Lawmakers Catapult Taxes In Minneapolis: Here's By How Much

MINNEAPOLIS — This week, Mayor Jacob Frey’s second budget — coming in at $1.6 billion for 2020 — was adopted by the Minneapolis City Council. The final budget comes with $6.3 million in new spending for new economic inclusion measures pushed by Frey.

The budget also features $2.73 million for the city’s violence prevention efforts.

Sustainability and climate action work also received a significant boost in the city’s final budget with $260,000 in new ongoing sustainability funds, $350,000 in one-time funds, and $2.3 million for energy efficiency upgrades for the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority.

All of that new spending means residents will more in taxes. Along with the new budget, Minneapolis lawmakers passed a 2020 property tax levy increase of 6.95 percent.

That's the highest increase in ten years. According to the Star Tribune, for a house $264,500, taxes will go up by $109 per year.

"This budget advances a vision for a more inclusive Minneapolis that grows through stronger partnerships with communities and businesses of color," said Frey in a statement.

"The Commercial Property Development Fund will open doors for entrepreneurs of color who have been denied access to capital and Cultural Districts will help ensure that those who have invested their time and resources in Minneapolis will reap the benefits of their work. This year marked major accomplishments but, more importantly, set the stage for results in 2020."

On the other side of the Mississippi River in St. Paul, lawmakers passed a property tax levy increase of 5.85 percent. According to Minnesota Public Radio, part of the new budget is meant to address the recent rise in gun violence in St. Paul.

Related: Gun Violence In St. Paul: 3 Killed In 9 Hours