership with its 2025 Housing Leadership Award. This year, State Senator Rich Draheim was among the recipients, earning the distinction for his dedicated efforts to expand housing affordability and homeownership opportunities during the 2025 legislative session.

A steadfast advocate for housing reform, Draheim has long championed market-driven solutions to address the state’s growing housing challenges. Serving on the Senate’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee, he has positioned himself as a leading voice in Minnesota’s ongoing push to close the homeownership gap.

“Housing affordability and homeownership are critical to Minnesota’s economy and to the overall health and well-being of every Minnesotan,” said Sen. Draheim. “I’m honored to receive this award and I want to thank the other legislators who have worked alongside me on this issue.”

The award recognizes lawmakers who go beyond rhetoric and make meaningful legislative strides toward tackling one of the state’s most pressing issues: the housing shortage. According to Housing First Minnesota, the state is more than 100,000 housing units short of what’s needed for a healthy market. The shortage has driven up prices, limited inventory, and made it increasingly difficult for working families, young professionals, and first-time buyers to enter the market.

“But we still have a lot of work to do,” Draheim continued. “And the way we solve it is through free market solutions. That’s what I’ve been working on since I got into the Senate. That kind of gap can’t be solved by government alone. If we want to give real opportunities for more Minnesotans to own a home, we need to focus on free market solutions.”

As a longtime advocate for practical reforms, Draheim has consistently pushed for regulatory relief and market-based policies that allow builders to increase supply while keeping costs down. His efforts align with Housing First Minnesota’s mission of keeping homebuilding and remodeling affordable so Minnesotans can continue to achieve the American dream.

Founded in 1949, Housing First Minnesota represents homebuilders, remodelers, developers, and building industry partners across the state. Through advocacy, marketing, education, and industry networking, the organization works to ensure safe, affordable housing is accessible to all Minnesotans.

Its hallmark events, such as the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase®, have introduced thousands of Minnesota families to the possibilities of homeownership and renovation. More recently, its Artisan Home Tour℠ and Green Path energy certification program have spotlighted sustainable and high-end living options across the state.

Beyond supporting industry growth, Housing First Minnesota also extends its mission through the work of the Housing First Minnesota Foundation. In affiliation with HomeAid America, the Foundation has spent the past 25 years constructing and remodeling transitional housing for Minnesotans facing crisis. This charitable arm of the organization leverages the expertise and generosity of its members—builders, remodelers, and suppliers—to provide dignified homes for individuals and families in need.

The Foundation’s work is partially funded through Dream Home admissions on the Parade of Homes, ticket sales from the Artisan Home Tour, member donations, and community grants. Every dollar goes toward building secure, future-focused housing for Minnesotans seeking a fresh start.

In a year where the state’s housing conversation has become increasingly urgent, the recognition of leaders like Sen. Draheim underscores a hopeful truth: that meaningful progress is possible when policymakers, industry leaders, and communities work together.

While challenges remain, the 2025 Housing Leadership Award is a testament to the growing momentum behind actionable solutions—and to the lawmakers who refuse to let the dream of homeownership slip further out of reach for Minnesota families.