11/18/2024 -- Minnesotans Feel Financial Stress With Property Tax Increases

Twin Cities

Minnesota Homeowners Hit with Property Tax Hikes Amid Rising Costs 💲

The Summary; Homeowners in Minnesota are opening their 2025 property tax statements to find significant increases. Many cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, are implementing substantial tax hikes, with some homeowners experiencing double-digit increases due to multiple levy approvals.

Key Increases

- Minneapolis: Proposed an 8.1% city levy increase, with additional increases from the park board (8.27%), Hennepin County (5.5%), and Minneapolis Public Schools (4.5%). A new $20 million school technology levy approved by voters will further raise taxes.

- St. Paul: Set maximum levy increases of 7.9%, following a trend seen across other metro areas.

- Statewide Trends: On average, city levies are up 8.8%, counties 6.4%, and schools 4.4%, reflecting a broader statewide increase.

Reasons Behind the Increases: The tax hikes are largely attributed to inflation and the rising wages of city employees, which have increased municipal expenses. Additionally, many cities have expanded services, such as investing in housing and revitalizing downtown areas, to meet growing community needs. Another major factor is the declining value of downtown commercial properties.

Housing

New Report Shows DOwntown St. Paul Could Add Nearly 4,000 Units Through Office To Residential Conversions 🏠

The Summary: A report commissioned by the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance evaluated 20 office properties for their suitability for residential conversion. The findings revealed that 10 properties are strong candidates for such projects, offering an opportunity to add nearly 4,000 new housing units.

Key Findings: The analysis rated the buildings based on factors such as floor plate size, window access, parking, and overall adaptability. If all suitable buildings were converted, St. Paul could gain 3,951 new housing units, significantly increasing the downtown population.

Economic and Social Impacts: Joe Spencer, president of the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, emphasized the transformative potential of these conversions. By adding residents to the mix of downtown workers and visitors, the projects could create a more vibrant and dynamic urban core.

Next Steps: The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance plans to use the report as a resource to stimulate developer interest and advance discussions on the role of housing in downtown revitalization. As part of their strategy, the Alliance is also engaging developers and stakeholders to share the report and encourage action.

Business

Minneapolis City Council Approves The Creation Of A Labor Standards Board

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council voted to create a Labor Standards Board last Thursday following a contentious debate. The resolution passed with a 9-3 vote.

Key Provisions and Composition: The Labor Standards Board will consist of 15 members, including five representatives each for employers, employees, and community stakeholders. Its role is to make recommendations to the City Council and mayor regarding wages, working conditions, benefits, and industry-specific labor regulations.

Mixed Reactions: Labor unions and worker advocacy groups celebrated the decision, highlighting the potential for improved safety, pay equity, and fairer workplaces. Conversely, industry groups, including the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Downtown Council, voiced strong opposition and announced they would not participate in the board.

Mayor Frey’s Position: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who previously supported a balanced Labor Standards Board, expressed reservations about the approved plan. Frey has left open the possibility of a veto, though the council may have sufficient votes to override it.

❯ Want more information on what exactly the labor standards board will do? Read this great overview by MinnPost.

What Else We’re Reading…

Election Judge In Northern MN Is Facing Felony Charges For Election Fraud 🗳

Timothy Scouton, a head election judge in Hubbard County is facing felony charges for allegedly allowing 11 unregistered voters to cast ballots during the 2024 general election. The charges stem from accusations that Scouton directed other election staff to disregard required voter registration forms, leading to the acceptance of votes from individuals who had not completed the necessary paperwork. Scouton was arrested after an investigation revealed that he instructed election workers to bypass registration procedures, and he faces penalties of up to five years in prison.

Read the full article on Fox9

Sports 🏈

Vikings Improve to 8-2 After Victory Over Tennessee Titans 🏈

Sam Darnold's Performance: Despite an early fumble, Darnold threw for 246 yards and two touchdowns while running for another score. He helped the Vikings maintain their perfect 5-0 record against AFC teams.

Key Plays: A 47-yard touchdown pass from Darnold to Jordan Addison gave the Vikings an early lead and a 3-yard touchdown to Cam Akers in the third quarter padded the score.

Defensive Dominance: Minnesota’s defense recorded five sacks, including two each by Andrew Van Ginkel and Pat Jones II, and Harrison Smith sealed the win with a late interception.

Titans’ Struggles Will Levis threw a 98-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but penalties, including an illegal formation, nullified other big plays. The Titans committed 13 penalties for 91 yards.

Up Next: The Vikings wrap up a three-game road trip against the Chicago Bears next Sunday.

Other Sports

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix suns with a last second buzzer beater by Julius Randle. It’s their second win in a row.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild lost to the Dallas Stars on Saturday, dropping their record to 11-3-3.

🏒 The Gopher Men’s Hockey Team split with Bemidji State, snapping a 9 game winning streak.

🏀 The Gopher men’s and women’s basketball teams had a good weekend with wins over Yale and SMU, respectively.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for role in Minnesota's largest ever fentanyl bust (WCCO)

❯ Minneapolis is replacing lead water pipes for property owners at no charge (Fox9)

❯ The Metro Transit is lowering fare prices for buses and the light rail. Changes will be enacted January 1st, 2025 (KSTP)

❯ St. Paul debuted its new electric fire truck last Friday (WCCO)

The Final Word: When Will The First Snow Come?❄

It’s November 18th and we have yet to have our first substantial snow (over 1 inch) of the season. Answer our poll below and if you pick the correct date range, I’ll pick a couple lucky people to win gift cards to one of the local businesses that we partner with.

For context, the median date for over 1 inch of snow in the Twin Cities is today, November 18th.

-Patrick