Minneapolis rent control proposal moves forward

A proposal to put Minneapolis rent control measures to a vote this November has moved forward.

A city committee heard from dozens of residents Wednesday in a public hearing on the issue.

Proposed rent control charter amendments open to public comment in Minneapolis

Along with the community backing this move, it has council support as well.

Minneapolis has been growing and now there’s a push to make sure rent doesn’t rapidly increase and push people out of the city.

The goal is to create what’s called a rent-stabilization policy.

According to the Minneapolis City Council, more than 180 local governments across the country have created such policies, including statewide regulations in Oregon and California.

An example of such a policy would be putting a cap on how much rent can increase.

In the council’s Policy and Government Oversight Committee meeting Wednesday, more than 100 residents shared their support for such a move.

"I know I’m not the only renter who has or is experiencing this, and (in) Black and brown communities … this happens more frequently," one attendee said. "When city council votes yes for rent stabilization, you are taking action to stop displacements and stabilizing our communities."

The city’s charter must be changed for this to happen. The committee advanced two measures to the council Friday. One would allow the council to approve such rent control ordinance. The other would create an avenue for voters to create a petition for it to make it on the November ballot.

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender and two other council members are behind this push.

Over the years, the council has supported efforts to strengthen affordable housing and renters-protection.

The full city council will discuss the matter Friday in its regular meeting.