Large turnout for rent-stabilization and tenant-protections hearings; council continues both measures to May 7

St. Paul council chambers were filled on April 2 as the City Council held extended public hearings on two linked items: a proposed amendment to the city’s rent-stabilization ordinance and a proposed tenant-protections ordinance.

The rent-stabilization amendment (ordinance 25-29) would alter the city’s “new construction” exemption by adopting a fixed date: residential buildings that received their certificate of occupancy in 2005 or later would remain exempt. Staff presented analysis showing that the vast majority of St. Paul rental housing (by certificate-of-occupancy date) was built before 2005 and therefore would remain covered by the ordinance; staff also said the fixed-date approach provides financing certainty for developers. Supporters of the amendment — including housing developers, several business groups and development advocates — argued the change is necessary to encourage new housing production, attract private investment and grow the tax base. Opponents — tenant advocates, organizers and some residents — said the change effectively exempts future housing from long-term tenant protections and risks eroding the promise made by voters in 2021. Multiple speakers urged a time-limited exemption (for example 20–30 years) rather than a permanent,…