Since the beginning of the 2017 Minnesota state legislative session, we have been fighting a corporate-backed effort to weaken local control. House File 330 passed off the House Floor on March 2 and it will now be on the Senate floor on Monday, March 20, at 11 a.m. We need you to TAKE ACTION NOW to help kill this bill on the Senate Floor.

The bill weakens local control for cities by requiring a 2/3 super majority to enact an interim ordinance in some cases. Currently, an interim ordinance can always be enacted by a simple majority—that’s how democratic rights should work. The interim ordinance allows a city to quickly enact a moratorium when unanticipated development is proposed that is of concern to the community. This is an emergency power that allows the community time to study the issue, review its zoning ordinances, and adopt new zoning controls if needed.

Minnesota has over 850 cities, with most of them being small and rural. By putting the rights of development interests above that of the community, this bill weakens the power of city councilors and mayors to protect the community. The bill will be on the Senate Floor on Monday at 11 a.m. Take action now to let Governor Mark Dayton and your Senator know that you support strong local democracy and oppose House File 330.

Thank you for standing up for local control.