Mayor Frey vetoes large-scale encampment ordinance in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has vetoed an ordinance that would encourage large-scale homeless encampments throughout the city.

Frey cites issues like fires, trafficking, public health outbreaks and violent crime as being linked to homeless encampments and notes that when encampments grow, there is a greater risk for people living in them and the surrounding community.

“This year, we’ve seen a lot of progress—more people choosing shelter, more people moving into supportive housing, and fewer dangerous encampments forming,” said Frey. “But once shelter and services are offered at an encampment, they must be closed. This ordinance does the opposite – encouraging them to grow and people to live in unsafe conditions. Our focus has to stay on safety, dignity, and housing solutions that actually work.” 

The City of Minneapolis reports that there are fewer city-supported encampment closures year-to-date, reduced costs associated with the closures and hundreds of people transitioning into shelter or supportive housing.

The vetoed ordinance would guarantee that encampments stay in place for at least seven days and allow them to grow to 20 people or more to receive services. Frey’s office adds that the ordinance raises legal questions about encampments on fenced, no-trespassing city property.

The city launched a web page this week with a plan to prevent and address homelessness, including efforts to build affordable housing.

Mayor Frey’s veto letter can be read below:

12.18.2025 Encampment ordinance veto letterDownload

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