Board Member Spotlight: Mayor Bill Droste

Tell us about your background and why you care about expanding housing opportunities.

I served on the Rosemount Planning Commission for seven years and am currently in my nineteenth year as mayor. During that time, I learned that cities can influence the quantity and type of housing available. Understanding the complex issues of housing is important in order to create and maintain affordable housing.

Why were you interested in serving on the Family Housing Fund board?

As leaders I believe we must take a more holistic view of basic needs of families. The Family Housing Fund’s willingness to innovate, building bridges between public and community partners is an important element for housing solutions.

What housing aspirations do you have for the region?

Solving the supply, ownership,  and affordability issues are important elements to me. Solutions are not easy, so it will be challenging to find agreement necessary to impact meaningful change to our problems.

What is one area where you think people generally fail to think big enough – and what is your vision for change?

Building broader networks of people and organizations to work on housing issues is often overlooked. Success will depend on telling compelling stories on why we need to change policies and how people can engage and be part of the solutions. 

What do you do for fun?

For fun, I enjoy spending time with our four grandchildren, playing golf, and reading.