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St. Paul could soon join a growing number of cities adopting new rules meant to curtail smoking weed in public places in light of the state's new legal marijuana law.

The big picture: The state law, which took effect Aug. 1, effectively authorized smoking and vaping in many outdoor spaces, leaving it up to local governments to decide whether to restrict or ban it in public areas.

As a result, several cities, including Duluth, Lakeville, and New Hope, have passed ordinances restricting public smoking and vaping of the substance.

Zoom in: St. Paul's ordinance, which is expected to come up for a final vote as soon as next Wednesday, bans smoking in city parks and within 25 feet of public buildings and workplaces.

Yes, but: It allows building owners and the director of the Department of Parks to designate smoking areas that are "clearly marked with a sign."

Exceptions will also be made for cultural ceremonies involving tobacco. 

The latest: A vote on the measure initially planned for Wednesday was delayed due to a technical amendment recommended by the city attorney's office.

Catch up fast: The original draft of the ordinance sought to ban the consumption of cannabis in all city-controlled public areas, including in parks and on sidewalks. 

The proposal was scaled back after critics, including Council Member Mitra Jalali, argued that the approach would unfairly impact renters who don't have private backyards to smoke in. 

Language related to enforcement was also softened: People violating the rules will first be asked to comply voluntarily. If they don't stop, they could face an administrative citation and a fine. 

The other side: Anti-smoking advocates, along with some members of the general public, have pushed for a broader ban, arguing that second-hand smoke is a health concern and an annoyance. 

Of note: While earlier versions of the ordinance called out cannabis specifically, the latest proposal addresses smoking in general. 

What we're watching: A Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board committee was set to discuss the issue Wednesday night, per a spokesperson. Some state lawmakers, meanwhile, want the Legislature to tighten the rules for everyone next year.

"My hope would be that this is one of the things that's on the list for folks to fix," GOP Sen. Jordan Rasmussen told MinnPost this summer.

St. Paul set to vote on new rules restricting marijuana use in public places

Use of recreational marijuana became legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1.

St. Paul could soon join a growing number of cities adopting new rules meant to curtail smoking weed in public places in light of the state&#x27;s new legal marijuana law.The big picture: The state law, which took effect Aug. 1, effectively <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="authorized smoking and vaping" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/07/where-you-can-and-cant-smoke-marijuana-in-minnesota-come-aug-1/" data-vars-content-id="20a9ba05-7a6b-4b5b-b52b-41e0ce18bbd7" data-vars-headline="St. Paul set to vote on new rules restricting marijuana use in public places" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2023/07/where-you-can-and-cant-smoke-marijuana-in-minnesota-come-aug-1/" target="_blank">authorized smoking and vaping</a> in many outdoor spaces, leaving it up to local governments to decide whether to restrict or ban it in public areas.

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Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

The search is back on for a state official to lead the launch of Minnesota's newly legal marijuana market.

Catch up fast: Gov. Tim Walz's pick to lead the new Office of Cannabis Management, hemp business owner and consultant Erin DuPree, withdrew from the role on Friday evening, just a day after her appointment was announced. 

Context: The resignation came hours after the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio News reported that DuPree's Apple Valley cannabis business had advertised and offered products that are not allowed by law. MPR also detailed tax liens and other alleged financial issues. 

DuPree, whose social media and website reportedly featured items above legal THC limits, said in a statement she "never knowingly sold any non-compliant product, and when I became aware of them I removed the products from inventory." 

DuPree, who had not previously worked in government, said while her "skills, experience and expertise made me the right person for this job at this moment," she decided to step aside because she had become a distraction. She had been scheduled to start the job on Oct. 2.

What they're saying: In an interview with MinnPost on Saturday, Walz took responsibility for the hire and said it was "not the finest hour."

 "In this case the process did not work, and we got this wrong," he said. 

The other side: In a Monday morning interview with WCCO Radio, DuPree said she felt "hung out to dry" and was hamstrung by advice to not speak directly to media outlets seeking comment last week. She reiterated that she did not knowingly sell non-compliant products and said she had a compliance team to help her navigate the rules.

"I think any small business owner who has a hemp-derived shop or sells hemp-derived products here in the state understands how convoluted and confusing our laws were," she said. "To be quite honest, that's one of the reasons I wanted to serve the state and our community."

DuPree called reports of past financial issues "not accurate." citing "extenuating circumstances." She declined to elaborate, saying that while she plans to put out another statement on the matter, "at this time, I'm not willing to talk about them."

Of note: This is the second time in roughly two months that one of Walz's appointees resigned over concerns related to their personal conduct. 

The governor noted Saturday that he names thousands of people to posts ranging from agency heads to advisory boards. 

What's next: Walz said in a statement Friday that the new office will proceed with hiring agency staff and starting the rulemaking process that needs to happen before the state can offer licenses for cannabis businesses. 

Charlene Briner, a veteran of state government and DFL politics who has been working on the development of the new office, will continue to lead the efforts in the interim. 

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comments from DuPree.

resigned over concerns related to their personal conduct

"We got this wrong:" Minnesota's first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement

Erin DuPree, a hemp business owner, had been named to the post on Sept. 21.

Gov Tim Walz and Erin Dupree in separate head shots

Gov. Tim Walz and Erin DuPree. Photos:Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images and the Walz administration.

The search is back on for a state official to lead the launch of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s newly legal marijuana market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="2906cc05-e0e9-47b2-ab90-93618949af5f" data-vars-headline="&quot;We got this wrong:&quot; Minnesota&#x27;s first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s newly legal marijuana market</a>.Catch up fast: Gov. Tim Walz&#x27;s pick to lead the new Office of Cannabis Management, hemp business owner and consultant Erin DuPree, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="withdrew from the role on Friday evening" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/09/22/potent-hemp-products-unpaid-bills-raise-questions-about-new-minnesota-cannabis-czar" data-vars-content-id="2906cc05-e0e9-47b2-ab90-93618949af5f" data-vars-headline="&quot;We got this wrong:&quot; Minnesota&#x27;s first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/09/22/potent-hemp-products-unpaid-bills-raise-questions-about-new-minnesota-cannabis-czar" target="_blank">withdrew from the role on Friday evening</a>, just a day after her appointment was announced.

Early voting for Minnesota's Nov. 7 municipal elections began Friday. 

Driving the ballots: Contests for local offices such as city council, school board, and mayor in dozens of communities and school districts. 

Plus: Voters in several cities, including St. Paul, will decide whether to increase sales taxes to pay for local projects, and dozens of school districts are seeking approval for funding-related measures.

Why it matters: The outcome of these off-year local races will shape everything from property tax rates to the money spent on police staffing and fixing potholes. 

What we're watching: How the elections affect the balance of power and political dynamics on the Minneapolis and St. Paul city councils. 

Turnover in St. Paul, where four of seven wards have no incumbent running for re-election, could usher in an even more progressive — and diverse — council. It's also possible that all seven seats will be represented by women next year. 

Minneapolis progressives, meanwhile, are looking for a win in the open Ward 12 seat. 

Council President Andrea Jenkins, an ally of Mayor Jacob Frey, is also facing a challenge from the left. 

Yes, but: It appears unlikely that they will secure a veto-proof majority (which is nine) on Minneapolis' 13-member council. At least one member of the progressive bloc, Council Member Jeremiah Ellison, is facing a repeat challenger.

Plus: Strong mayor systems in both cities limit the council's overall impact. 

What to expect: Lower turnout than presidential or midterm elections, when other state and federal races are on the ballot. 

About 55% of registered Minneapolis voters participated in 2021 when the mayor and a police overhaul measure were on the ballot. In 2017, it was just 42%.

For comparison, close to 80% of registered voters statewide went to the polls in 2020.

Be smart: You can check your registration status and see a sample ballot via the Secretary of State's website showing what, if any, races or questions are up for a vote in your community. 

Early ballots can be cast either in person or by mail. 

What else is on Minnesota municipal ballots in 2023

The Duluth mayor's contest is shaping up to be one of this year's hottest races. Mayor Emily Larson is facing a challenge from Roger Reinert, a former DFL state senator and council member. 

Reinert trounced Larson, who has the DFL endorsement and backing from many state leaders, in the primary. 

St. Louis Park voters will decide whether to elect the state's first Somali mayor. Council member Nadia Mohamed and Dale A. Anderson are running to succeed outgoing Mayor Jake Spano.

Minnetonka voters are weighing whether to abandon ranked-choice voting and go back to a more traditional general election. The city's residents just approved the switch in 2020. 

Bloomington is asking residents to approve a new half-cent sales tax to build a new community center and renovate an ice rink and nature trail. 

In Golden Valley, proceeds of a 1.25% local sales tax on the ballot would go toward a new headquarters for the city's police, fire, and public works departments.

Contested school board elections across the state are attracting attention and cash. 

Races for seats in Mounds View, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan, and South Washington have 10-plus candidates, per MPR News. 

About 55% of registered Minneapolis voters

Voting begins for Minnesota's 2023 election

Ballots for municipal elections are available starting Friday, Sept. 22.

Illustration of a rooster with a word balloon with a checkmark in it coming out of its mouth.

Early voting for Minnesota&#x27;s Nov. 7 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="municipal elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/politics" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/politics" target="_self">municipal elections</a> began Friday. Driving the ballots: Contests for local offices such as city council, school board, and mayor in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dozens of communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5502/regularly-scheduled-2023-elections.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/5502/regularly-scheduled-2023-elections.pdf" target="_blank">dozens of communities</a> and school districts. <ul><li>Plus: Voters in several cities, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including St. Paul," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/07/st-paul-sales-tax-election-road-parks-projects-list" data-vars-content-id="3ecc70bf-3985-4c69-807d-6db078065de0" data-vars-headline="Voting begins for Minnesota&#x27;s 2023 election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/09/07/st-paul-sales-tax-election-road-parks-projects-list" target="_self">including St. Paul,</a> will decide whether to increase sales taxes to pay for local projects, and dozens of school districts are seeking approval for funding-related measures.</li></ul>

Election

A business owner and consultant with experience in the hemp-derived cannabis industry will lead a new agency tasked with overseeing legal marijuana in Minnesota. 

Driving the news: Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday named Erin DuPree as the state's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management. She starts Oct. 2. 

Why it matters: The director will play a key role in establishing and regulating the state's legal marijuana marketplace. 

Catch up fast: While growing and possessing marijuana for personal use has been legal since Aug. 1,  state officials will spend the next year-plus preparing for commercial sales. 

That work will include everything from developing the licensing systems for cultivators and businesses to finalizing rules related to product testing, labeling and packaging. 

Zoom in: DuPree is the founder, vice president of sales and operations and head of research and development at the Apple Valley-based Loonacy Cannabis Co. 

While she has not worked in government — which is something the job posting emphasized as sought-after experience — her resume includes work advising businesses and start-ups on strategy and growth. 

What she's saying: DuPree told reporters Thursday that her consulting and contract work related to cannabis has made her familiar with the bureaucracy and regulation needed in other states. 

She said her experience launching cannabis-related businesses and understanding of the industry will translate to the new role, which she likened to running a "giant start-up."

Of note: DuPree said she is in the process of selling her own businesses to eliminate any conflict of interest in her new role. 

What we're watching: The Legislature will likely make additional tweaks to the law, which passed this spring, during next year's session.

Supporters expect dispensaries that aren't located on tribal lands to open their doors by January 2025. 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include comments from DuPree. 

Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota's new legal marijuana market

Erin DuPree, the state's first director of the Office of Cannabis Management, has experience with

Erin DuPree. Photo courtesy of Gov. Tim Walz's office

A business owner and consultant with experience in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hemp-derived cannabis industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" data-vars-content-id="47d37771-75b2-469e-b6a6-2ca2930c37be" data-vars-headline="Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota&#x27;s new legal marijuana market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/07/07/edibles-minnesota-businesses-legalized" target="_self">hemp-derived cannabis industry</a> will lead a new agency tasked with overseeing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal marijuana in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="47d37771-75b2-469e-b6a6-2ca2930c37be" data-vars-headline="Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota&#x27;s new legal marijuana market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/07/31/minnesota-weed-legal-marijuana-what-to-know" target="_self">legal marijuana in Minnesota</a>. Driving the news: Gov. Tim Walz on Thursday named Erin DuPree as the state&#x27;s first director of the Office of Cannabis Management. She starts Oct. 2.

A fleet of snowplows was out in force at a parking lot near the Minnesota state fairgrounds last Thursday, driving laps around bone-dry pavement under the blazing sun.

Driving the news: Dozens of drivers gathered this week and last for the annual Snow Plow Operators Training "roadeo," a required hands-on course run by public works agencies across the Twin Cities metro area.

Why it matters: Plows seek to keep our roads passable and safe during winter's worst weather and road conditions.

Yes, but: Learning to maneuver the machinery takes practice. Recruiting and training operators now ensure they'll be ready to hit the road when inclement weather arrives.

What they're saying: "We want them to enhance their skills ... and give them seat time to really get comfortable with their truck," Ramsey County highway maintenance supervisor Doug Heidemann said at a presentation last week. "That gives us a safer driver once the snow starts flying."

How it works: New drivers get a mix of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction. At St. Paul's orange cone-lined course, trainees practice making sharp turns, lifting the plow up and down, and backing up around a corner.

Participants, who must have commercial driver's licenses, are graded on dozens of maneuvers and safety checks, ranging from seat belt use to signaling with a horn before backing. 

Once comfortable behind the wheel, drivers head out on a nearby road to practice in actual traffic.

Between the lines: Hosting a local training camp allows drivers to practice skills specific to plowing city and county roads — like backing into an alley to turn around.

The hope is that experience will reduce costly and potentially dangerous accidents come winter, said Heidemann.

My thought bubble: I had a chance to drive a plow through the course at the invitation of St. Paul Public Works. My top-line reaction: Holy blind spots!

The cab of the 12-footer had me perched far above normal cars, obstructing my view of the road below on either side. Once the plow is down, you can't even see the passenger-side edge of the blade.

Even on a clear day — and without everyday hazards of the job like cars or snow drifts — maintaining a sense of my surroundings and gauging the space between the edge of the cone-lined "road" and the plow took tons of focus and mental energy.

And don't even get me started on backing up a 30,000-pound truck around a corner without a rearview mirror.

What happened: Thanks to the coaching of my seasoned instructor, I learned to keep my bearings using the truck's four side mirrors along with the top edge of the driver's side of the plow.

Yes, but: I "brushed" — aka ran over — at least four cones. My instructor kindly told me that was pretty good for a first try.

The bottom line: The experience gave me a new appreciation for why it's so important to give plow operators space when the weather is bad.

A look inside the Twin Cities' training camp for snowplow drivers

Dozens of drivers gathered this week and last for the annual Snow Plow Operators Training "roadeo."

A fleet of snowplows was out in force at a parking lot near the Minnesota state fairgrounds last Thursday, driving laps around bone-dry pavement under the blazing sun.Driving the news: Dozens of drivers gathered this week and last for the annual Snow Plow Operators Training &quot;roadeo,&quot; a required hands-on course run by public works agencies across the Twin Cities metro area.

Torey Van Oot

Featured stories

A look inside the Twin Cities' training camp for snowplow drivers

"We got this wrong:" Minnesota's first legal cannabis director quits one day after job announcement

Voting begins for Minnesota's 2023 election

Meet the woman tasked with regulating Minnesota's new legal marijuana market

St. Paul set to vote on new rules restricting marijuana use in public places