CM Chavez: Update on Mayor Frey’s Veto of Pause Evictions, Save Lives

Via CM Chavez Email

Dear neighbor,

I am disappointed that Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the Pause Evictions, Save Lives Ordinance. This policy would have temporarily given residents 60 days before an eviction is filed for the non-payment of rent. This is an anti-displacement measure, would help prevent evictions, give residents more time to pay rent, and would keep families together amid the occupation of our city by the federal government.

There’s been months of work and millions of dollars raised by thousands of our residents to help keep people in their homes. Minneapolis residents have been heroes and their tenacity has kept people safe and in stable housing. Unfortunately, Mayor Frey’s veto will lead to the mass displacement of our neighbors. This veto is a slap in the face of our immigrant neighbors who have been demonized and forced back into the shadows and the community who has spent months fundraising to keep families together.

The cameras may have left Minneapolis, but the majority of this city believes in supporting our immigrant neighbors. The data is clear, and we need solutions to address this crisis. Unfortunately, due to Operation Metro Surge, Minneapolis has:

• At least $203.1 million in impact to Minneapolis in one month alone.
• An additional 76,200 people citywide may be experiencing food insecurity as a result  and there’s an estimated $9.75 million in additional monthly food assistance costs.
• At least $15.7 million in rent assistance is needed each month for households impacted to be able to pay rent. This estimated cost likely underestimates the need.
• $47 million monthly estimate in lost wages.

Pause Evictions, Saves Lives is a strong tool meant to prevent eviction, displacement, and unsheltered homelessness due to Operation Metro Surge. It is always more humane and cost-effective to prevent eviction than to try and re-house families who have been evicted. Mayor Frey did not have a plan to address unsheltered homelessness before the “Operation Metro Surge” and is unprepared for a spike in evictions and homelessness due to his veto.

We won’t give up. As a result, the City of Minneapolis will need to massively increase funding for rental assistance and I will be supporting such efforts with my council colleagues.

Sincerely,

Jason Chavez – 9th Ward Minneapolis City Council Member