Minneapolis City Council holds hearing on ordinance that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia

The Minneapolis City Council on Tuesday morning debated for two hours over a proposed ordinance that would decriminalize drug paraphernalia.

Councilmember Jason Chavez authored the ordinance, writing on social media that "it will ensure our local laws are in compliance with state law while also centering the humanity of our shared community.

Chavez and other supporters on the council describe it as a "step toward treating drug use as a health issue, not a criminal one."

Andrea Corbin, owner of the Flower Bar on Lyndale Avenue, is concerned that an ordinance like this could have negative impacts on her business and residents across the city. 

"I'm very concerned about it," Corbin said. "If we want to help the underserved and people that are really struggling mentally, then we need to connect them with services, not give them a playground to do whatever they want to do; that's not a good solution."

Corbin is also the president of the Uptown Association, a group representing businesses across the neighborhood. She described Uptown as a neighborhood at a crossroads and wants to see safety and foot traffic increase. Corbin said the Uptown Association has partnered with police, Metro Transit and other grassroots organizers to focus on reviving the area. She worries an ordinance like this could derail their effort.

Supporters like Chavez say the ordinance would align the city with state law. Minnesota legalized drug paraphernalia in 2023. At the time, advocates told WCCO the approach focuses on harm reduction and helping both communities and users stay safer while working toward recovery.

The committee voted to advance the measure to the full council on Thursday.