October 29, 2025

Why Elections & Engagement Matter

Elections matter. Leadership matters.

This November 4th, Minnesota voters will have the opportunity to shape the direction of their local communities and the state as a whole. Across Minnesota, there are 17 municipal races, 94 school board elections and levy/bond questions, and 2 special elections that could determine the balance of power in the State Senate.

Before Election Day, visit mnvotes.gov to see what’s on your ballot. Take time to learn more about the candidates and issues, and make sure the leaders you support are pro-development with an understanding of the value of a strong commercial real estate sector.

If you have any questions, please reach out — we’re here to help!

Vote November 4th!

Policy Update: Minneapolis City Council

Recently, we joined forces with BOMA and MNCAR to successfully oppose a proposed Minneapolis ordinance that would have required commercial property owners to provide a 60-day advance notice of sale and register their property with the city prior to selling — with penalties for noncompliance.

The ordinance passed the City Council with support from members aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), but was ultimately vetoed by Mayor Frey. We argued that this unnecessary regulation would have created significant barriers to private property transfers and unintended negative consequences for the very communities it aimed to help.

Our collective efforts helped flip at least three council votes, preventing a veto-proof majority — a crucial victory for commercial property rights and development in Minneapolis.

Unfortunately, many DSA-aligned council members dismissed these concerns, operating from a worldview that favors government ownership or control of property — a stance fundamentally at odds with a thriving, private-sector-driven marketplace.

Why Minneapolis (and St. Paul) Matter to Everyone in Minnesota

You might be thinking: “Why should I care about what happens in Minneapolis? I don’t live there — and I can’t vote there.”

Here’s why: what happens in Minneapolis and St. Paul impacts all of Minnesota. Our Twin Cities represent the state’s reputation to investors, employers, and developers across the country. Outside investors hear about policy decisions and market conditions here, which influences whether they choose to invest anywhere in Minnesota.

Elected officials determine how property can be developed — or not. Who is in power directly shapes the future of our communities, which is why elections matter, and why our work in public policy is so important.

To learn more about the Minneapolis races and candidates, visit allofmpls.org.

Support the Work That Supports You

As we plan for 2026, we’re asking members to continue supporting our Penny Per Square Foot Fund. This program funds education, research, and advocacy — for both elected officials and our members.

To ensure we can continue to support pro-development candidates — across party lines and chambers — we also need contributions to our PAC.

👉 Donate to NAIOP MN's PAC »