St. Paul Reporter

This week, Representative Spencer Igo (R–Wabana Township) hosted Representative Mike Howard (DFL–Richfield) on the Iron Range to discuss housing and economic development issues. Both legislators, who are co-chairs of the House Housing Committee, met with local officials including the Mayor of Hibbing and members of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). The meetings focused on identifying housing needs and addressing obstacles to housing development in the region.

During their visit, Igo and Howard toured U.S. Steel’s Keetac facility as well as several housing projects and sites in Hibbing. The tour allowed them to explore not only housing matters but also broader topics such as economic growth and mining in the area.

“It was great to have Rep. Howard on the Iron Range to see firsthand the opportunities and challenges we face,” said Rep. Igo. “We had productive conversations about housing policy like our legislation and land use and zoning reform, local projects, and the economic and policy barriers that can make development difficult in Greater Minnesota. The Range is home to hardworking people, strong communities, and incredible potential, and visits like this help us find real, bipartisan solutions to make housing more accessible and sustainable across the state. I am grateful to have a friend in Co-Chair Howard that is passionate about tackling housing related issues together and across party lines.”