Why affordable housing matters in Eden Prairie

Editor’s note: This commentary was written by Jan Eian and Joan Palmquist, members of the Eden Prairie Housing Alliance.

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What is affordable housing?

When hard-working Minnesotans – from teachers and nurses to firefighters and waitresses – struggle to keep up with rising housing costs, it signals a problem. When people can afford to live near where they work, communities are not only better but also stronger. Affordable housing is key to thriving communities, attracting good employers, improving economic well-being for families, and growing the middle class.

The impact of affordable housing in Eden Prairie extends beyond those searching for it. It also affects broader quality-of-life issues, such as economic development, traffic congestion, commute times, and air quality. In short, it affects everyone.

The term “affordable housing” often carries negative stereotypes. To provide housing that is affordable in Eden Prairie, we must dispel these misconceptions.

So, what is affordable housing?

To put it simply, affordable housing is defined as housing that a household can pay for while still affording other necessities like food, transportation, and health care. What’s considered affordable depends on a household’s income.

Housing is considered affordable when a household spends no more than 30% of its income on rent or a mortgage, including utilities. Those who pay more than 30% are considered cost burdened, while those paying more than 50% are extremely cost burdened.

Affordable housing takes many forms in a community, including workforce housing, which allows firefighters, teachers, police officers, and other essential workers to live in the communities they serve. It also includes opportunity housing, equitable housing, Section 8 and Section 42 programs, accessory dwelling units, rent-controlled units, and more.

Statistics show that Eden Prairie is a great place to live:

• 76% of residents own their homes.

• 98% of homes have computers.

• 96.6% of residents have a high school education or higher.

• 64.6% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

• The median household income is $129,345.

• The median home value is $558,800.

However, statistics also show that some people who live in Eden Prairie are struggling:

• More than 3,000 people (6%) live below the poverty level.

• One in five residents spends more than 30% of their income on housing (15% of homeowners, 40% of renters).

• Nearly one-third of students qualified for free or reduced-price school meals before they became free for all in 2023.

• Dozens of homeless youth are trying to stay in school.

• Thousands of workers in Eden Prairie cannot afford to live here and must commute from other cities.

There are many stories about people struggling to find a home they can afford. An older gentleman shared how his father abandoned their family when he was 9. His single mother couldn’t afford rent, and they were evicted. They found housing in what was then called “the projects” in Minneapolis for $17 a month, which allowed them to work, go to school, and plan for the future.

“Housing stabilizes a family,” he said, explaining how his experience gave him a passion for advocating for affordable housing throughout his life.

The Eden Prairie Housing Alliance is hosting “What Does Affordable Housing Look Like in Eden Prairie?” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie. The session will explore the city’s efforts to include affordable and mixed-income developments.

The alliance, a collaborative group of residents, business and civic leaders, housing experts, and city representatives, was formed to address affordable housing in the city. It welcomes those who share a passion for the issue or have personal experiences to share. To join, contact EPHousingAlliance@gmail.com.

The alliance’s mission is to develop and execute an education, marketing, and communications initiative to provide Eden Prairie residents with a common, communitywide understanding of what affordable housing is and why it is important for Eden Prairie.

For more information, visit ephousingalliance.com.