Advocates reignite push for law allowing Minneapolis renters to buy apartment buildings

Twin Cities equity advocates are renewing their push for a law that would give Minneapolis renters the first opportunity to buy their apartment buildings if they are put up for sale.

The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, which is made up of a host of community groups, wants the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to become law in Minneapolis by the end of the year. The policy, known as TOPA, already exists in Washington D.C.

Despite being talked about for years, TOPA has failed to gain steam in Minneapolis. During a news conference Sunday afternoon, the alliance called on the Minneapolis City Council to pass the resolution before newly elected council members assume their posts in January.

“Minneapolis is a majority renter city,” said Anndrea Young, executive director of the Heritage Park Neighborhood Association. “It is time for every renter to have agency and a seat at the table to preserve the homes they built and the roots they’ve set down.”

TOPA advocates say the policy can lead to more affordable housing units remaining on the market.