Mayor Melvin Carter says he will vote 'yes' on St. Paul rent control

Mayor Melvin Carter said Tuesday he'll vote in support of St. Paul's rent stabilization ballot measure, which could be among the strictest rent control policies in the nation if approved by a majority of the electorate this fall.

After declining to take a stance on the issue for months, Carter posted on social media that he will be voting "yes" on the proposed 3% cap to annual rent increases.

"Not because the policy is flawless as drafted — we can and must make it better, quickly — but because it's a start," Carter wrote. "Whatever the outcome of this ballot question, our work will continue. Bold action on our housing and equity goals cannot wait."

The policy decision is in the hands of residents after a coalition of housing advocates gathered more than 5,000 signatures petitioning to put the question on the ballot. They say the ordinance would provide stability to low-income tenants and keep rents affordable, while opponents argue it will discourage development and exacerbate the Twin Cities' housing shortage.

A 1984 state law prohibits local governments from enacting rent regulations unless approved by voters in a general election. If passed, St. Paul's ordinance would take effect May 1, 2022.

Four City Council members — Amy Brendmoen, Jane Prince, Dai Thao and Chris Tolbert — have said they will vote "no" on the ballot measure, while Council Members Mitra Jalali and Nelsie Yang have publicly supported the proposal.

Minneapolis residents will also see a rent control question on their ballots that, if passed, would give the City Council the authority to adopt a rent control ordinance.

Staff writer Zoë Jackson contributed to this report.

Katie Galioto • 612-673-4478