Minneapolis semi-truck parking ban heads back to committee for further debate

A yearslong debate over where trucks can park in Minneapolis needs more discussion among city leaders.

An ordinance would ban semitrailers from parking on city streets overnight, but it’s getting pushback from trucking professionals.

The Minneapolis City Council is delaying a vote, and this issue is now going back to a committee.

Many in the trucking industry feel it’s outrageous to ban trucks from parking on city streets overnight, and they’re encouraged that more discussion could lead to a better solution for everyone.

"Parking for trucking is very tight in the city," said John Hausladen, president of the Minnesota Trucking Association.

You can find plenty of trucks parked along Minneapolis streets, especially near the highway. Some business owners complain that just clogs up the area, and that’s why the council is exploring a plan to ban truck parking on city streets.

"They have to have somewhere to park," Hausladen said.

Hausladen said he’s pleased the potential ban is getting a second look.

"It makes perfect sense that it goes back to the committee for another swing at this to come up with real solutions for this problem," Hausladen said.

"My constituents have been waiting years to get this problem resolved," Council Member Cam Gordon said.

Last week, council members brought up the issue once again, ultimately deciding that this is something that committee needs to further discuss.

"This is a real issue and we have to deal with it," Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins said.

"If everyone bans parking for trucks but they still expect goods and services to be shipped to our city, it becomes impractical to do so because you can’t park within two hours of the city. That is going to have significant economic development impacts," Council Member Steve Fletcher said.

One potential solution brought to the table includes bringing in the staff at Community Planning & Economic Development to find potential sites specifically for trucks to park.

"We feel the city needs to be an active player in coming up with solutions," Hausladen said.

Hausladen stressed that a ban will only hurt the city.

"If trucks are in the business of doing commerce and serving the city, they need to have a safe space to park," Hausladen said.

All of this will be up for discussion during a committee meeting on July 14.