Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed an ordinance that aimed to extend the grace period for residents unable to pay rent, marking the first veto of his third term. This decision underscores the growing challenges faced by the City Council’s progressive members in advancing legislation against the mayor’s preferences. The veto was announced on March 22, 2025, and reflects a significant shift in the dynamics between the mayor’s office and the council.
In 2024, Frey exercised his veto power eight times, but only half of those were upheld. The City Council successfully overturned his veto on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as ordinances related to minimum pay for rideshare drivers and carbon emission fees. They also managed to override Frey’s veto concerning plans for a pedestrian-only plaza at George Floyd Square.
Despite the recent electoral successes of moderate candidates such as Pearll Warren (Ward 5), Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7), and Jamison Whiting (Ward 11), the progressive faction within the council still commands a reliable seven votes needed to pass legislation. However, achieving the nine votes required to override Frey’s veto remains a formidable task.
The eviction ordinance passed with a narrow 7-5 vote, but Whiting abstained, expressing concerns regarding feedback from affordable housing advocates who labeled the policy as potentially detrimental. Critics warned that extending the grace period could inadvertently result in increased evictions due to accrued debt.
At the council meeting, Whiting suggested an amendment that would have allowed the extension for residents who could show that federal immigration enforcement affected their ability to pay rent. This proposal was met with resistance, particularly from Jason Chavez (Ward 9), who described it as akin to creating an “ICE hit list.”
Frey characterized the ordinance as a “blunt measure,” indicating the need for further assessment on whether it would benefit or hinder residents. Ultimately, he concluded it would be more harmful. In a press release following the veto, Frey announced plans to introduce an additional $1 million in emergency rental assistance, pending council approval. Whiting also noted that the Wilson Foundation has pledged to match this with private funding if the proposal moves forward.
“Stopping evictions may sound good, but experience from COVID shows it’s not the answer: Rental assistance is,” Frey stated. This perspective did not resonate well with progressive council members. Elliott Payne, the council president, condemned the veto as “rooted in cowardice,” while Chavez referred to it as “a slap in the face of our immigrant neighbors.”
The authors of the ordinance—Robin Wonsley (Ward 2), Jamal Osman (Ward 6), Soren Stevenson (Ward 8), Aisha Chughtai (Ward 10), Aurin Chowdhury (Ward 12), and Chavez—expressed in a joint statement that Frey’s announcement of financial assistance was a concession influenced by the council’s efforts.
With the likelihood of overriding Frey’s veto appearing slim, the council may view the additional funding as a partial victory. The vote to override the veto is scheduled for March 26, 2025, leaving the future of the eviction ordinance uncertain.
This ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay between local governance and community needs in Minneapolis, as officials navigate the challenges of housing policy amid pressing socio-economic issues.
