5/10/2024 -- Rideshare Compromise

Transportation

DFL and Mineapolis Reach Rideshare Compromise — Uber/Lyft Unsatsified 🚗

The Summary: Key lawmakers and DFL legislative leaders in Minnesota unveiled a compromise on statewide rideshare regulations. However, Uber and Lyft rejected the plan, saying they would exit the market if the proposal is enacted into law.

Details of the Amendment: The proposed amendment outlines a minimum wage pay rate of $1.27 per mile and 49 cents per minute. Legislative leaders asserted that they collaborated with the Minneapolis City Council to reach a compromise, although the rideshare companies were not part of these negotiations.

Uber and Lyft's Rejection: Both Uber and Lyft swiftly dismissed the proposed rates, asserting that they would make rides unaffordable for most residents. They reiterated their intention to exit the market if the statewide deal between Democrats in Minneapolis and the legislature is passed into law.

Minneapolis

Top 4 Key Takeaways From Mayor Frey’s State Of The City Address 🏙

The Summary: Mayor Jacob Frey delivered his annual State of the City address on Tuesday at the NorthStar Center.

Top 4 Takeaways

1. Post-Pandemic Rebound with Challenges: Mayor Jacob Frey highlighted the city's progress in rebounding from the pandemic but acknowledged major challenges, particularly concerning downtown property tax base amid political divisions.

2. Financial Concerns and Budget Negotiations: Frey emphasized the rising property values downtown and its potential impact on property tax increases for homeowners and renters. He underscored the need for cautious budgeting and hinted at tense negotiations with the City Council over spending priorities.

3. Vision for Future Projects: Frey outlined his vision for repurposing the charred former Third Precinct police station into a "Democracy Center" housing elections offices and voting facilities.

4. Focus on Achievements and Future Goals: Mayor Frey highlighted achievements such as an increase in affordable housing construction and initiatives to combat climate change. He presented a positive outlook on the city's future while addressing concerns about inclusivity and accessibility.

Business

❯ Walz Signs Ticket Regulations: Governor Tim Walz signed a bill aimed at enhancing transparency in ticket purchasing by requiring sellers to display the full price, including fees, upfront and prohibiting speculative ticketing and deceptive practices.

❯ Target Limits Pride Merch: Target has scaled back its Pride merchandise in response to backlash from last year, with fewer stores carrying the collection and a reduced number of items available compared to previous years.

❯ Increased Property Taxes: Mayor Jacob Frey is anticipating property tax increases to offset the budget deficit, as he navigates potential clashes with the City Council over spending priorities in the upcoming budget battle.

What Else We’re Reading…

“Why we're leaving Minneapolis after all these years.”

If you’re at all on social media like I am, you likely saw a Star Tribune Opinion piece making the rounds about a Minneapolis family that has decided to leave the city, citing weird governance and safety as reasons. What do you think? Do they have valid reasons or is it an overreaction?

Sports

Wolves in 4? 🏀

The Summary: After sweeping the first two games on the road against the Nuggets, the Wolves are back at the Target Center for game 3.

Suffocating Defense: The Wolves held the defending NBA champions to just 80 points in Game 2 and showed why they have the league’s leading defense.

Father Rudy is Back: After missing game 2 due to the birth of his child, the Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert, is back for game 3.

Updated Odds: The Wolves are the only undefeated team left in the playoffs and have quickly become the second favorite team to win the championship behind the Boston Celtics.

Naz Reid Tattoo: A local tattoo artist is offering all Wolves fans the chance to get “Naz Reid” tattooed for just $20.

Other Sports News

🏒 Minnesota’s PWHL team lost 4-0 to Toronto in the franchise’s first playoff game.

⚾ The Minnesota Twins win streak came to an end at 12 games, but the rally sausage continues to live on in the clubhouse.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Donald Trump will speak at the annual MN GOP dinner on May 17 (X)

❯ Minnesota AG sent a warning to the owners of Hope Breakfast Bar saying they may have violated charity and solicitation laws (KSTP)

❯ St. Paul councilors are calling for the release of bodycam after police shot and killed a suicidal woman (Bring Me The News)

❯ The Minneapolis City Council approved a new Nicollet Avenue, bike promenade and park for the former Kmart space (Star Tribune)

Beyond the Twin Cities

Headlines From Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ St. Cloud State has proposed cutting 13% of its faculty (Kare11)

❯ A USPS audit found Bemidji post office delayed delivery of 79,000 pieces of mail (Fox9)

❯ A Duluth girl was welcomed home with surprise parade following heart transplant (Northern News)

❯ An Albert Lea Pride drag show drew controversy after a venue pulled out (Star Tribune)

The Final Word: Sponsors Incoming

In upcoming issues, you may notice advertisements in the newsletter. The Twin Cities Insider has continued growing to over 2,000 subscribers and you all are really active readers which is awesome! My goal is to always keep the newsletter free, but adding sponsors will help offset the time it takes me to produce each issue. In the spirit of transparency, I spend about 10-12 hours per week on the three newsletters and receiving some compensation will ensure I can continue dedicating time to this outside of my full-time job.

I will primarily be looking to partner with local businesses with the hope that these advertisements actually add some value to the readers. As we incorporate more sponsors, I welcome your feedback to make sure the TC Insider is staying true to its original mission.

Here is my ask: if you have 3 minutes, please fill out this reader demographic survey. By having more information about you all, I’ll be able to make sure I’m partnering with businesses that are relevant to you. If you fill it out, you’ll be entered to win a $100 Caribou Gift Card. Your data will absolutely not be sold or shared with outside sources.

Thanks everyone! Please email me if you have any questions.

-Patrick