Organizers of a St. Paul campaign to empower tenants to make repairs to their rental housing, then bill their landlords for the work, announced they've gathered the signatures to put their measure on the November ballot.

Why it matters: If enacted, the "right-to-repair" ordinance would join St. Paul's first-in-the-Midwest rent control policy and sweeping tenant protections as another local law giving renters more leverage.

Driving the news: The Safe Homes Saint Paul campaign last week submitted more than 7,500 petition signatures from registered voters — at least 2,200 more than needed to trigger an election.

• The city clerk must still confirm their validity.

How it works: The proposed ordinance would require a landlord to address a maintenance issue within 14 days of a tenant's notice.

• If they didn't act, the tenant could pay for repairs and then bill the landlord for the cost up to half a month's rent or $500, whichever is greater.

What they're saying: "This seems like common sense," the campaign's political coordinator, Cole Hanson, told Axios.

• He said many petition signatories' first reaction to the ordinance is: "I didn't know [renters] couldn't already do this."

The other side: "This feels like one more thing that could make future investors more hesitant to put money into the city," Nate Hood, a small-time landlord and member of the St. Paul Planning Commission, told Axios.

• Hood would rather the city strengthen enforcement against bad landlords.

Zoom in: If enacted, renters would be empowered to order repairs for a lengthy list of problems, ranging from minor — like a broken doorknob — to major, like a failing roof or foundation.

• In a multi-unit building, tenants could also share the cost of a more costly repair to a shared appliance, such as a broken boiler, Hanson said.
• The ordinance also spells out a procedure for handling disputes, allowing landlords 30 days to obtain a second opinion from an inspector.

Friction point: "Deciding what needs fixing, who's qualified to do it, and whether a permit is required is real liability," said Cecil Smith, president of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association.

• The association's statement said "unpermitted" repairs could turn small problems into big ones.

Yes, but: Hanson frames the ordinance as a "break in case of emergency" safeguard for tenants dealing with a negligent landlord, saying lingering maintenance issues often pose real safety risks.

What we're watching

Fireworks will light up St. Paul skies this July 4.

Why it matters: It's been a decade since the capital city had a free, public fireworks show of its own.

What to expect: The show, confirmed late last week, will serve as the finale of a free "Red, White and BOOM!" celebration at Cathedral Hill Park, featuring food trucks, a concert and remarks from public officials.

• Organizers hope that launching the rockets from St. Paul's highest point will make them visible across the city.

How it happened: The Saint Paul Rotary Club says it's on track to raise the $125,000 needed to bring the fireworks back.

• "The response from the community since our initial announcement has been incredibly encouraging," Carolyn Will, a St. Paul Rotary Club member and organizer of the event, said in a statement.

If you go: The fun starts at 6pm, and the fireworks should begin around 10pm.

📍Not in St. Paul? Explore Minnesota has a running list of July 4 festivities across the state.

🏟️ The U of M's Williams Arena — aka The Barn — will be renamed "The Barn by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota" under a $17 million naming rights deal. (Pioneer Press)

🛌 Minneapolis-based Sleep Number has filed for bankruptcy and announced it has agreed to a $415 million buyout by a Canadian bedding company. (Reuters)

⚖️ Davis Moturi — the man shot by a next-door neighbor after numerous complaints to Minneapolis police — has sued his home's previous owners, saying they should have warned about the neighbor's behavior while selling the home. (MPR News)

• His suit also names the city, former MPD Chief Brian O'Hara and the shooter, John Sawchuk.

🍽️ James Beard Award winners will be announced tonight. Minnesota's lone nominee, Shigeyuki Furukawa of Kado No Mise, is a finalist for Best Chef: Midwest. (Nominees)

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👋 Torey here with a summer programming update.

• I'll be off for the next six weeks, taking advantage of Axios' generous sabbatical policy for employees who stick around for five years.

Why it matters: Time off to recharge is good for our souls. It can also help stave off burnout.

What I'll be up to: My plans include some travel, tennis, hiking, reading, eating ice cream with my son, and, perhaps most importantly, not checking email and Slack!

The fine print: If you're someone who sends me press releases, you can add [email protected] to your mailing list so it lands with Audrey, Kyle and Nick.

My thought bubble: I haven't had a true summer "off" in over 20 years.

• I am super excited — and, if I'm being honest, a little scared! — to see what it feels like to unplug for so long.

What's next: I'll be back July 28!