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2025-01-07 Work Session Meeting Packet
Meeting location: Edina City Hall Community Room 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda Tuesday, January 7, 2025 5:30 PM Accessibility Support: The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Meeting Topics 3.1. 2025 State Legislative Delegation Meeting 4. Adjournment Page 1 of 28 d ITEM REPORT Date: January 7, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion Meeting: City Council Agenda Number: 3.1 Prepared By: Scott Neal, City Manager, Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow Item Type: Other Department: Administration Item Title: 2025 State Legislative Delegation Meeting Action Requested: Discuss the 2025 State Legislative Platform with invited guests to build consensus for a formal adoption of legislative platforms during this evening's Council meeting. Information/Background: Staff have invited Edina's legislative delegation to attend the City Council's work session. Representatives from the Municipal Legislative Commission, Association of Metropolitan Municipalities, and the League of Minnesota Cities are also welcomed to this work session. Staff proposes to have a discussion about the City's 2025 state legislative priorities and positions, which are detailed in the attached The identification of state laws that might be changed to better achieve the goals of the City and the broader Edina community is something that occurs each year. In the same vein, as City staff work with colleagues and partners to identify these state laws, they also work to propose changes to said state laws that may be working contrary to City goals - ultimately limiting the livelihood and progress of the broader Edina community. While legislative sessions occur each year, changes to state laws can take years to occur. Issues are debated, modified, and could still be unsuccessful - this is why it is crucial to start the conversation early with the understanding that details will be fine-tuned throughout the legislative process. As the City continues to finalize the specifics within our 2025 Legislative Platforms, so do associations such as Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC), Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities), and the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC). Oftentimes, Edina's interests align with these associations both by virtue of the City's participation in each association as well as their guiding purpose. The City's 2025 Legislative Platforms do not duplicate items found in MLC, Metro Cities, or LMC platforms, but it does assume general alignment with these partner associations. This item report corresponds with the City's drafted 2025 Legislative Platforms, which includes concerns that may be considered in the next state legislative session (beginning January 14, 2025). The two types of items that make up the legislative platform are priorities and positions. Priorities are issues specific to Edina and do not directly affect other communities. Positions are issues affecting cities in general and are not specific to Edina. Resources/Financial Impacts: None. Relationship to City Policies: This relates to a variety of the City's strategic plans, including: • City Code Page 2 of 28 • Climate Action Plan • Capital Improvement Plans • Various department Work Plans Supporting Documentation: 1. City of Edina 2025 State Legislative Platform 2. League of MN Cities 2025 Legislative Priorities 3. Municipal Legislative Commission 2025 Legislative Priorities Page 3 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Priorities: The following seven priorities are made up of issues specific to Edina and do not directly affect other communities. 1 Bonding for Interchange Improvements at Minnesota Highway 100 and Vernon Avenue/West 50th Street The Minnesota Highway 100 interchange is non-standard with eight local road connections. The City partnered with Hennepin County to improve this interchange, helping to reduce construction impacts and cost. More importantly, the result will be a safer interchange for all users, by consolidating access points and increasing pedestrian paths and creating a more connected Grandview district. Edina’s share of the total project cost is estimated to be $15.47 million; the City is requesting $5.3 million from the state, to match the local funds allocated for the project. In addition, the City requests that the State designates the surplus land created by the project for expansion of the municipal campus including a much needed third fire station in northeast Edina. 2 Bonding for the Aquatic Center The Edina Aquatic Center is requesting state bonding to replace critical infrastructure in the facility’s pool pump house. Total cost for the project is $10.5 million. The pool house was originally constructed in 1958, and it needs replacement to accommodate changes in state code related to pumping apparatus, filter requirements and surge tank reservoirs to address swimmer capacity displacement. The Aquatic Center is a popular regional destination, with 75% of its annual visitors coming from outside of Edina, and an average of 850 to 1,000 visitors per day. Bonding would provide for a modern, code-compliant pool house, along with augmented pool amenities and patron areas to ensure a safe visitor experience. 3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in the Braemar Park Master Plan and Fred Richards Park Master Plan The City will use new local sales and use tax revenue to make improvements and expansions to Braemar Arena and Braemar Park and Fred Richards Park, as outlined in the Braemar Park Master Plan and Fred Richards Park Master Plan. The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and Date: To: From: January 7, 2025 Mayor & City Council Scott Neal, City Manager Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow Subject: 2025 State Legislative Platform Page 4 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 supplies purchased for the construction, reconstruction, upgrade, expansion, or remodeling of City facilities included in the Braemar Park Master Plan and the Fred Richards Park Master Plan. 4 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Legislation for 70th and France & 72nd and France #2 The City approved the 70th and France and 72nd and France #2 TIF Districts in 2022 and 2023 respectively to encourage reinvestment and redevelopment of substandard commercial properties. After considerable discussion, the City also entered into TIF redevelopment agreements with each development team to provide TIF funding subject to project completion and delivery of proposed public benefits. The City requests an extension of the five-year rule to 10 years. In addition, the City requests the ability to extend the terms of each TIF agreement, subject to approval by Edina City Council. When these Districts were established, the developers were on pace to redevelop the sites with new commercial and multi-family housing buildings and the existing buildings were demolished. Since the Districts were established and the substandard buildings removed, the national economic climate has changed significantly. Costs of construction material and labor have increased. Interest rates have increased. The ability of private banks to finance office buildings has decreased. The availability of private equity has also decreased. This situation is forecasted to see a slow recovery beginning in 2025. Unfortunately, this pause in private financing hinders the ability of both redevelopment projects to succeed. The ‘five-year rule’ in Minnesota TIF statutes will likely disqualify these sites from the use of TIF at the level needed for success. Without the pledge of TIF to fill the financial gap, neither of these projects will reach their potential. The City requests an extension of the five-year rule to 10 years to allow the private lending sector to return to normal. In addition, the City requests the ability to extend the terms of each TIF agreement, subject to approval by Edina City Council. This would increase the 15-year term of the 70th and France District to 25 years and the 25-year term of the 72nd and France #2 District to 30 years. 5 Protect Municipal Employees with Enforcement Functions Many city employees and contractors are required to enforce administrative codes, rules, ordinances, and state laws as part of their job duties. Minnesota law recognizes the need to protect certain employees whose jobs make it more likely they will be the target of assaults by escalating assault charges from fifth to fourth degree for the assaults of peace officers, firefighters, school officials, and “public employees with mandated duties.” However, employees such as code enforcement officials, utility operators, municipal liquor store clerks and others have similar enforcement functions. The City supports extending the existing protection to all public employees whose jobs require them to enforce administrative codes, rules, ordinances, and state laws as a part of their job because: Due to the enforcement function of their jobs, these public employees can be and have been subject to verbal Page 5 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 assaults, threats, and physical violence. This would more evenly apply the law to all employees more likely to become target of assaults. Positions: The following legislative positions are grouped into five categories: General Government (page 3-8), Affordable Housing (8-10), Environment and Sustainability (10-13), Transportation (13-14) and Public Safety (14-17). These positions represent issues which apply to Edina and other Minnesota cities. 1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 Realign Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation In 2015, state legislation reallocated $32 million of the sales tax collected from leased vehicles from the State's general fund, half to Greater Minnesota and half to metro counties through the County State Aid Highway Fund. To balance funding for transit and roads/bridges, the new law excluded Hennepin and Ramsey Counties from receiving their share of funding. Instead, the other five metro counties split the proceeds generated in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. With the elimination of the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) in 2017, all seven metro counties now collect their own local transportation sale tax, but the exemption still blocks Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. The City of Edina advocates for returning to the original intent by eliminating the exemption of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties and distributing the sales tax on lease vehicles, per the county state aid formula, to all metro counties. The City supports re-aligning the distribution because: •Distributing Hennepin and Ramsey County proceeds to the other five metro counties puts cities in Hennepin County at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing county funds for road and bridge projects. •This change would provide an estimated $10.7 million in additional funding to Hennepin County for roads and bridges. 1.2 Increase Purchasing Agency The City Manager is the chief purchasing agent of statutory Plan B cities. State law requires the City Manager to recommend purchases and contracts and requires additional approval by the City Council. There are only 18 Statutory Plan B Cities in MN. •In Edina, this approval is obtained through Requests for Purchase on the Consent agenda. •The $20,000 statutory threshold has not been raised since 2004. This does not account for standard inflation over the past 20 years. •The costs of items has significantly increased, most City purchases are well over $20,000. Allowing the City Manager a higher purchasing threshold can make purchasing more efficient, while still maintaining compliance and oversight of budget. Page 6 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 •Neighboring charter cities with the Council-Manager form of Government, have significantly higher limits (St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, Richfield, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Hopkins) all have $175,000 thresholds. •The City of Edina supports a raise in legal maximum to at least $175,000 (consistent with MN Statute 471.345) with the ability for individual City Councils to set lower thresholds at their discretion. 1.3 Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation during the 2023 session legalized adult-use cannabis and established regulatory authority in the new Office of Cannabis management. The City supports further clarification on the opportunity to operate a municipal cannabis retail store because: •Local governments should have the option to establish municipal dispensaries in the model of municipal retail liquor stores, as both operations have primary goals of ensuring the safety and security of the community. •The City also seeks clarification on buffer distancing from “an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including a playground or athletic field”. The current language is confusing, hard to administer and opens municipalities up to lawsuits over interpretation. For instance, where would you calculate a buffer requirement for a baseball field with no back fencing? Standard parcel boundaries are easy to measure and allow easier mapping for potential cannabis retail operations. 1.4 Hearing Aid Affordability Currently, hearing aids are not classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and therefore not covered under many health insurance plans. Without health insurance coverage, many who need hearing aids are unable to get them, as they cost three to six thousand dollars. The City supports programs or policy changes reducing the cost of hearing aids and increasing access to them because: •Hearing aids are critical devices for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. •Without health insurance coverage, hearing aids are not affordable for those living on a fixed income. Both Edina seniors on a fixed income and youth who age out of hearing aid support cannot access hearing aids because of cost. •Cochlear implants, which cost $80,000 to $120,000, are typically covered by health insurance while hearing aids are not. 1.5 Allow Restrictions on Possession of Firearms in Municipal Facilities with School- Like Use The Minnesota Citizens Personal Protection Act, also known as “conceal-and carry,” prohibits guns on most school properties but forbids other local units of government from prohibiting loaded firearms on their properties. The inconsistencies in the law’s treatment of different kinds of properties have caused confusion about how the law applies to multi-use facilities, such as municipal ice arenas used for school- sponsored programs. While various public facilities can restrict firearm possession, including schools, public facilities with a school-like function are not granted this authority. The City has several facilities Page 7 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 with school-like usage and a large population of school-aged users. The City supports clarifying the law to allow municipal facilities with school-like usage to restrict the possession of firearms inside their facilities because: •This would align the law with other facilities that are authorized to restrict possession. •This would be one step to securing the safety of those who use City facilities for a school-like function. 1.6 Remove Language in the State Constitution Allowing for Enslavement of Incarcerated People The Minnesota Constitution states that “There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the state otherwise than as punishment for a crime of which the party has been convicted.” The City urges removal of this language because: •This is immoral and out of step with Minnesota values. As a public entity, it’s incumbent on public officials to hold the state accountable to remove this language and its consequences. •There is recent precedent for such an action, with Colorado, Nebraska, Utah, Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont striking similar language from their constitutions. 1.7 Empower Unbanked Minnesotans to Participate in the Local Economy The City of Edina would support legislation that requires certain businesses, such as food stores, to accept cash payments, similar to bill SF4419 introduced in the 93rd legislative session. With the increase in businesses refusing to accept cash for payment in recent years, more unbanked Minnesotans are prevented from participating in the local economy or purchasing necessities such as groceries and hygiene products. 1.8 Data Practices and Personal Information The purpose of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is to provide open and transparent information to the public, while protecting personal information from indiscriminate disclosure. The City supports mechanisms to define and regulate reasonable data requests, and charges that better reflect the actual costs of responding to data requests due to increases in data requests and increased staff time required for repetitive, broad and far-reaching requests. •Cities are experiencing increases in repetitive, overly broad, and far-reaching data requests. •These requests require significant staff time to locate government records, redact private data or data unrelated to the request, and assemble documents to be provided in order to comply with requirements to provide access to public government data. 1.9 Various Election Administration Support The City supports greater resources to assist in various aspects of election administration in local governments. •Supporting accessibility to voters who face barriers to voting. •Supporting technical/administrative improvements – some changes to timeline for campaign finance and procedure changes to the permanent absentee voting list. Page 8 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 •Modernizing election judge responsibilities – allowing staff to perform signature matches for absentee ballots, language about emergency appointment of election judges for healthcare facilities. •Supporting RCV standards and equipment. •Supporting funding for elections through reimbursements from the state. •Supporting policies that protect and strengthen the security and safety of elections. 1.10 Change Group Home Regulation Licensed residential facilities do not have any distance separation requirements in single-family residential use zones in Edina. Minn. Stat. 245A.11 allows distance requirements of 1,320 feet between licensed residential facilities but limits the scope inequitably to cities in the first class. The City supports licensed residential facility use in the City and urges this distance separation requirements be applied fairly to all cities because: •Grouping multiple facilities on the same block in a single-family residential neighborhood creates substantial challenges to the neighborhood and reduces the community experience of individuals in the facilities. •Individuals no longer reap the benefit of enjoying a residential setting with a diversity of households. When entire blocks are acquired for licensed residential facilities, the setting is more similar to a large institutional campus. •Neighborhoods experience an increase in traffic, parking needs, deliveries, and other activities compounded by numerous facilities on the same block. •Grouping multiple facilities effectively turns a residential area into a commercial area. 1.11 Expansion for Collection of Park Dedication and Parks Dedication Fees The City of Edina supports an expansion to cities’ abilities to collect park dedication feeds related to the creation of new housing units. The existing city authority should be preserved by the legislature to maintain an ability to require parkland dedication and park dedication fees. The City supports an amendment to Minnesota statute 462.358 to allow all cities the option to require a reasonable portion of land or park dedication fee on new housing units and new commercial and industrial development without the requirement that land be subdivided. Municipal Liquor Positions 1.12-1.16 relate to municipal liquor. The City has operated a municipal liquor store since it was established by local referendum in 1948. The liquor operation generates over $1 million annually in profit. These profits fund Edina’s recreational facilities, including the ice arena, art center and aquatic center, allowing the City to reduce user fees and allow greater access. The City’s recreation programs serve children and families from all over the metro area, not just Edina. Continual support of liquor stores and their ability to generate profit allows municipal liquor stores to benefit the community and region through local programs and amenities. Page 9 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 1.12 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation In 2021, Miami-based Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits filed a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota seeking elimination of a Minnesota law called the Coleman Act, which contains the open wholesaling system of spirits distribution. Open wholesaling of spirits requires that all spirit brands (with some exceptions) be available for sale to all licensed Minnesota wholesalers. This encourages healthy competition among wholesalers benefiting both sellers and customers. If Southern Glazer's lawsuit is successful, more than half of the spirit brands in Minnesota may become exclusive with Southern Glazer's. The City opposes this lawsuit and supports an amendment of the Coleman Act to reinforce a system of open wholesaling because without protections for open wholesaling: •Wholesale prices will increase. •Service levels on certain brands will decrease. •Purchase and delivery schedules will be reduced. •Sale margins will be compressed. 1.13 Oppose Further Changes to Tap Room Retail Operations Due to changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, tap rooms can offer limited direct-to-customer sales via carryout. These sales are controlled by quantity, and the product must use different packaging than the product supplied wholesale to liquor stores. The City opposes further changes to tap room retail operations because changes could allow bulk or exclusive sale from tap rooms jeopardizing the State of MN three-tiered system. 1.14 Protect Customer Data As a municipal operation, municipal liquor stores may be subject to data practices requests. The City supports protections for customer data because: •Customer data subject to request could include purchase history and personally identifying information. •The threat of data requests erodes trust with the customer. •It may put municipal liquor stores at a competitive disadvantage. •The City’s municipal liquor operation discontinued its customer rewards program, because without clarity of what information is subject to a data request, the City would not hold personally identifying information and purchase history that could be subject to a data request. 1.15 Clarity on THC-Infused Products With the passage of Minn. Stat. 151.72 in July 2022, products containing THC are permitted for sale. The City seeks clarification on if retail liquor stores can sell THC-infused beverages because: •Without federal passage of the SAFE banking act, cannabis-related legitimate operations cannot generate proceeds from unlawful activity, and banking institutions can be penalized by federal authorities for providing services to a cannabis-related business. •Current regulation allows for retailers like Edina Liquor to accept credit card payments only if the percent of total revenue from THC products is less than 15%. Page 10 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 1.16 Maintain Constraints on Off-Sale Liquor Currently, grocery and convenience stores can sell 3.2% alcohol, while all other alcohol products are sold at liquor stores. Some grocery stores opt to apply for an off-sale liquor license and can sell beer, wine and liquor at the store, with some adjustments, including a separate entrance. The City of Edina supports maintaining the constraints on off-sale liquor because: •The constraints allow for smaller private and municipal liquor stores to compete on an even playing field. •Claims that the off-sale liquor license process inhibits growth are rebutted by several grocery stores opting for some locations applying for the off-sale liquor license. 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Affordable housing includes two focuses: regulatory tools for affordable housing (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), protecting low- and moderate-income tenants (2.4, 2.5). 2.1 Reduce the Tax Rate on Land Trust Properties to Align with the 4d Property Tax Classification Previous legislative sessions made changes to the tax classification of Community Land Trust properties by reducing the tax rate for the 1a – Residential Homestead classification, from an up to 1.25% rate to 0.75%. The City supports a change to align with the 4d property tax classification, which is applied to low-income rental properties at up to a 0.25% rate because: •Homeowners lease, and do not own, the land from the Land Trust. •The property is required to be affordable as memorialized through the ground lease. •The Land Trust is designed to create affordable home ownership opportunities, but requiring the homeowner to pay property taxes on the value of the house and the land at the single-family homestead rate makes homes less affordable. •Due to both leasing the land and the requirement that it stay affordable, 4d is a more appropriate tax classification than 1a. •Edina has 26 land trust residential properties, with property values in the city rapidly increasing. High property values and corresponding taxes impact the ability of land trust homeowners to remain in their home. 2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting The City supports legislation that authorizes a tax on the sale of these properties to corporations and protections prohibiting the conversion of single-family residences into rental properties by developers and corporations. The City supports bills introduced in the 92nd legislature: SF 3147, imposing the tax, and SF 4313, prohibiting the conversion, because: •The City and surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of residences converted from single family homes owned by the residents to rental properties. Page 11 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 •Such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for residents. 2.3 Support for “Missing Middle” Legislation with Local Controls While the “missing middle” housing bill in the 93rd Legislature (HF4009/SF3964) was tabled, the City would look favorably on legislation that similarly encourages and incentivizes “missing middle” housing and strategic land use adjustments, provided it has more flexibility for local control options. The City supports strategic gentle density because: •The City’s Climate Action Plan has goals for reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) 7 percent and doubling public transit commuter ridership by 2030, both of which are only possible in a more walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly Edina. •Diversifying housing stock by providing options such as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and duplexes allows communities like Edina to maintain their suburban character while allowing more residents to age in place, downsize, purchase starter homes, raise their families where they themselves grew up, and more while remaining affordable. •Increasing the City’s population broadens the tax base, keeping individual household taxes low while maintaining high levels of municipal services. 2.4 Discrimination Protections for Source of Income The City of Edina supports legislation amending the Minnesota Human Rights Act (specifically § 363A.09 Unfair Discriminatory Practices Relating to Real Property) to protect Minnesotans from being denied housing based on their source of income because: •The purpose of making housing discrimination based on a person’s source of income illegal is to increase housing choices for Minnesotans who utilize housing assistance such as emergency rental assistance or housing choice vouchers (also known as “Section 8”). •With the majority of Minnesotans who use federal housing choice vouchers being BIPOC, the denial of housing based on source of income widens racial disparities, preventing housing stability and exacerbating poverty and homelessness. Housing assistance is guaranteed income for landlords, providing them with more stable rental funds. 2.5 Reform Eviction Expungement Records of unlawful detainer filings, or eviction lawsuits, remain on a tenant’s public record regardless of whether the matter was settled or dismissed prior to the court hearing or if the tenant prevails at the hearing. The City supports legislation expanding the eligibility for discretionary and mandatory expungements for eviction case court files because: •In these cases, the eviction record is not a reasonable predictor of future tenant behavior and should be expunged. •The existence of this record impedes the ability of the renter to secure suitable rental housing in the future. 2.6 Promote Owner-Occupied Housing Page 12 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 The City supports opportunities that promote affordable home ownership for residents, which includes the modification or removal of regulations that limit residents’ potential for affordable home ownership, for example, Minnesota’s 1-2-10 Warranty. 3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY Environment and sustainability has five thematic focuses: energy management and environment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3), right to repair (3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8), sustainable transportation (3.10, 3.11, 3.12), local environmental public health programs (3.12) and water resource management (3.13, 3.14) 3.1 Establish Building Performance Standards Large commercial buildings are a significant contributor to Minnesota’s and Edina’s greenhouse gas emissions. Building energy benchmarking is already in use, requiring building owners to report energy use but includes no requirement for improving their building’s energy efficiency. The City supports establishing building performance standards that: •Create greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy performance targets, a timeline to meet them, and resources to help building owners comply. 3.2 Establish a Right to Cooling Standard for Minnesotans In 2023, the Legislature passed a right to heating law for renters, to ensure renters have safe and functional homes. The City supports establishing a similar right to cooling, coupled with increased resources for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) that provides utility bill relief and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) that supports air sealing and insulation upgrades. Resources should include the ability to accept applications year-round and without a cap on annual service recipients. The City supports this because: •Minnesota is warming rapidly. •Excessive heat has well-documented health consequences, including serious illness and death. •Renters require additional protections to ensure landlords provide a safe and functional home. 3.3 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Activities Currently, the City is awarded a portion of the SCORE funds annually for residential recycling, residential organics recycling and participation in both at the multi-family building level. The City strives to spend 100% of the funds on allowable purposes. The City supports continued SCORE funding because: •The funds advance waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics programs to meet city, county and state recycling goals. •SCORE funding allows the City to conduct critical outreach. Page 13 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 3.4 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products The City supports promoting only vetted manufactures because: •Working with only vetted manufactures reduces the likelihood of products with misleading claims to be sold or distributed in Minnesota. •It reduces City contamination in the recycling process. •It simplifies education on which certifications customers can look for. 3.5 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters The City supports additional funding for counties creating compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters because: •Landfilling all waste in Hennepin County and metropolitan area is no longer a viable option. •Compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters provide more options for waste haulers. 3.6 Develop and Fund Zero-Waste Initiatives Zero-waste initiatives manage all discarded materials to their highest and best use according to the waste management hierarchy set forth in the Waste Management Act. The City supports the development of zero-waste initiatives because: •They will aid local governments reaching recycling and composting goals. •The City’s waste reduction goals mirror those set by the state, county and Edina’s climate action plans. 3.7 Expand Right to Repair Law The Digital Fair Repair Act that went into effect on July 1, 2024, is instrumental to reducing waste and encouraging reuse in Minnesota by furthering the life of consumer products. To further the success of the new law, the right to repair measures should be expanded to include previously excluded equipment such as farm equipment and wheelchairs (similar to Colorado’s law) and vehicles (such as in Massachusetts). Expanding on the right-to-repair to include more than just electronics would improve this new law to be even more equitable for a wider range of Minnesotans. 3.8 Increase Funding for the State E-bike Rebate Program In 2023, the State appropriated $2 million for a new e-bike rebate program. Expecting that eligible participants will each receive an average of $1,000, this is only 2,000 new e-bikes on the road. The City supports continuing and increasing this fund because: •2024 program demonstrated a high demand for assistance. •More low-income residents will be able to access new and climate friendly transportation. •E-bikes are associated with positive health benefits and increased mobility. 3.9 Establish State Funding to Support Expanded Carshare Networks in the Twin Cities and Minnesota Page 14 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Xcel Energy pulled private funding from HOURCAR in 2023, the nonprofit electric carshare service in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The City supports an expanded network and has studied resident support via a partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Resilient Communities Project in 2022-23. The City supports this because: •Carshares are a viable alternative to owning a personal vehicle. •Carshares have a demonstrated history of reducing vehicle miles traveled. 3.10 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs Currently, the State delegates authority to operate food, pool and lodging establishment regulatory programs to cities and counties. The City supports continuing local operation of these public health services and programs, because: •It allows cities to provide services to meet local needs. 3.11 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride- Containing De-icing Chemicals Salt is a pollutant and causes damage to infrastructure and the environment. Private contractors tend to over-apply salt on parking lots and sidewalks, often because they are afraid of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits. The City supports state funding for research and training for public and private applicators of chloride- containing de-icing chemicals, and legislation to address liability concerns of private de-icing salt applicators because: •Waterbodies throughout the state, including within and downstream of Edina, fail to meet the water quality standards for chloride (salt) established by the state and so have been added to the federal register of impaired waters as required by the Clean Water Act. •The legislation, which is modeled on a similar law passed in New Hampshire, would incentivize contractors to attend training, get certified, and document their practices, reducing the over- application of salt. 3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride- Containing De-icing Chemicals Truth in labeling can help consumers by providing access to accurate and comprehensive information regarding the composition, environmental impact, risks to infrastructure damage, and exposure risk to pets. Current labeling practices falsely claim or imply chloride containing products are environmentally safe and/or pet safe. Truth labeling would empower individuals to select the appropriate material for the job and reduce overapplication. 3.13 Support Reduction of Chloride Pollution from Wastewater Effluent Chloride pollution in wastewater effluent comes primarily from water softening processes. Reducing chloride in wastewater effluent is important for meeting clean water goals in downstream waterbodies. Wastewater generated locally is treated at the regional wastewater treatment plant before discharging Page 15 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 to the Mississippi River. Reducing chloride pollution in wastewater will benefit downstream aquatic ecosystems, protect drinking water sources, and extend the lifespan of water infrastructure. 3.14 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Inflow and infiltration (I/I) describe the ways that groundwater and stormwater make its way into sanitary sewer pipes and gets treated, unnecessarily, at regional wastewater plants. The Metropolitan Council identifies cities contributing excessive I/I into the regional wastewater system and charges the city for the excess. The City supports state financial assistance to cities for metro area I/I mitigation, such as the Municipal State Bond Grant Program because: •I/I mitigation supports efficient use of the regional system for waste treatment. •I/I mitigation slows the need for capacity upgrades. 4 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Continue and Increase Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding The City has 40.85 miles of roads designated as MSA. This state funding is vital to maintain these high- quality connections. The City asks for continued support of municipal state aid funding because: •The state aid road system was developed to provide vital, high-quality connections necessary for the overall state highway network to work well. •The roads that are on the state aid system typically carry heavier traffic volumes, connect major points of interest and provide an integrated and coordinated road system. 4.2 Municipal State Aid (MSA) Cost Participation The City supports malleability in, or exemption from, cost participation policies, especially for cities with a disproportionate amount of state or county highways within and encircling their local boundaries. Special or additional funding from the state legislative for cities that have these burdens of additional cost participation in projects involving state and county roads including the placement of underground utilities due to those projects should be supported. 4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding The Local Bridge Replacement Program provides local agencies funding for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures. The program is financed by the passage of specific legislation allocating general obligation state bond funds, but regularly does not receive enough funding. The City supports funding dedicated to the Local Bridge Replacement Program to provide safe bridges because: •The City has 27 local bridges. 4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach Page 16 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Edina, like much of the Metro area, continues to experience a persistent reduction in transit service frequency and reach as a result of pandemic-era service reductions and workforce shortages. The City supports additional funding to return transit service to pre-pandemic levels, support operator hiring initiatives, and develop a connecting bus study for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) because: •The City’s transit ridership prior to the pandemic was about half the average rate of Hennepin County. •Adequate public transit offerings are essential to doubling public transit ridership to seven percent by 2030 to reach our Climate Action Plan goals. Adequate public transit offerings are essential to meeting the City’s climate action goals. •Transit service supports many community and regional goals, including improving mobility, relieving traffic congestion, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting sustainable development and growth. 4.5 Support Tools and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled Transportation emissions account for 40% of Edina’s baseline greenhouse gas emissions and are projected to become the leading emissions source in Edina as the energy sector decarbonizes. The City supports funding to provide alternative transportation infrastructure to decrease the use of single- occupancy vehicles and their associated negative impacts on air quality, traffic congestion and quality of life because: •Total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Edina in 2021 was more than 500 million miles, an increase from past years. •The City’s Climate Action Plan identified a goal to reduce VMT by seven percent by 2030. •Decreasing commuters driving alone by six percent to match the county-wide average would decrease VMT by up to 10 million miles. 5 PUBLIC SAFETY 5.1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Local Control In February 2022, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report that found serious deficiencies with both the management of the Emergency Medical Service Regulatory Board and the current ambulance service license process. During the 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota Fire Association Coalition introduced legislation, HF2736 and SF2691, to implement the recommendations of the OLA relating to the primary service areas. The City supports this legislation because: •Local governments should be able to set standards for EMS service in their communities. •Local governments should have the authority to find an EMS provider than can meet local standards. Page 17 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 5.2 Residential Fire Sprinklers There are few statutory requirements for residential fire sprinklers. The City opposes efforts to statutorily limit the use of residential fire sprinklers and supports the inclusion of professionals and industry experts in the creating or writing of any code parameters, particularly the installation of fire suppression systems in residential building code, because: •Sprinklers protect occupants, firefighters and property from fires. •Recent Minnesota studies show the cost of installing residential fire sprinkler systems averages $1.15 per sprinklered square foot, or approximately one percent of new home construction. 5.3 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation The City supports the creation and funding of a multijurisdictional group of law enforcement officials focusing on investigations and prevention because auto theft and violent crimes committed in stolen vehicles have dramatically increased. The City would also support funding for stronger juvenile justice resources, such as building metropolitan area facilities that will house juvenile offenders, as these facilities could include both detention and supportive resources, such as mental health evaluations and care, educational, vocational and life skills training, mentorship and community reentry programs, etc. 5.4 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs The City supports a variety of funded recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement agencies. Programs include creating a state funded grant program for bonuses, renewing part-time officer licenses for small agencies, paid health care for licensed police officers who retire at 55 after 10 consecutive years of service with a Minnesota city, deferred retirement option programs, county or tribal government and scholarship programs with higher education partners. The City supports these state funded programs because: •Agencies of all sizes are having trouble recruiting and retaining officers. •Out-of-state agencies are recruiting Minnesota officers away from the state through reciprocity tests and other minimal out-of-state requirements. •Deferred retirement option programs in particular would help stabilize the workforce. 5.5 Fund additional K-12 Threat Assessments The City supports legislation which would require school districts to study and address general and specific school safety issues because: •Previous funding, including the grants passed by the Legislature in 2018, only provided for infrastructure improvements. •Further assessment of school safety issues, beyond physical infrastructure, is needed. 5.6 Increase Penalty for Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle and Allow Use of Mobile Tracking Devices Currently, the penalty for an offender fleeing is relatively low and using tracking devices on stolen vehicles is only allowed with owner consent or a search warrant. The City supports increasing the Page 18 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 penalty for fleeing and allowing officers to use mobile tracking devices on fleeing vehicles under specific circumstances. The City supports this because: •The number of offenders who flee police officers has increased as police departments shift away from pursuing due to the high level of risk to the community. It is well known that police will often not pursue, due to the risk. •Increasing the penalty more appropriately captures the risk to the community when an offender flees. •Allowing officers to use mobile tracking devices when an officer has reason to believe a vehicle is stolen or the driver has committed a crime reduces the need to pursue many offenders, allowing for both safer streets and the ability to safely locate offenders. 5.7 Revise School Resource Officer Legislation In 2023, the 93rd Legislature changed the reasonable force standards by which school resource officers act in schools. The City supports the following amendments to legislation: Minnesota Statute 121A.582, Subd. 1(b): Subd. 1 (b) expand the definition of when “reasonable force” may be used by amending the language as follows: “to restrain a student and or prevent bodily harm or death to the student or another.” Subd. 1 (b) clarify that use of reasonable force by a school resource officer or police officer contracted with a district is regulated by Minnesota Statute 609.06. Minnesota Statute 121A.58: Subd. 2 (a) AND Subd. 2 (b): Remove “school resource officer” and “police officer contracted with the district” from roles covered by this subdivision. Add a section that makes the exclusion of “school resource officers” and “police officers contracted with a district” from the definition of “agents” or “employees” of a school district explicit. The City supports these amendments because: •The current legislation has competing interpretations, some allowing for restraint and some banning it except in the most extreme cases, and potentially creating different reasonable force standards for school resource officers and police officers. •School resource officer programs can benefit students, officers, and communities through positive interactions. The current legal confusion caused many partnerships between schools and police departments to be put on pause, absent clear direction. 5.8 Transparent and Holistic Brady/Giglio Legislation The subject of Brady/Giglio received statewide attention in the 2024 legislative session by bills introduced by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office allowing access to all private data on police officers. Additionally, several bills were introduced by legislators to have a statewide Brady standard for police officers, county attorneys, and the judiciary to follow. Page 19 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 The City of Edina asserts that any proposed bill must include a statutory definition of Brady material, due process for an officer or police agency to contest a county attorney’s designation of Brady material, requirement to maintain any kind of Brady data on officers and who can access the data, CJIS security compliance of data, and uniformity of protective court orders involving Brady material. The Minnesota Chiefs-Police Association (MCPA) has supported legislation for numerous years through the Officer Integrity Act allowing for a Minnesota Licensed Peace Officer to be terminated from public employment without opportunity to challenge the remedy of termination should the basis for termination be willful or intentional dishonestly, deception, or similar unethical or illegal conduct that is deemed sufficient to imperil their credibility in court testimony. The City of Edina does not support limiting an officer’s due process right to arbitration. A well-developed and transparent Brady/Giglio process will provide confidence and legitimacy for all participants in the criminal justice process and the public as other states have enacted (examples: Colorado and Iowa). 5.9 Support for First Responder Buffer Zone Protection The City supports legislation that would assist officers making arrests in difficult situations. This legislation would make it illegal to approach within 25 feet of a working first responder after being asked or ordered to back up. Similar legislation was passed earlier this year in Louisiana and Florida. The ultimate goal is to help keep our first responders safe while working. Those first responders could be law enforcement officers, correctional probation officers, firefighters, and/or emergency medical care providers. Page 20 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 City of Edina Staff Contact Information Priorities Scott Neal, City Manager, can be contacted regarding any of the legislative priorities, in addition to the staff below. He can be reached at SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401. 1 Bonding for Interchange Improvements at Minnesota Highway 100 and Vernon Avenue/West 50th Street Chad Millner, Director of Engineering CMillner@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0318 2 Bonding for Aquatic Center Perry Vetter, Director of Parks & Recreation PVetter@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0430 3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in the Braemar Park Master Plan and Fred Richards Park Master Plan Perry Vetter, Director of Parks & Recreation PVetter@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0430 4 Tax Increment Financing (TIF) legislation for 70th and France and 72nd and France Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager BNeuendorf@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0407 5 Protect Municipal Employees with Enforcement Functions Scott Neal, City Manager SNeal@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0401 Page 21 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 Positions 1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 Re-align Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation Scott Neal, City Manager SNeal@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0401 1.2 Increase Purchasing Authority 1.3 Adult-Use Cannabis 1.4 Allow Restrictions on Possession of Firearms in Municipal Facilities with School-Like Use 1.5 Remove Language in the Minnesota State Constitution Allowing for Enslavement of Incarcerated People 1.6 Empower Unbanked Minnesotans to Participate in the Local Economy 1.7 Data Practices and Personal Information 1.8 Various Election Support 1.9 Hearing Aid Affordability 1.10 Change Group Home Regulation Cary Teague, Community Development Director CTeague@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0460 1.11 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation Josh Furbish, Liquor Operations General Manager JFurbish@EdinaMN.gov 952-903-5732 1.12 Oppose Changes to Tap Rooms Retail Operations 1.13 Protect Customer Data 1.14 Clarity on THC-Infused Products 1.15 Maintain Constraints on Off-Sale Liquor 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2.1 Reduce the Tax Rate on Land Trust Properties to Align with the 4d Property Tax Classification Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Development Manager SHawkinson@EdinaMN.gov 952-833-9578 2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting 2.3 Support for “Missing Middle” Legislation with Local Controls 2.4 Discrimination Protections for Source of Income 2.5 Reform Eviction Expungement 2.6 Promote Owner-Occupied Housing Page 22 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 3.1 Establish Building Performance Standards Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager MBayer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-1621 3.2 Establish a Right to Cooling Standard for Minnesotans 3.3 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Activities Twila Singh, Organics Recycling Coordinator TSingh@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-1657 3.4 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products 3.5 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters 3.6 Develop and Fund Zero-Waste Initiatives 3.7 Expand Right to Repair Law 3.8 Increase Funding for State E-Bike Rebate Program Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager MBayer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-1621 3.9 Establish State Funding to Support Expanded Carshare Networks 3.10 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs Jeff Brown, Community Health Administrator JBrown@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-466 3.11 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride-Containing De-Icing Chemicals 3.12 Support for Truth in Labeling for Chloride-Containing De-Icing Chemicals 3.13 Support Reduction of Chloride Pollution from Wastewater Effluent Jessica Vanderwerff Wilson, Water Resources Coordinator JWilson@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0445 3.14 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Ross Bintner, Engineering Services Manager RBintner@EdinaMN.gov 952-903-5713 Page 23 of 28 City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 4 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Continue and Increase Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding 952-826-0440 4.2 Municipal State Aid (MSA) Cost Participation 4.3 Increase Funding for Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding 4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach 4.5 Support Tools and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled Chad Millner, Director of Engineering CMillner@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0318 Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov 5 PUBLIC SAFETY 5.1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Local Control Andrew Slama, Chief of Fire ASlama@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0332 5.2 Residential Fire Sprinklers 5.3 Todd Milburn, Chief of Police TMilburn@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0487 5.4 5.5 5.6 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs Fund Additional K-12 Threat Assessments Increase Penalty for Fleeing in a Motor Vehicle and Allow Use of Mobile Tracking Devices 5.7 Revise School Resource Officer Legislation 5.8 Transparent and Holistic Brady/Giglio Legislation 5.9 Support for First Responder Buffer Zone Protection Page 24 of 28 2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES The League of Minnesota Cities promotes excellence in local government through effective advocacy, expert analysis, and trusted guidance for all Minnesota cities.©2025 League of Minnesota Cities. All Rights Reserved.LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES League of Minnesota Cities MinnesotaCities Minnesota_Cities MinnesotaCities #MnCities Transportation Funding We support dedicating more resources to all components of the transportation system and call for funding and tools to help cities meet growing transportation needs. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure and Policy We support state-provided technical and financial resources for municipal drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems. Adult-Use Cannabis Legislation should address cities’ needs in implementing the cannabis industry, including providing adequate funding via the Local Government Cannabis Aid Fund. We support increased local discretion and decision-making. Bonding We support a substantial bonding bill that includes funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, local roads and bridges, housing, the local road wetland replacement fund, flood mitigation, and dam repair and removal. Elections Legislation should address the needs and recommendations of cities and election administrators. We support ongoing and sufficient funding for election administration. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) We support state funding to help cities endure the costs of preparing for, and responding to, catastrophic urban forest problems, including EAB. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) We support the work of the EMS Delivery and Sustainability Task Force and will engage in the work of the newly-established Minnesota Office of EMS. We also support funding and policies that recognize different EMS models and support EMS statewide. Employment Relations We support defining public employees as those with a formal employer-employee relationship. We also support a balanced approach that empowers public employers to provide more generous paid leave benefits while minimizing legal mandates. Housing We support state-local partnerships that provide policies and resources to address local housing needs, while preserving local authority over zoning and land use decisions. We encourage lawmakers to focus on policies tailored to each community’s unique needs. Local Decision Making We oppose legislation that erodes or eliminates local decision making authority for cities to make the decisions that best suit their individual communities. Local Government Aid (LGA) We support increasing LGA to reduce pressure on the property tax and equalize property tax bases. We also support indexing LGA to inflation so that aid to cities keeps pace with rising costs. Local Sales Taxes We support a change in law to allow cities to propose a local sales tax for capital project costs to its voters without requiring a special law authorization. Public Safety Duty Disability We support ongoing state funding to support injury prevention, treatment, and reimbursement for employers. We oppose expanding the definition of eligible work- related conditions for workers’ compensation purposes. Sales Tax Exemption on Construction Materials We support legislation to streamline the process for cities to secure the sales tax exemption on construction materials. Page 25 of 28 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS STAFF The League’s Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) staff work on legislative issues that matter to cities. Feel free to contact our IGR staff members with any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding legislative issues.©2025 League of Minnesota Cities. All Rights Reserved.LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES LMC.ORG Anne Finn Director (651) 281-1263 afinn@lmc.org • Emergency Medical Services • Employment and HR • Pensions and Retirement • Public Safety • State Bonding • Transportation • Workers’ Compensation Craig Johnson Senior Representative (651) 281-1259 cjohnson@lmc.org • Energy • Environment • Land Use and Annexation • Local/Tribal Relations • State Bonding • Sustainable Development • Wastewater, Drinking Water, and Stormwater Ted Bengtson Administrative Coordinator (651) 281-1242 tbengtson@lmc.org • General • Member Relations Daniel Lightfoot Senior Representative (651) 281-1295 dlightfoot@lmc.org • Broadband • Cable Franchising • Economic Development • Federal Relations and Advocacy • Housing • State Bonding • Telecommunications, Information Technology, & Wireless Infrastructure MinnesotaCities League of Minnesota Cities Nathan Jesson Representative (651) 281-1262 njesson@lmc.org • Aid to Cities • Local Government Aid • Local Sales Taxes • Public Finances • Taxes • Tax Increment Financing • Employment and Human Resources • Pensions and Retirement Owen Wirth Representative (651) 281-1224 owirth@lmc.org • Cannabis Regulation • Elections • Regulated Industries • Procurement Beth Johnston Representative (651) 281-1218 bjohnston@lmc.org Minnesota_Cities MinnesotaCities #MnCities Tori Kee Representative and Attorney (651) 281-1292 tkee@lmc.org • Civil Law • Data Practices • Open Meeting Law Page 26 of 28 MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION 2025 MLC Legislative Priorities The Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) is an association of 18 suburban communities working together to promote public policy decision's that are transparent, accountable, and equitable. We support strategic initiatives that help our cities, businesses, region, and state develop and thrive. Expanding Housing Production and Promoting Affordable Housing We support policies that increase production across the housing spectrum and provide greater access to affordable options while preserving local control of land use and zoning decisions, including: • Reforming condominium insurance and warranty requirements • Allowing cities to use local affordable housing aid for zoning code updates • Simplifying comprehensive plan changes for redevelopment projects • Strategically expanding Metropolitan Urban Service Area boundaries • Establishing a metro area housing infrastructure grant program • Expanding investments in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing and other critical affordable housing programs • Expanding authority for cities to redirect surplus TIF funds to Affordable Housing Trust Funds and allowing TIF district extensions for affordable housing purposes • Promoting Housing Improvement Areas in cities with multi-unit properties Supporting Safer Communities MLC supports empowering local elected leaders to effectively manage public safety issues in their communities by: • Allocating additional one-time funding for police and fire aid programs • Enhancing local control of Emergency Medical Services by enabling community-specific ambulance service provider selection and establishing local performance and quality assurance oversight Investing in Infrastructure, Transportation & Economic Development MLC supports greater, regionally balanced investments in transportation and infrastructure and sensible regulatory requirements, including: • Authorizing street infrastructure fees to ensure that local infrastructure can meet the demands imposed by new development • Support essential local infrastructure projects with a regional/state benefit • Provide increased, regionally balanced investments in transportation and infrastructure • Support targeted state investments that add new workers, retain high-quality jobs, and attract business development Strengthening the State-Local Fiscal Partnership We support greater stability and predictability in the fiscal relationship between the state and local units of government by: • Providing a clearer, more predictable, and equitable process to approve local sales tax requests • Supporting more frequent review of the Local Government Aid (LGA) program • Providing direct property tax relief • Simplifying the sales tax exemption on construction materials for cities • Preserving the integrity of the Fiscal Disparities Program Learn more at: www.mlcmn.com/advocacy Page 27 of 28 MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION MLC City Profiles Population Employment Sales Tax Revenue Local Affordable Housing Aid City (2023) (2023) (2022) (2024) Apple Valley 56,252 16,063 52,949,943 282,732.21 Bloomington 91,537 89,333 214,006,918 567,427.48 Burnsville 65,327 33,718 94,029,499 405,820.74 Chanhassen j 25,807 16,239 40,128,483 126,855.46 Eagan 69,299 50,996 89,588,077 346,610.91 Eden Prairie 64,600 57,621 90,177,853 268,672.53 Edina 54,480 44,353 75,476,515 339,342.32 Golden Valley 22,305 28,508 47,547,788 137,095.15 Inver Grove Heights 36,219 11,191 32,131,766 200,443.29 Lakeville 75,217 20,994 50,534,113 229,464.59 Maple Grove 71,676 37,849 113,058,284 265,701.43 Minnetonka 54,850 47,979 77,014,684 321,515.71 Plymouth 80,546 53,776 113,487,011 363,111.14 Prior Lake 28,915 8,159 12,145,034 109,824.67 Rosemount 26,965 8,083 14,851,063 85,047.80 Shakopee 46,037 31,056 54,820,409 212,327.70 Shoreview 27,369 11,956 14,907,066 130,516.28 Woodbury 78,740 25,651 76,264,379 301,991.32 976,141 593,525 1,263,118,885 4,694,500.73 MLC Statistics • Nearly one million people-17 percent of Minnesota's population-live in 18 MLC cities. • MLC cities are home to approximately 20 percent of our state's jobs. • MLC cities generate nearly 30 percent of state sales tax revenue in the 7-county metro area. • In 2024, MLC cities received 29 percent of available metro local affordable housing aid. MLC Government Relations Tony Albright, Lobbyist tony.albright@poulhaas.com I (612) 801-9401 Laura Harris, Director of Association Management laura.harris@poulhaas.com I (651) 334-4359 Tom Pout, Attorney/Lobbyist tom.poul@poulhaas.com I (651) 260-0696 Amy Walstien, Attorney/Lobbyist Amy.walstien@poulhaas.com I (651) 238-9264 Page 28 of 28