Housing First Minnesota CEO James Vagle issued the following statement regarding the City of Edina’s repeal and replacement of its vegetation and tree replacement ordinances:
“By repealing and replacing its vegetation and tree replacement ordinances, the City of Edina has effectively acknowledged that these programs, as they existed prior to Housing First’s lawsuit, were likely to be ruled illegal under state law. The city’s ordinance amendment has improved the ordinance and addressed several of the concerns raised in our lawsuit. As we’ve said from the outset, local governments must operate within the authority granted under state law, and homeowners should not be subjected to unlawful fees or requirements. We continue to have concerns with aspects of the city’s tree ordinance; however, in light of the amendment, we will dismiss the lawsuit to see how the amended ordinance is implemented. Housing First Minnesota will remain engaged to ensure homeowners are protected from unlawful fees and exactions moving forward. If the new ordinance is abused, Housing First will not hesitate to return to court.”
Background
In October 2024, Housing First sent the City of Edina a letter demanding that it amend its ordinances to comply with state law. The city did not modify the ordinances, leading to Housing First’s lawsuit. According to city records, Edina had collected and retained nearly $1 million under its tree escrow program in recent years and earned interest on those funds, which it did not pay out.
On August 25, 2025, Housing First Minnesota filed suit in Hennepin County District Court challenging the Tree Replacement Ordinance and Vegetation Ordinance.
On March 3, 2026, before a summary judgment hearing could be held, the City of Edina repealed and replaced its tree protection ordinance. Due to the repeal of this ordinance, Housing First Minnesota has withdrawn its complaint and will closely monitor how the city implements this new ordinance.