4/5/2024 -- St. Paul Tax Hike Takes Effect

St. Paul

Sales Tax Hike Takes Effect In St. Paul 💲

The Summary: St. Paul’s 1% sales tax increase took effect this week, raising the total sales tax to nearly 10 percent, the highest in Minnesota. The tax aims to address critical infrastructure improvements.

Infrastructure Improvements: The tax is projected to raise $1 billion over 20 years, primarily allocated for streets and parks. Reconstruction starts with Grand Avenue this summer, followed by Snelling Avenue next year. Changes to parks include playground and tennis court upgrades, along with a geothermal heating project at Como Zoo.

Concerns of Businesses: According to MPR, Grand Avenue businesses have expressed worries about potential revenue drops during construction and the impact of increased sales tax on consumer spending.

“This is about building our infrastructure for the next generation.” - St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter

Real Estate

New Development, “The Mix,” Coming To The University of Minnesota 🏦

Project Overview: According to Twin Cities Business Mag, the University of Minnesota has selected M.A. Mortenson Co. to spearhead a 12-acre redevelopment initiative known as The Minnesota Innovation Exchange (The MIX) in Stadium Village.

Project Phases and Timeline: The MIX's development will unfold in three phases, beginning with construction slated to commence in the next 18-24 months and extending until 2029, followed by subsequent phases expected to span roughly five years each.

Design and Layout: The initial phase will feature two multi-story buildings catering primarily to life science research and development, complemented by residential or office tower space, eateries, and public areas.

Community Impact and Changes: While The MIX promises to invigorate the area, its development also involves the potential displacement of existing tenants including businesses like ValU Liquors, Caribou Coffee, and Stub & Herbs.

Business

💲 3M Settlement: 3M received final approval from a federal judge for its $12.5 billion settlement regarding "forever chemicals" in public water systems. CEO Mike Roman expressed that this settlement marks progress in addressing environmental and health concerns with 3M planing to discontinue its PFAS production and sales by 2025.

🚗 Uber/Lyft Update: Hertz is discontinuing its car-rental program for Uber and Lyft drivers in the Twin Cities, prompting drivers to return vehicles ahead of schedule.

🏥 More Minnesotans Insured: According to a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health, the number of Minnesotan’s who don’t have health insurance hit an all time low despite ongoing concerns around affordability.

What Else We’re Reading…

Universal Basic Income Coming To Minnesota? 💰

According to a new WCCO report, Minnesota Democrats are considering creating a universal basic income pilot program that would provide “no-strings-attached” monthly payments of $500 to low income families. The pilot is very similar to the program that the city of St. Paul implemented during the pandemic — results from that pilot can be found here.

Sports

⚾ Twins Drop Home Opener: The Minnesota Twins have had a relatively slow offensive start to the season, a trend that continued in their home opening loss to the Guardians.

🏀 Still Dancing: The Gopher Women’s Basketball team defeated Troy to advance to the WNIT championship game. They will play St.Louis in the championship on Saturday.

🏆 Wolves Top West: After defeating the Raptors, the Timberwolves moved into first place in the Western Conference with just 6 games left to play. As the one seed, they will have a first round bye and have home court advantage through the playoffs.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Residence hall rapes at the University of Minnesota are at highest percentage in recent years (MN Dai

❯ DFL leadership says ‘no’ to housing bill that would revoke city zoning controls (MN Reformer)

❯ Walker Art Center employees have taken to social media in protest of a policy requiring that gallery assistants stand up on the job at all times (Star Tribune)

❯ Minneapolis says all post-riot recommendations after George Floyd’s murder have been implemented (MPR)

Beyond the Twin Cities

Headlines From Greater Minnesota ✔

❯ Learn when and how to watch the solar eclipse in Minnesota, where it’ll be about 75 percent visible (MPR)

❯ A mystery shooter killed a family's dog on their home’s deck near Mankato (Star Tribune)

❯ Feds bust major Duluth drug trafficking ring (KSTP)

❯ A 13-year-old escaped an abduction in Meeker County on Wednesday (WCCO)

The Final Word: Finding The Best Grocery Deals 🍎🍞

Have you ever wondered which grocery stores in the Twin Cities provide you with the best bang for your buck? Wonder no more. Bring Me The News went to 12 different stores, bought the same itesm at each, and ranked the stores based on cost. Check out how the different stores stacked up here.

-Patrick