Minneapolis council fails to override mayor's veto by one vote

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on December 5, 2024, the City Council voted on whether to override Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of a proposed citywide labor standards board. The council's attempt to reverse the veto resulted in an 8-5 tally in favor, falling short of the nine votes required for a successful override. Among those supporting the override were councilmembers Elliott Payne, Robin Wonsley, Jeremiah Ellison, Katie Cashman, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai, Emily Koski, and Aurin Chowdhury, whereas Andrea Jenkins, Michael Rainville, LaTrisha Vetaw, Jamal Osman, and Linea Palmisano voted against it. This labor standards board aimed to consist of 15 members representing a diverse group, including employers, workers, consumers, and community stakeholders. Its purpose would have been to advise city leaders on regulations and workplace policies specific to various industries, potentially benefiting the working-class population. However, Mayor Jacob Frey vetoed the proposal just a week after it initially passed with a vote of 9-3 by the council. He criticized the proposed board for lacking balance, instead advocating for a more business-inclusive model that would ensure representation from both labor and business sectors equally. Frey's model would involve an equal number of appointments from the Council and the mayor, as well as stipulations that a supermajority of board members must agree on recommendations prior to presenting them to the council. In supporting his veto, Frey argued that business participation is crucial for such a board to function effectively. Opposition to the board's creation was also expressed beyond the mayor, with 120 restaurant owners and leaders in the hospitality sector voicing their concerns. They argued that the proposed board was a solution in search of a problem, indicating a significant portion of the business community was against the initiative. Following the vote to sustain Frey's veto, the Minneapolis Works Together Coalition, a consortium of business leaders, declared the result a victory for small businesses and the economic future of Minneapolis. They recognized the council's decision as acknowledging the voices of various stakeholders, including businesses and community organizations, which opposed the labor standards board. Supporters of the board, however, contend that it would empower working-class individuals with pertinent expertise to participate actively in policymaking. They argue that the creation of such a board is essential for addressing labor issues effectively within the city, and that it would provide a platform for workers to influence regulations that directly affect their livelihoods. This clash of perspectives reflects broader debates about how best to balance the interests of labor and business within local governance structures.