Calls Made for More Affordable Housing in Eden Prairie

There is a need for more affordable housing in Eden Prairie. At a public meeting held at the Eden Prairie library on Wednesday, there were calls for more housing.

Eden Prairie is home to the third largest Somali community in the metro, behind Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Since the 90s, so many Somali’s have moved to the southwestern suburb, where there is a huge demand for housing. However it’s in short supply.

Asad Aliweyd showed us where he first lived, a low-income apartment complex on West Wind Drive.  He’s since moved up and across town. Aliweyd makes it his mission to help other Somali’s struggling to find an affordable place to live.

“Eden Prairie has become a magnet to our community because of schools and jobs,” Aliweyd said.

His apartment complex is one of only a handful of places considered affordable housing.  In fact, city records show of the 6,000 rental units in Eden Prairie just 12 percent are government subsidized.

“The last time this city added affordable housing was a decade ago,” said Ahmed Jama, a Somali activist.

At the meeting, city planners revealed three more apartment complexes are at risk of losing their low-income status by the end of next year.  And the Metropolitan Council recommended adding another 1,844 more affordable units by 2020 to accommodate the growing refugee community in town.

Housing Director Molly Koivumaki said she can’t force people to build affordable housing.

“What we can do is try to provide incentives,” she replied. That is done in the form of financial perks for developers. Especially in areas near the Southwest Light Rail hub, because of access to transportation, jobs and schools.

“That will help my family’s well being,” Aliweyd said.

A decision was not made. Several agencies will review the need.

Eden Prairie is not alone in needing more affordable housing. The Met Council’s most recent affordable housing need report shows more than 52,000 units are needed statewide. Areas with the greatest need include Minneapolis, St. Paul and Lakeville.