Minneapolis City Council: Pass the Pause Evictions, Save Lives ordinance

By Dr. Brittany Lewis, Founder and CEO, Research in Action

As a short-term rental housing owner in the City and the author of the 2018 Illusion of Choice: Evictions and Profit in North Minneapolis report—which helped spur the creation of the City of Minneapolis’ Tenant Protections Ordinance and Housing Advisory Council—I strongly support passage of the Pause Evictions, Save Lives ordinance.

Preventing mass evictions requires decisive action. Without intervention, many residents will be pushed into houselessness, while landlords face mounting financial losses. This ordinance would extend the current eviction notice period from 30 to 60 days, giving tenants burdened by significant rent debt—much of it tied to Operation Metro Surge—a critical window to access anticipated state relief funds expected by July 2026.

The impact of Operation Metro Surge has been profound. Thousands of residents experienced aggressive enforcement actions, with widespread reports of fear, disruption, and economic instability. The operation led to thousands of arrests and significant community upheaval, disrupting daily life and local economies across the Twin Cities. At the same time, it has contributed to an estimated $27–$51 million in excess rental debt affecting both tenants and housing providers.

Local resources have not kept pace with this crisis. Hennepin County has raised approximately $3 million in support, with additional philanthropic matching funds, but this falls far short of what is needed.

Failing to pass this ordinance would deepen the harm already experienced by families impacted by Operation Metro Surge. It would signal a lack of commitment to supporting our neighbors at a moment when stability is most needed. Passing this measure is a necessary step to give renters time to recover, reduce displacement, and prevent large-scale housing instability across our community.