Signatures for ‘Right to Repair’ ballot initiative delivered to Duluth City Hall

CITY HALL – Duluth Tenants Union deliver signatures in support of their “Right to Repair” ballot initiative to the City Clerk.

Nearly 6,000 signatures in support of the Duluth “Right to Repair” ballot initiative, were presented to the City Clerk’s office Thursday afternoon. The signatures were delivered by members of the Duluth Tenants Union, a group comprised of renters and supporters, which is a part of the statewide advocacy organization, TakeAction MN. Since the launch of Duluth Tenants last year, the group has advocated for a “Right to Repair.”

According to their website, the “Duluth Right to Repair gives renters a tool to get quality, timely fixes for common repairs such as bathroom fans, leaks, cabinet doors, and appliances.” The city ordinance would allow renters to fix small, low-cost (under $500) issues if their landlords do not fix them within two weeks of notifying them.

“Over two months, we delivered over 5900 signatures, and our goal is only 5600,” said Cody Powells, a renter and member of Duluth Tenants who delivered the signatures. Powells was a part of the canvassing effort as well, and said people he spoke to in the public were “hungry for this democracy, this direct democracy.”

The City Clerk will be responsible for certifying the signatures, and once verified, the initiative will make it on the ballot in November.