Oakdale adopts proclamation supporting Just Deeds Coalition to address discriminatory covenants

Mayor Zabel read a proclamation at the Oakdale City Council meeting on March 10 announcing the city will support the Just Deeds Coalition and provide residents resources to discharge historically discriminatory property covenants.

The proclamation, read aloud by the mayor, traced the legal history of restrictive covenants, referenced a 1948 U.S. Supreme Court decision barring courts from enforcing discriminatory covenants and the 2019 Minnesota law that allows property owners to file a recorded discharge. "We are, as a city, we are incredibly excited to join the Justice Coalition," the mayor said, adding the city will share guidance for residents who choose to pursue the discharge process.

Resident Gabe Morham told the council he had recently looked up properties in Oakdale still subject to discriminatory covenants and thanked the city for acting quickly after he raised the issue with council. The mayor and staff emphasized the program is voluntary and intended to give residents information and assistance, not to compel action.

The proclamation does not create a new regulation; it commits the City of Oakdale to educational outreach and to providing residents information on the simplified process for discharging covenants under state law. No formal vote on a ordinance or policy change was taken as part of the proclamation. Staff described next steps as posting educational materials and making resources available to residents who request help.

The council also heard two brief open‑forum comments: Gabe Morham thanked the council for moving rapidly on the issue, and Rebecca Lee, a Girl Scout, announced she was selling cookies after the meeting.