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2026-01-20 Work Session Meeting Packet
City Council Work Session Meeting Agenda January 20, 2026, 5:30 PM Edina City Hall, Community Room, 4801 W. 50th St. 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. 2026 State Legislative Delegation Meeting 4. Adjournment Page 1 of 26 Item Report January 20, 2026 City Council Item Number: 3.1 Department: Administration Item Activity: Discussion Information Prepared By: Scott Neal, City Manager, Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow Item Title: 2026 State Legislative Delegation Meeting Action Requested: Council is invited to raise considerations and share perspectives related to the 2026 state legislative platform with invited guests, which includes Edina's state senators and representatives, Edina's state lobbyist, and representatives from Edina's member-based advocacy organizations (Municipal Legislative Commission, Metro Cities, and the League of Minnesota Cities). Information/Background: The identification of state and federal legislation 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 policy changes necessary to achieve those goals, they also work to propose changes to said policy 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, legislative changes 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 finalizes the specifics within our 2026 legislative platforms, so do associations such as the Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC), Association of Metropolitan Municipalities (Metro Cities), the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association (MCPA). Oftentimes, Edina's interests align with these associations both by virtue of the City's participation in each association and their guiding purpose. The City's 2026 legislative platforms do not duplicate items found on the MLC, Metro Cities, LMC, or MCPA platforms, but it does assume general alignment with these partner associations. The two types of items that make up the state 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. Anything that was removed from the platform was either approved or addressed by last year's state legislative session, or has been morphed into a new priority/position. Resources/Financial Impacts: No fiscal impact to prepare and adopt these legislative platforms. Capacity impact is minimal for staff to update legislative platforms each year. Relationship to City Policies/Plans/Budget Pillars: The legislative platforms largely relate to city code, the city budget, a large majority of city work plans, Page 2 of 26 the Comprehensive Plan, the Capital Improvement Plan, the Climate Action Plan, the Safe and Equitable Mobility Action Plan, and the Living Streets Plan and Policy. Values Impact: Supporting Documentation: Documents marked with "Board Portal" do not meet ADA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (URL) and are not included in the public packet. To request a board portal document, please submit a data request (URL). 1. City of Edina 2026 State Platform 2. 2026 LMC Legislative Priorities and Staff 3. 2026 Metro Cities Legislative Priorities 4. 2026 MLC Legislative Priorities Page 3 of 26 1 Memo Administration EdinaMN.gov Date: January 20, 2026 To: Mayor & City Council From: Scott Neal, City Manager; Zoe Johnson, City Management Fellow Subject: 2026 State Legislative Platform Priorities: The following five priorities are made up of issues specific to Edina and do not directly affect other communities. 1. Sales Tax Spending Authority Amendment for Regional Recreation and Public Safety The City’s current sales tax spending limit is $71 million. The spending limit is a result of two local referendums which approved the local sales tax in 2022 and again in 2023. The total projected revenue from the local sales tax over the approved 19-year time frame at the approved tax rate of 0.5% is $140 million. The City seeks additional local sales tax spending authority to make capital and infrastructure improvements to its large regionally significant parks and recreation facilities, including Braemar Park, Fred Richards Park, Edina Aquatic Center, Edina Art Center, Edinborough Park, Centennial Lakes Park and capital improvements for the City’s public safety facilities. The City’s request can be summarized as follows: • Increase the City’s approved spending by $4 million to cover construction related inflation costs at its two existing local sales tax funded projects at Braemar Arena and Fred Richards Park by amending the scope of the current eligible expense categories: design; architecture; scoping; estimating; engineering; construction; lease payments; HVAC commissioning; payroll and fringe benefit costs for City employees who perform direct work for the project(s); furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) for all elements of the project(s); and communications and community engagement for the project(s); and, • To authorize the City of Edina to host an additional local sales tax referendum during the 2026 general election to authorize local sales tax funding for the following major capital and infrastructure improvements: ▪ New Public Safety Facilities (design and construction): $25,000,000 ▪ Edinborough Park (CIP spending): $14,000,000 ▪ Centennial Lake Park (CIP spending): $8,000,000 ▪ Edina Art Center (tenant improvement costs): $6,000,000 ▪ Edina Aquatic Center (CIP spending): $8,000,000 ▪ Braemar Golf Course Clubhouse (design): $4,000,000 Given current rates of sales tax revenue collection, and the previously voter approved spending, there is sufficient revenue expected in the future to support this spending. Page 4 of 26 2 2. Fire Station 3/Municipal Campus Land Dedication The Vernon Avenue and Highway 100 Interchange Project is nearing completion. The project removes barriers and improves safety for all users with a focus on pedestrians and populations with mobility challenges. The project closed redundant MnDOT ramps creating unused public land that could be used for a much-needed Fire Station 3 and/or a municipal campus including a fire station in northeast Edina. The City is asking that the any surplus MnDOT land created upon completion of the interchange project in the area bordered by Vernon Avenue/West 50th Street, Grange Road, Eden Avenue, and marked Trunk Highway 100 be dedicated for use by the City of Edina as a fire station, a municipal campus, or both effective the day following final enactment. 3. Lift Firearm Preemption and Allow Local Regulation The City of Edina urges the Minnesota Legislature to lift the current preemption on local regulation of firearms. This change is critical to allow cities to address urgent public safety and welfare concerns related to gun violence in their own communities. Edina seeks the authority to regulate specific firearms and firearm modifications that pose an extraordinary risk to public safety – such as semi-automatic military-style assault weapons, ghost guns, large-capacity magazines, and binary triggers. These weapons and modifications are not commonly used for lawful self-defense but have a significantly higher capacity for causing mass injury and death compared to ordinary firearms. Local governments need flexibility to enact reasonable regulations tailored to their community’s needs to mitigate the harm caused by these weapons when used for unlawful purposes. Restoring local authority will empower cities like Edina to protect residents and reduce gun violence effectively. 4. Enabling Social Districts for Vibrant Commercial Corridors The City of Edina requests special legislation to enable the consideration and potential establishment of one or more Social Districts within its commercial business districts, including the 50th & France business district. As Edina businesses continue to compete with both regional retail hubs and the continued growth of online commerce, it is essential to explore innovative strategies that enhance the vibrancy and economic vitality of our brick-and-mortar commercial districts. Social District legislation would allow for the creation of designated areas where alcoholic beverages can be purchased from licensed establishments and consumed within clearly defined public and private spaces. This may encourage longer visits, increased foot traffic, and stronger community vitality —further distinguishing the business district as a unique destination for residents and visitors alike. This legislative authority should also allow a Social District within Edina to interact seamlessly with a similar district in a neighboring municipality, such as Minneapolis, for example in commercial districts that span two different municipalities like 50th & France. This cross-jurisdictional flexibility would enable both cities to collaboratively define district boundaries, coordinate implementation, and partner with local business associations to ensure responsible management. 5. 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 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. 6. 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 Page 5 of 26 3 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 assaults, threats, and physical violence. This would make the law more evenly applicable to all employees more likely to become target of assaults. Positions: The following 46 positions represent issues which apply to Edina and other Minnesota cities. These positions are grouped into six categories: General Government (pages 3-7), Municipal Liquor (pages 7-8), Affordable Housing (pages 8-9), Environment and Sustainability (pages 9-12), Transportation (pages 12-15) and Public Safety (page 15-16). 1. General Government 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. 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. • 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. Page 6 of 26 4 • 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. 3. 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. 4. 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 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. 5. Add Gun Safety Protections in Solidarity with the Annunciation Catholic School Community The Edina City Council calls for stronger protections against gun violence and calls on the State of Minnesota to enact and strengthen state-level protections which include consideration of the following: • Ensuring universal background checks on all commercial firearm transfers; • Strengthening Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Red Flag laws) by ensuring timely enforcement; • Enacting and funding strong safe-storage and child access prevention requirements, paired with statewide public education campaigns; • Prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; • Preserving and strengthening Minnesota’s permit-to-purchase and carry licensing system, and opposing permitless carry; • Banning ghost guns, 3D-printed firearms, bump stocks, and conversion devices; • Expanding funding for community violence intervention programs and hospital-based intervention models; and Page 7 of 26 5 • Fully funding school and youth mental health services so that trauma does not define our children’s futures. 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. 7. End Forced Labor in Minnesota Correctional Institutions The City of Edina supports efforts at the Minnesota Legislature to end forced labor in correctional institutions by reclassifying incarcerated individuals as workers or employees with the right to fair employment under HF3335 and SF3536. These measures would establish minimum wage standards for participants in the Institution Community Work Crew (ICWC) program through the Minnesota Department of Corrections, whose labor directly benefits local communities, including Edina. Supporting fair and equitable compensation aligns with the City’s values, promotes workforce skill development, and contributes to successful community reintegration. • ICWC contract costs are estimated to increase with an established minimum wage, if the same number of hours of crew work is maintained. The City of Edina is contracted for two crews of 10 workers each who complete four 10-hour days of work. • Without additional funding to support the ICWC program in Edina, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Facilities projects and services could be impacted. • In Edina, ICWC workers learn new job skills through serving the community through high-volume buckthorn and tree removals, installing and removing the sports dome, horticultural maintenance, cleaning of the ice arena, and other tasks during spring and fall transitions. • The ICWC program is part of the Department of Corrections (DOC) work release program, intended to be a transition to employment and stable residency in the community. The minimum wage increase is expected to ease the workers’ transition back into the community to assist with housing, family, restitution, and other living costs. 8. 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. Page 8 of 26 6 9. 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 to comply with requirements to provide access to public government data. 10. 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. • 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. 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. 12. 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. Page 9 of 26 7 • Grouping multiple facilities effectively turns a residential area into a commercial area. 2. Municipal Liquor The City has operated a municipal liquor store since it was established by local referendum in 1948. The liquor operation’s profits assist in funding 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. 1. 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 protection 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. 2. 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 personal 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. 3. 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 whether 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 retailers like Edina Liquor to accept credit card payments only if the percentage of total revenue from THC products is less than 15%. Page 10 of 26 8 4. 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. 3. Affordable Housing Affordable Housing includes two focuses – regulatory tools for affordable housing and protecting low- and moderate- income tenants. 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 changing the tax classification from 1a – Residential Homestead classification, from an up to 1.25% rate to a new 4d(2) Homestead Community Land Trust at 0.75%. The City supports a change to align with the 4d(1) 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 a higher rate makes homes less affordable. • Due to both leasing the land and the requirement that it stay affordable, a reduced 4d(1) is a more appropriate tax classification than 1a or 4d(2). • Edina has 30 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. 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. • Such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for residents. 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 Page 11 of 26 9 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. 4. Promote Owner-Occupied Housing 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. 4. Environment & Sustainability Environment & Sustainability has five thematic focuses – energy management and environment, right to repair, sustainable transportation, local environmental public health programs and water resource management. 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 creates greenhouse gas emission reduction and energy performance targets, a timeline to meet them, and financial resources to help building owners comply. 2. Establish a Right to Cooling Standard for Minnesotans Minnesota has an “Extreme Heat Law” to prevent utility disconnection during extreme heat conditions. To expand protections against the negative effects of extreme heat, the City of Edina supports establishing a "right to cooling" standard, similar to the "right to heating" standard adopted in 2023, to ensure renters have the ability to cool their home throughout the summer beyond a National Weather Service alert for excessive heat. This right to cooling should be 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. Page 12 of 26 10 3. Allow Portable (“Balcony”) Solar Systems Renewable electricity helps Minnesotans reduce their carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and increase their building’s resiliency. Portable solar systems, often referred to as “balcony solar” are portable, small scale solar kits that are plug-in ready and increase solar access for residents. The City supports changes to building code, solar and interconnection permitting, and other regulations to allow the use of these systems because: • Renters cannot leverage renewable electricity without landlord investment and approval. • Installing solar panels is a high up-front cost and these kits are more affordable and accessible. • Allowing for balcony solar increases consumer choice at a time when energy prices are rising. 4. Recommit Funding for Crucial Climate Action Programs State appropriations from the 2023 legislative session for several critical climate programs and incentives, like the electric vehicle rebates, Solar on Public Buildings Program, Implementation Grants for Stormwater & Community Resilience, multiple MPCA-administered climate planning grants, and more, have expired. These programs provide direct support to Minnesota homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations looking to invest in their homes and buildings. We know cost is one of the largest barriers to climate action and the City supports continued funding for these programs and others that allow for immediate project implementation. Without these crucial programs, the City of Edina would not have been able to pursue the following projects that are essential to adapting our community’s infrastructure to a changing climate: • With $50,000 from a Local Climate Action Grant, Edina will be the first municipality in Minnesota to use B100 biofuel for our heavy-duty vehicles instead of petroleum diesel. This will reduce our snowplow and dump trucks’ emissions by up to 90 percent while supporting Minnesota soy farmers. • A $1.1 million Implementation Grant for Stormwater Resilience is funding a new lift station and adaptive level control system at Edina’s York Avenue Pond. By increasing the pond’s stormwater storage capacity and increasing the pumping rate, this project will protect 355 units of housing from increased flood risk due to climate change and reduce downstream sediment pollution to Nine Mile Creek and the Mississippi River. • As part of the new Fred Richards Park, the City received a $500,000 Implementation Grant for Community Resilience to construct artificial shade structures in community gathering spaces. With Minnesota’s summers getting increasingly hotter, these shade structures will alleviate the lack of accessible shade areas and provide immediate hot weather relief for one of Edina’s densest and fastest-growing neighborhoods. 5. Increase Funding for the State E-bike Rebate Program The State allocated $2 million for a statewide e-bike rebate program in 2024 and 2025. The program had high demand from Minnesotans with approximately 1,300 vouchers awarded in 2024 and an expected 2,700-2,800 in 2025. The City supports a new allocation for funding because: • 2024 and 2025 program participation demonstrated a high demand for assistance. • With new 2025 program requirements, more low-income residents will be able to access climate-friendly transportation. • E-bikes are associated with vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reductions that meet our State, County and city climate goals, plus e-bike users see immediate positive health benefits and increased mobility. Page 13 of 26 11 6. Establish State Funding to Support Expanded Carshare Networks in the Twin Cities and Minnesota 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. 7. Allocate 100% 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. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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. Page 14 of 26 12 11. 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. 12. 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. 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. 13. Support Truth in Labeling for 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. 14. 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 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. 15. 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. 5. Transportation 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. Page 15 of 26 13 • 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. 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. 3. Support Local Design Control on Municipal State Aid (MSA) Roads As a condition of receiving state funding for Municipal State Aid roads, agencies are required to follow prescriptive design standards for roadway widths, lane configurations, and design speeds. These rules, intended to support uniformity and prioritize motor vehicle travel, often make it difficult for cities to create safe, multi-modal neighborhood-oriented corridors. The City supports legislation to grant local design control to cities to implement alternative design approaches that promote safety and mobility for all modes. 4. 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. 5. Support the Highway Justice Act The City is surrounded and bisected by several highways, including State Highway 62, State Highway 100, US Highway 169 and Interstate 494. While these roadways help connect the City to regional destinations, they also contribute to local air pollution, increased traffic on local frontage roads and create barriers between neighborhoods. The City asks for support of the Highway Justice Act, which would help create a transportation system that strengthens our communities by requiring meaningful community engagement, protecting environmental justice communities, and funding multimodal transportation solutions along trunk highway corridors. 6. Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach 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. • 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. Page 16 of 26 14 7. Increase Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure Funding 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 pedestrian and bicycle 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 2023 was more than 537 million miles, an increase from previous years and reaching pre-pandemic levels. • Edina’s Climate Action Plan, Hennepin County’s Climate Action Plan and Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework all identify the need to reduce VMT to meet climate goals. • Decreasing commuters driving alone by six percent to match the county-wide average would decrease VMT by up to 10 million miles. 8. Allow Biofuel Blends up to 100% as part of State Biodiesel Content Mandate Current State statute mandates a 20% biofuel blend for summer months. Growing technology and increased availability of higher blend biofuels on the market make updating Statute a benefit for both heavy-duty fleet operators and Minnesotan farmers and biofuel production facilities. The City supports updates to statute and fire code to make biofuel blends up to B100 an allowable use because: • State of Minnesota and City of Edina have specific climate action goals to reduce tailpipe emissions from medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles; and electrification of these fleet vehicles is cost-prohibitive and, in some cases, negatively affects service levels. • Biofuel is a cost-effective, market-ready solution to fleet decarbonization. • Biofuel consumption directly supports Minnesota farmers and agriculture. • Biofuel blends, specifically B100, are safer to dispense compared to traditional petroleum diesel fuel. 9. Exempt Government Agencies from New Public EV Charging Licensing Requirements As an outcome from the 2025 legislative 1st special session, several amendments were enacted that affect electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE): 1. Chapter 296A (Tax on Petroleum and Other Fuels) section 051 now requires a Public Charging Operator’s License for electric vehicle chargers; 2. Chapter 239.90 (Weights and Measures) now requires that electric vehicle charging station owners pay a $100 annual inspection fee per port, as well as instituting requirements for method of sale, labeling, and advertising for retail EVSE; and 3. Chapter 296A section 075 now requires a $0.05 per kilowatt-hour of electricity tax for all public charging stations with a capacity of more than 50 kilowatts that charge a fee for use. The City of Edina supports consistency in the method of sale, labeling, and advertising in support of consumers who utilize the State of Minnesota's growing public charging network. However, the City opposes the requirement for a public charging operator’s license and the new annual $100 inspection fee per port for retail EVSE. • A license is not warranted since any life safety concerns posed by electricity delivered via vehicle charging would be addressed at the point of installation and code compliance inspection. In addition, the Public Utilities Page 17 of 26 15 Commission has regulatory oversight of investor and cooperative electric utilities, ensuring electricity is delivered in a safe, cost-effective manner. • The narrow definition of “public charging station” within the statute limits this license requirement to charging stations that are 1) located at a for-profit business and 2) require a charge (fee) for a customer to use—meaning that any chargers located on tax-exempt parcels or offered for free are exempt from the operator’s license, posing an inconsistency that clouds the purpose of the statute. Additionally, chargers that are free to use for the first hour or longer are in a legal gray area. • “Retail EVSE” is not defined in statute, creating additional confusion of what stations would be required to pay an inspection fee. Assuming EVSE owned by government agencies, multi-family properties, and other private entities that charge for the stations use would be covered, the City of Edina would assume a new $2,400 annual cost burden to operate its stations. • Many public EV charging stations are connected to a managed network, which automatically notifies operators of outages, errors, or potential damage at the port. Additional regulation of the station ports itself is not needed. • State of Minnesota and City of Edina have specific climate action goals to increase access to EV chargers through public investment in EV chargers. Increasing the cost and administrative commitment for installing and owning these stations through fees and licensing will reduce the number of publicly available stations, slowing adoption of electric vehicles at a time in which the state and most cities are already not on track to reach their climate goals. While the City of Edina does not oppose the idea of a tax on public fast chargers to fund the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund, we would appreciate assurance that those chargers will have a sales and use tax exemption for the electricity and that this is communicated to the charging networks that work with EVSE owners to collect and remit sales taxes annually. 5. Public Safety While this section appears to only include Fire and EMS positions, the City is aligned with the MCPA’s 2026 legislative agenda and supports their focuses on extending POST training fund reimbursement to agencies, recruitment and retention, stiffer penalties for auto theft and fleeing, and other positions that advocate for the highest quality of police services and leadership to Minnesota residents. 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. 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: Page 18 of 26 16 • 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. Page 19 of 26 17 City of Edina Contact Information Priorities City Manager, Scott Neal, can be contacted regarding any of the legislative priorities, in addition to the staff below. Scott can be reached at SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401. 1. Local Sales Tax Spending Authority Amendment a. Scott Neal, City Manager: SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401 2. Fire Station 3/Municipal Campus Land Dedication a. Chad Millner, Director of Public Works and City Engineer: CMillner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0318 3. Lift Firearm Preemption and Allow Local Regulation a. Scott Neal, City Manager: SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401 4. Enabling Social Districts for Vibrant Commercial Corridors a. Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager: BNeuendorf@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0407 5. Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in the Braemar Park Master Plan and Fred Richards Park Master Plan a. Perry Vetter, Director of Parks & Recreation: PVetter@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0430 6. Protect Municipal Employees with Enforcement Functions a. Scott Neal, City Manager: SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401 Positions General Government 1-11: Scott Neal, City Manager: SNeal@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0401 12: Cary Teague, Director of Community Development: CTeague@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0460 Municipal Liquor 1-4: Michael McBride, Liquor Operations General Manager: MMcBride@EdinaMN.gov or 952-903-5748 Affordable Housing 1-4: Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Manager: SHawkinson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-833-9578 Environment & Sustainability 1-6: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager: MBayer@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-1621 7-10: Twila Singh, Organics Coordinator: TSignh@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-1657 11: Jeff Brown, Public Health Manager: JBrown@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0466 12-14: Jessica VanderWerff Wilson, Water Resources Manager: JWilson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0445 15: Ross Bintner, Engineering Services Manager: RBintner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-903-5713 Page 20 of 26 18 Transportation 1-4: Chad Millner, Director of Public Works & City Engineer: CMillner@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0318 5-7: Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner: AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0440 8-9: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager: MBayer@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-1621 Public Safety 1-2: Andrew Slama, Fire Chief: ASlama@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0332 Page 21 of 26 ©2026 League of Minnesota Cities. All Rights Reserved.2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES The League of Minnesota Cities promotes excellence in local government through effective advocacy, expert analysis, and trusted guidance for all Minnesota cities. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES League of Minnesota Cities MinnesotaCities Minnesota_Cities MinnesotaCities #MnCities Adult-Use Cannabis We support the reinstatement of the Local Government Cannabis Aid fund to ensure adequate funding for local governments to implement the law and respond to challenges resulting from the cannabis industry. Bonding We support a substantial bonding bill that includes funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, local roads and bridges, the local road wetland replacement fund, and disaster assistance accounts. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) We support the accountability and transparency recommendations of the EMS Delivery and Sustainability Task Force and will remain engaged in the work of the Minnesota Office of EMS. We support funding and policies that recognize different EMS models throughout Minnesota. 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 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. Public Safety We support ongoing state funding and policies that enable cities and public safety personnel to respond to community safety needs. Water Infrastructure and Policies We support workable, scientifically-supported water quality regulations and programs, supported by state-provided technical and financial resources for municipal drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater systems. Employment Relations We support changing the Minnesota Paid Leave program to exempt unique city positions like election judges and city councilors. We will provide a local government perspective to the legislature as the program takes effect in 2026. Local Decision Making We oppose legislation that erodes or eliminates local decision making authority for cities to make the policy and funding decisions that best serve their individual communities. 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. Sales Tax Exemption on Construction Materials We support legislation to streamline the process for cities to secure sales tax exemptions on construction materials. Page 22 of 26 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 & Retirement • Public Safety • State Bonding • Transportation • Workers’ Compensation Craig Johnson Senior Representative (651) 281-1259 cjohnson@lmc.org • Energy • Environment • Land Use & 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 • Zoning & Land Use MinnesotaCities League of Minnesota Cities • Employment & Human Resources • Pensions & Retirement Owen Wirth Representative (651) 281-1224 owirth@lmc.org • Aid to Cities • Cannabis Regulation • Local Government Aid (LGA) • Local Sales Taxes • Regulated Industries • Procurement • Taxes 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 Pierre Willette Senior Representative (651) 281-1207 pwillette@lmc.org • Economic Development • Elections • Public Finance • Regulated Industries • Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Page 23 of 26 HOUSING 2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Metro Cities Supports: • Allowing cities to impose local sales taxes for certain public improvements without the need for special legislation. Metro Cities Supports: • Re-establishment of Local Government Cannabis Aid to provide adequate funding for local costs resulting from cannabis legalization. Metro Cities Supports: • Statutory efficiencies in administering absentee ballots and early voting. • Reimbursement to local governments for costs related to changes to election laws. Metro Cities Supports: • Allowing local units of government to designate local service provider(s). • Additional tools and local authority that ensure transparency by EMS providers. Metro Cities Supports: • Resources, including funding for capital improvements, to address PFAS/PFOS and other contaminants of concern. • Sustained state funding to support local climate action planning, climate resiliency, climate related infrastructure projects. Metro Cities Supports: • Tools to support the adaptive re-use of vacant and under-utilized commercial space to uses that support economic growth across the metropolitan region. Metro Cities Supports: • Expanding timeline for Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) funds to be spent, funds considered expended if deposited into a local housing trust fund and allowing a percentage of funds for administrative costs. • Adding metropolitan cities under 10,000 in population as eligible for state funding from local affordable housing aid grants. Metro Cities Supports: • Local decision making, including over local land uses, city budgets and public rights of way. Metro Cities opposes legislation that would pre-empt this local authority. Metro Cities Supports: • A capital appropriation to assist metropolitan cities with inflow-infiltration mitigation on public systems. Metro Cities Supports: • Funding for local public safety needs (ongoing public safety aid, grants for equipment, reimbursement for assisting with protests and demonstrations). • Funding and policy changes to address retention and recruitment challenges for local law enforcement. Metro Cities Supports: • Investment in the Municipal State Aid Street (MSAS) system, small cities assistance account, Local Road and Local Bridge programs, Corridors of Commerce program, and the Local Road Wetland Replacement Program. • A comprehensive regional transit system supported by state and regional sources. • Revisions in MnDOT’s cost participation policy to ease burden on local governments for trunk highway projects. AIDS, REVENUES AND TAXES ADULT-USE CANNABIS ELECTIONS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT METROPOLITAN INFLOW-INFILTRATION MITIGATION LOCAL AUTHORITY ENVIRONMENT PUBLIC SAFETY TRANSPORTATION and TRANSIT Page 24 of 26 2026 MLC Legislative Priorities The Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC) is an association of 19 suburban communities working together to promote public policy decisions that are transparent, accountable, and equitable. We support strategic initiatives that help our cities, businesses, region, and state develop and thrive. TOP TIER ISSUES – PRIORITY Housing Production and Affordability: • Expand TIF increment transfers to local housing trust funds and other programs to enhance this funding tool • Provide greater LAHA fund flexibility • Allow LCA grants to fund zoning updates that support local housing goals • Reform insurance and warranty requirements to support more condo construction • Allow city councils to adopt comp plan changes for redevelopment by simple majority vote • Increase funding for NOAH preservation programs • Increase state investment to promote new affordable housing development Public Safety Penalties: • Increase penalties for impersonating licensed peace officers, firefighters and EMS officers, making it a felony • Prohibit non-law-enforcement vehicles from displaying equipment or markings that could make them appear to be law-enforcement vehicles Local Sales Tax Bypass for Regional Projects: • Oppose tax equalization measures • Oppose limits on facility spacing and requirements for approval from neighboring cities • Allow metro parks and trails as pre-approved uses of local sales tax revenue • Add a CPI inflation adjustment so cities can fully fund planned projects Broadband: Allow cities to franchise broadband/Internet providers in the public right-of- way Page 25 of 26 TIER 2 ISSUES – SUPPORT Bonding: Support a robust, regionally balanced bonding bill that invests in essential local infrastructure, including projects serving suburban communities. Local Cannabis Aid: Reinstate state funding to help cities and counties cover the costs of implementing cannabis legalization Workforce: Preserve funding for workforce programs like the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), Job Creation Fund (JCF), and other initiatives preparing workers for high-demand, living-wage careers. Park Dedication Fees: Allow cities to require dedication or fees from all development, not just new subdivisions, to support expanding park and open space needs Public Safety Aid: Provide additional one-time funding for police and fire aid programs Construction Sales Tax Exemption: Streamline exemptions for local construction projects with a clear refund process that reduces administrative burden and ensures full tax savings for public entities Property Tax Relief: Support direct relief through Property Tax Refund and Renters Credit programs TIER 3 ISSUES – MONITOR EMS: Strengthen local control by ensuring input in state rulemaking, allowing cities to select ambulance providers and service levels, and providing tools for performance transparency E-bike Safety: Support consistent statewide standards and public education to improve safety Fiscal Disparities: Preserve program integrity by preventing revenue diversion for one-off legislative priorities Local Government Aid: Support more frequent program reviews to reflect growing financial needs of all cities, including those not currently receiving LGA Page 26 of 26