VOTE NO ON RENT CONTROL
​St. Paul Ballot Question 1

The St. Paul Area Chamber OPPOSES the St. Paul Rent Control Ballot Initiative

Official Statement

"The St. Paul Area Chamber is disappointed by the outcome of the rent control ballot initiative.

We know that rent control is putting residential development projects at risk, both market-rate and especially subsidized housing. There are now 700+ affordable housing units at the Highland Bridge development that are on hold. How many other units at planned developments across the City won’t be built because of this rent control policy? 

While we maintain that rent control is the wrong solution to our housing issues across the city, the Chamber will continue to focus on the future and work towards economically feasible, market-based solutions to increase housing stock and provide for affordable units at multiple price points. The responsibility now falls to the City Council, City Attorney, and Mayor’s office to provide guidance about this new rent control policy. In the meantime, the Chamber will continue our own work with stakeholders to find ways the business community can contribute to solutions for our housing problems. 

Local, regional, and statewide decision-makers must develop and implement policies that further grow our economy; housing is one area where we need laser-like focus to further the prosperity of St. Paul and the entire East Metro region." 
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                                                                                                                                                                - St. Paul Area Chamber        ​

The St. Paul ballot initiative is a well-intentioned but misguided policy change. We agree, we need more housing, but this is a political solution to a supply problem. Our community must look at new approaches to housing issues that increase the supply of available rental units. There are too many unanswered questions regarding this UNVETTED and strict ballot initiative.

If passed, RENT CONTROL will ACTUALLY: 

• Lessen access to quality, affordable housing
• Reduce the quantity of available rental (vacancies and conversions)
• Push RENT CONTROL program administration costs onto taxpayers
• Decrease property tax base
• Degrade current housing stock – no incentive to improve properties
• NOT solve accessibility to affordable housing issues​
• The City has no plan or budget to implement or administer the program.
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​Read our FAQ's and click on images below for articles from local
​and national perspectives on why rent control does not work.