Minneapolis Council Advances Renter Protections, Honors Ramadan
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a variance for a local church and moved forward on a proposed ordinance that would give renters 30 days notice before eviction proceedings begin, during a meeting that also recognized Women's History Month and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
At its March 6 meeting, the Minneapolis City Council tackled housing policy, community recognition, and ongoing tensions with federal authorities. All 13 council members present voted in favor of granting a variance appeal for Hayawa Church at 4155 41st Avenue, with Council Member Chowry making the motion.
A key item on the agenda was a proposed temporary ordinance that would extend the pre-eviction notice period to 30 days, giving renters more time to pay overdue rent before landlords can begin formal eviction proceedings. Council Member Wanzley, who sponsored the measure, argued the policy benefits both tenants and property owners. "If we don't give them that time, you will definitely not be receiving the money from them. Instead, you will be spending money to evict them," Wanzley told fellow council members. The ordinance was discussed but no final vote was recorded in the meeting data.
The council also passed honorary resolutions recognizing Women's History Month and the holy month of Ramadan. Karen Mo, the city's Director of Neighborhood and Community Relations, spoke about the resilience of women city employees, noting how colleagues stepped up to support one another during difficult times. Jalani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota chapter, addressed the council about challenges facing the Muslim and Somali communities, including concerns about safety during religious observances. "We're going to continue to not allow this federal administration to limit our freedom of practice," Hussein said.
Other business included acceptance of a grant for the KMOJ community radio project planned for Lowry and Penn Avenue, discussion of city data security, and questions about a wellness director position for the police department. Council President Elliot Payne presided over the meeting, which processed 58 items from the Committee of the Whole. The council unanimously approved the agenda and accepted minutes from its February 19 meeting.
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Areas of Interest (5)
- Tensions between city council and federal administration regarding 'Operation Metro Surge'.
- Proposed extension of pre-eviction notice period amid looming housing crisis.
- Concerns over safety and xenophobia impacting religious observances in Somali and Muslim communities.
- Ongoing transition to a 'super committee' structure due to federal immigration enforcement pressure.
- Disputed status of police department wellness director position and committee oversight.
Votes (3)
Adopt the agenda
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Accept minutes from Feb 19
Moved by Council · Seconded by Council
Grant variance appeal for 4155 41st Avenue
Moved by Chowry · Seconded by Council
Notable Quotes (2)
If we don't give them that time, you will definitely not be receiving the money from them. Instead, you will be spending money to evict them.
We're going to continue to not allow this federal administration to to limit our freedom of of practice.
People (4)
Elliot PaynePresident of Minneapolis City CouncilPresiding over city council meeting and recognizing honorary resolutions.
1 quote
Presiding over city council meeting and recognizing honorary resolutions.
“The broadcast includes real-time captioning as a means to increase the accessibility of our proceedings.”
Instructions for accessibility during council proceedings.
Karen MoDirector of Neighborhood and Community RelationsSpoke on the resilience of city women employees and their contribution to community well-being.
1 quote
Spoke on the resilience of city women employees and their contribution to community well-being.
“The women who were exhausted just said, 'I'm exhausted.' And other women just stepped in and got it done.”
Describing the mutual support among female city employees.
Jalani HusseinExecutive Director of CAIR-MNAddressed council regarding Ramadan and challenges facing the Muslim community.
1 quote
Addressed council regarding Ramadan and challenges facing the Muslim community.
“We are in prayer for not only both of our city and our community here in this country, but also the world.”
Reflecting on the spirit of Ramadan.
Council Member WanzleyCouncil MemberAdvocating for the pre-eviction notice extension.
1 quote
Advocating for the pre-eviction notice extension.
“This ordinance ultimately gives renters more time to pay you... It's always more cost-effective to prevent eviction.”
Addressing landlords regarding the proposed eviction ordinance.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- March 5th City Council regular meeting
- February 19th regular meeting (minutes approval)
Ordinances & Resolutions (2)
Temporary pre-eviction notice extension to 30 days
Acceptance of grant for the KMOJ project
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
Honorary resolution for the holy month of Ramadan
Adoption of meeting agenda for March 5th
Acceptance of minutes from February 19th
Referral of petitions, communications, and reports
Committee of the Whole report (58 items)
Variance appeal for Hayawa Church
Temporary pre-eviction notice extension ordinance
KMOJ project development on Lowry and Penn Avenue
City data security audit
Public safety training facilities
Wellness director appointment for police department
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