Chip Halbach leaves Minnesota Housing Partnership, which he started 30 years ago

Chip Halbach, the founder and longtime executive director of the Minnesota Housing Partnership, has retired and will be succeeded by Anne Mavity, the director of new projects at Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative.

Halbach over 30 years built the organization into one of the most prominent promoters of low-income and affordable housing in the state. Even so, Minnesota continues to grapple with a shortage of low-cost and starter housing that is crippling the state's growth potential.

While the latest state bonding bill included $77 million for construction of low-income and supportive housing, Halbach earlier this year said it wasn't enough to keep up with a worsening problem. "We're treading water at best," Halbach said.

Halbach started the organization in 1987 to promote affordable housing throughout the state. The housing partnership helped establish a property tax break for affordable rentals and secure funds for a national housing trust.

"While it is hard to leave an organization that has been such a significant part of my life, I feel a foundation has been laid that will enable MHP to advance equitable communities with homes for all through the years ahead," Halbach said. "Anne's leadership and relationships in the affordable housing sector will complement the seasoned and accomplished board and staff and the many terrific partnerships we have in Minnesota and nationally."

At Beacon, Mavity led development of several affordable housing projects in the Twin Cities and was in charge of its state and local advocacy efforts. She organized hundreds of church and civic leaders to attend public hearings and help secure unanimous support from the Edina City Council for the city's first supportive housing development.

Earlier, she worked in Washington on the staff of a congressional subcommittee on housing. She moved to the Twin Cities to work at the Corporation for Supportive Housing. She also served on the St. Louis Park City Council.

Mavity will focus on leading on the housing partnership's efforts in policy/advocacy, research/communications and capacity building. She will also be responsible for increasing the organization's impact and financial sustainability.

"I will work to sustain and build upon the great work this organization has been doing for the last 30 years," Mavity said in a statement. "Our state is facing enormous housing affordability gaps that are impacting business growth, community stability and families. We must think and act boldly to address this need."

Paul Sween, managing partner at Dominium and chair of the MHP board, said Halbach mastered a "highly technical, complex field," built consensus and inspired others. "Thanks to his leadership and vision, MHP is more relevant than ever and I am excited to welcome Anne," he said.