Title
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF DULUTH 2023 ADDITIONAL LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the city council finds as follows:
(a) The city desires to establish - in addition to the City’s top legislative priorities - additional legislative priorities for 2023;
(b) The city has devoted meeting time and discussion to the city legislative priorities;
(c) The city supports the following legislative initiatives that are of interest to the region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth’s additional legislative priorities are:
• Endorsement and support of both the proposed Minnesota Health Plan and federal Meidcare for All Act, or similar laegilsation;
• State funds to facilitate the development of neighborhood community centers, such as Spirit Valley Center for Youth and Community Wellness Project impacting regional sustainability;
• State funds to support infrastructure projects and planning for the Great Lakes Aquarium;
• State funds for construction of affordable housing; state matching dollars for local housing trust funds; programs to provide emergency and long-term rental assistance, identifying and protecting Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing; and policies and funding to combat and prevent homelessness;
• A reduction in the class tax rate impacting the net tax capacity of parcels at the airport to stimulate local economic development;
• State funds to support dredging and a customs facility to further develop the market for the cruise ship industry in the Great Lakes;
• State funds to facilitate the redevelopment of Lot D;
• State general obligation bond proceeds for the Port Development Assistance Program;
• State funds for redevelopment and upgrades to the Armory;
• State funds for programs and incentives to expand and attract opportunities for film, television, and music production in Minnesota;
• State funds to improve access and affordability of child care throughout Minnesota;
• Increased funding for library programing and infrastructure;
• State funds to remove and replace lead service lines still in use throughout Minnesota;
• State funds to address the future of Highway 61 in downtown Duluth;
• State funds to improve access to universal, high quality broadband services for all Minnesotans;
• State funds to support local government efforts to remove and replace trees infested by emerald ash borer and development of markets for products utilizing the resulting wood waste;
• A statewide policy requiring employers to provide safe and sick time for employees;
• Renew the existing "half and half" tourism tax - a one-half of one percent increment in the City's lodging and restaurant taxes - effective July 1, 2024 for the new purpose of investing in capital improvements to existing and new amateur athletic venues so as to sustain and grow parks-based sports tourism, improve the condition of deteriorated parks, and enhance quality of life for Duluth residents; and
• State funds to support local Human Rights Offices; establishing satellite offices for the State Department of Human Rights throughout the state.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution sets the additional city of Duluth priorities for the 2023 legislative session.