In-Depth Policy Briefings & Position Papers

Ensuring Oakdale remains accessible for working families, long-time residents, and seniors requires pragmatic zoning reforms, balanced rental oversight, and proactive pathways to sustainable local homeownership.

My Views on Oakdale Housing Affordability, Homeownership, and Rental Policy

What type of rental environment is in Oakdale, with regard to regulating rental properties, including but not limited to short-term rentals?

The city requires rental housing licenses, inspections, and compliance with property maintenance standards. Rental properties are licensed annually and subject to housing quality requirements.Oakdale also recognizes short-term rentals and includes a short-term rental fire inspection process. The city’s approach generally focuses on safety, licensing, property maintenance, and neighborhood compatibility rather than rent control, rental caps, or outright bans on short-term rentals.Overall, Oakdale seeks to balance property-owner rights, tenant safety, and neighborhood quality while maintaining housing availability.

How big of a problem is housing affordability and availability in our area?

Housing affordability is a significant challenge in Oakdale, but it is somewhat different from what many fast-growing communities face. Oakdale is nearing full build-out, which limits opportunities for large-scale new residential development. Much of the city’s future housing growth will come through redevelopment, reinvestment in aging properties, and creating a broader mix of housing choices. Young adults and first-time homebuyers often struggle with rising home prices and limited starter-home options. Seniors looking to downsize want quality housing opportunities that allow them to remain in Oakdale. At the same time, many residents are concerned about rising property taxes and the overall cost of living. Oakdale’s role should be to encourage a range of housing options while protecting neighborhood character and maintaining strong infrastructure.

Homeownership and Owner-Occupied Housing

Homeownership plays an important role in building stable neighborhoods, encouraging civic engagement, and creating opportunities for families to build long-term wealth. While I am not aware of a specific city initiative whose sole purpose is increasing owner-occupied housing, Oakdale supports homeownership through planning, redevelopment, infrastructure investment, and neighborhood maintenance. As redevelopment opportunities arise, Oakdale should encourage a variety of ownership opportunities, including single-family homes, townhomes, and other owner-occupied housing options.

How would I increase homeownership among People of Color?

Minnesota’s homeownership gap is a serious concern because homeownership remains one of the primary ways families build long-term financial stability and generational wealth. My focus would be on expanding opportunities for homeownership for all residents while ensuring those opportunities are accessible to historically underserved communities. Oakdale can support attainable ownership housing and help connect residents with homebuyer education, down-payment assistance programs, nonprofit housing organizations, and financial literacy resources. The goal should be expanding opportunity, removing barriers, and creating pathways to ownership for more families.

What policies do I favor to expand homeownership opportunity in your community?

I support policies that increase the supply of attainable owner-occupied housing while preserving neighborhood character. Because Oakdale is nearing full build-out, future opportunities will largely come through thoughtful redevelopment. I support predictable zoning and permitting processes, investment in infrastructure that supports homeownership, and partnerships that connect prospective buyers with homebuyer education and assistance programs.

City government should remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining public safety and neighborhood quality.

What are my views on Point of Sale Inspections?

I do not support broad point-of-sale inspection requirements as a primary housing policy. While maintaining safe and well-kept housing is important, requiring inspections every time a property changes ownership can add costs, delays, and uncertainty to the homebuying process. Those costs are often passed along to buyers and can make homeownership less attainable. I favor targeted enforcement of health and safety standards, effective code enforcement, and proactive property maintenance programs rather than a one-size-fits-all point-of-sale inspection requirement.ays to Homeownership

Fair & Balanced Rental Standards

Encouraging starter home construction and first-time buyer assistance programs to help young Oakdale families transition from renting to permanent homeownership.

Establishing transparent rental inspection standards and tenant protections while maintaining a fair regulatory climate for local property owners.

A thriving Oakdale depends on housing options at every stage of life. We can expand affordability while preserving the distinct character of our residential neighborhoods.

Thomas Willenbring, Candidate for Oakdale City Council

Published Proposals

Policy Paper 02

I want to launch a new citywide Bike & E‑Bike Safety Program designed to help riders of all ages feel confident, stay safe, and enjoy Oakdale’s amazing trail network.

Why I propose doing this:

• Reduce crashes and near‑misses

• Teach safe riding skills for kids, teens, adults, and seniors

• Promote helmet use and proper e‑bike battery safety

• Support Oakdale’s parks, trails, and Complete Streets goals

Who it’s for:

• Kids & families

• Teens and new e‑bike riders

• Adults and commuters

• Seniors who want to ride confidently

• Anyone who enjoys biking in Oakdale!

What’s included:

• BikeMN “Walk! Bike! Fun!” youth curriculum

• E‑Bike Smart national safety training

• AAA E‑Ride Ready parent & family guidance

• Adult Smart Cycling classes

• Oakdale‑specific trail maps, rules, and seasonal tips

Update city ordinances and bring them in line with Minnesota State law, adding enforcement options.

Community events:

• Spring Bike Rodeo

• E‑Bike Safety Day

• Family Ride Nights

• Senior Center “Ride Confident” clinic

• Visibility & signaling workshops with Oakdale PD

Local partners:

Oakdale Police • Parks & Recreation • BikeMN • AAA • Local bike shops

The goal:

A safer, more confident, more connected riding community — all year long.

Shape Our Community Priorities

Read the complete policy documents, share your feedback, or submit suggestions directly to Thomas Willenbring's policy team.