Proposed Drive Thru Ban

A couple of things to highlight this week, and a call to action. First off, last week we executed our Career Connect Day event which gets bigger and better every year… and this year we invited Minneapolis! Stay tuned for a Level Up! program in the Spring, tag teaming on this event to provide an actual hiring event for young adults immediately ready for the workforce. I love how this program is building out.

Second, another amazing example of corporate citizenship. Today I want to highlight Mortenson Family Foundation and M. A. Mortenson Companies Inc. Last week Fortis Capital announced that they have received generous support from Mortenson Companies to invest in their efforts to foster and support economic development in areas where it is most needed for systematically disadvantaged persons primarily in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, and throughout Minnesota. Fortis Capital is a nonprofit engaged in economic development finance, with an emphasis on providing access to debt capital for businesses owned by persons of color and in challenged communities. Big impact done quietly, consistently… I so appreciate how Mortenson shows up!

Third, a call to action at the St. Paul City Council. The St. Paul City Council is poised to take up zoning amendments that will prohibit new drive-thrus for restaurants and coffee shops while creating new requirements for pharmacy and bank drive-thrus. Restricting drive-thrus will negatively impact consumers and businesses by removing a key aspect of safety, convenience, and efficiency. A drive-thru ban limits a business’s ability to provide a safer environment for staff and consumers, which is crucial when dealing with workforce shortages and public safety concerns. Banning future drive-thrus for restaurants and coffee shops, along with strict limits on bank and pharmacy drive-thrus, will create another set of regulations that limit consumer choice and hinder growth in Saint Paul. The City needs to promote an environment that attracts new jobs, not create more restrictions that hinder economic development. These proposed code amendments will not change consumer behaviors and will result in further distances traveled to access a drive-thru or a heavier reliance on food delivery platforms, which will negate any positive environmental returns that would come from these proposed zoning code amendments. If you live or work in Saint Paul, follow the link here to contact your Council Member with concerns about these proposed changes.

The first reading is scheduled for November 6 with a public hearing to be held on November 13. Adoption could come as soon as November 20. With such a divided vote (7-5) at the Planning Commission we need you to add your voice in opposition to these restrictions on business. Contact JP if you would like to learn more about this issue.

See you in the trenches.​

B