This year in Minneapolis, voters will see three questions on their 2021 ballot that propose changes to the City Charter. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the proposed amendments will do, and why we’re voting NO on Question 1, YES on Question 2, and YES on Question 3:
NO ON QUESTION 1
Government Structure: Executive Mayor-Legislative Council
ABOUT THE QUESTION: The “Mayoral Control” charter amendment consolidates city power under the Mayor, weakening the power of our local democracy. This amendment would strictly limit legislative power unless actions were supported or directed by the mayor—it’s wrong. In Minneapolis, local elected officials hear our voices. With a strong local democracy, Minneapolis led the state to pass paid sick days, $15 minimum wage, renter protections, higher environmental standards, bans on conversion therapy, and more.
WHO SUPPORTS IT: This amendment was proposed by the unelected Minneapolis Charter Commission, not voters. It’s supported by Mayor Frey’s backers, people & PACs who oppose creating a new Department of Public Safety with broader public oversight.
BOTTOM LINE: This is an attempt to consolidate power within the mayor’s office and weaken our local democracy. It does nothing to improve the lives of Minneapolis residents and allows policymaking to happen behind closed doors in the Mayor’s office.
❌ Be a NO voter on the Mayoral Control amendment
YES ON QUESTION 2
Department of Public Safety
ABOUT THE QUESTION: The Yes 4 Minneapolis public safety amendment creates a new Department of Public Safety with greater public oversight. The new Department of Public Safety would expand our current system so that licensed police officers could be joined by mental health responders, substance abuse specialists, violence interrupters, and prevention specialists under one department.
WHO SUPPORTS IT: Over 22,000 Minneapolis residents petitioned for the amendment along with over 30 community, faith, and labor organizations.
WHAT TO KNOW: Minneapolis is required under state law to have licensed police officers. Opponents aligned with ‘Operation Safety Net’ are trying to confuse voters by saying this amendment will de-fund or abolish the police—these statements are not grounded in reality.
BOTTOM LINE: We can keep city charter language passed by the police federation in 1961, or we can create a new Department of Public Safety that serves and protects all of us, no matter our race, income, or zip code.
✅ Be a YES voter for a new Department of Public Safety
YES ON QUESTION 3
Authorizing the city council to enact rent control
ABOUT THE QUESTION: This amendment allows rent control policies to be passed through either a city ordinance or by a ballot question decided by voters.
WHO SUPPORTS IT: Renters across the city have organized to take on hedge fund landlords and remove barriers to rent stabilization. Nearly two dozen community, faith, and labor organizations support the Home to Stay rent stabilization coalition.
BOTTOM LINE: Everyone deserves a safe, decent, affordable place to call home. Approving this amendment gives Minneapolis the tools we need to stabilize rent.
✅ Be a YES voter for rent control
Get ready to be a voter. Early voting starts September 17 and runs through November 2.
