On September 7, 2021, Nichols Kaster—together with John R. Shoemaker, Paul F. Shoemaker, and Larry McDonough—filed a class action challenging the egregious discriminatory practices that have forced public housing tenants in Minneapolis to endure hazardous and appalling housing conditions. The Complaint alleges that the City of Minneapolis discriminated on the basis “public assistance status” by failing to provide public housing tenants the inspection, licensing, maintenance, and related services that the City provides to tenants in privately-owned rental dwellings. Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Community Housing Resources are also named defendants, with the lawsuit alleging that they breached the terms of their leases with tenants by failing to obtain licenses and inspections and respond to maintenance requests. The lawsuit goes on to assert consumer protection and housing law violations against all three defendants.
This is a civil rights class action, brought under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, and challenges the defendants’ illegal practices as endured by Plaintiff Kimberly Lowry and other similarly situated public housing tenants. Plaintiff, on behalf of herself and members of the proposed Classes, seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief.
This case is entitled Lowry v. City of Minneapolis, et. al., Court File No. 27-CV-21-10928 (Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District Court)


Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:How do I Join This Case?
A:
As part of our investigatory efforts, we are interested in speaking with people who have lived in Minneapolis public housing.
You may contact us toll-free at (877) 344-4628, write to us at Nichols Kaster, PLLP, 4700 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, or email Attorney Nicole Schladt at nschladt@nka.com.
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Q:Am I Eligible?
A:
This case seeks to represent tenants who have lived in Minneapolis public housing at any time over the last six years. If you have questions about whether you are included in these classes, contact us.
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Q:What is a Class Action?
A:
In a class action lawsuit, one or more people, called the “class representatives,” sue on behalf of themselves and other people who have similar claims. Together, this group of people is called a “class” or “class members.” The class representative and the class members together are called the “Plaintiffs.” The entities or companies they sue are called the “Defendants.” The judge or jury resolves the claims for everyone in the class—except those who ask to be excluded from the lawsuit.
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Q:How Long will This Take?
A:
Class actions can often take years. Please check this page periodically for updates on the case’s status.
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Q:How Do I Learn More?
A:
For more information or questions regarding this case, please contact our Case Clerk, Haley Thompson, at hthompson@nka.com or call (612) 256-3268.
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