Minneapolis Rent Control Hearing Set for February 24th
The Minneapolis Policy and Government Oversight Committee will hold a public hearing on rent control Wednesday, February 24th at 1:30 pm.
Minnesota state law prohibits rent control unless it is approved in a general election. In order to make it to the ballot in the state of Minnesota, it must be approved by the city of Minneapolis’ charter commission.
The charter commission is somewhat like an ongoing constitutional convention. It is a state agency that exercises oversight of the city’s charter, which is somewhat like its constitution. According to the city of Minneapolis’ web site, it:
- It defines the powers and authority of the City, granted by the people.
- It prescribes the City’s operating structure and its officers, including their number, qualifications, manner of selection, terms, and duties.
- It specifies the processes by which official acts and decisions are made, implemented, and enforced.
- It establishes the lines of authority over the administrative departments that deliver municipal services and programs to the community and its residents.
Members of the Minneapolis city Council President Lisa Bender and Council Member Cam Gordon have put forth two proposed amendments for the charter commission to review.
- Council Initiative: This would give the Minneapolis City Council the authority to adopt a rent control ordinance or put such an ordinance before the voters.
- Resident Initiative: Give residents a petition process to get a rent control ordinance on the ballot.
To read the
In order for either to make the ballot in November, they would have to be approved by the charter commission by the end of this month.
If you’re a Minneapolis landlord and would like your voice heard, you may sign up to speak at the hearing here: Minneapolis rent control hearing. Scroll to the bottom of the page.
On February 23, the day before the hearing there will also be a study session presented by the Center for Regional and Urban Affairs at 1:30 pm. It is intended for council members, city staff, stakeholders and the public to learn more about the topic. You may watch the educational session here.