Local business owners oppose tax incentives for Northridge pilot program in Grand Forks

The Grand Forks Public Schools Board meeting on July 14, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding proposed tax incentives for new housing developments in the community. The discussions centered around the potential impact of these incentives on existing businesses and property owners, raising questions about fairness and competition.

During the meeting, several speakers voiced their opposition to the proposed Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program for the Northridge development. Critics argued that such incentives would create an uneven playing field, favoring new developments over established businesses. One speaker emphasized that the city should not be "picking winners and losers" in the housing market, advocating for a free market approach instead.

Concerns were also raised about the accuracy of data used to justify the housing shortage narrative. A local business owner pointed out discrepancies in vacancy rate statistics, suggesting that the city relied on a developer's report rather than more comprehensive data from the Greater Grand Forks Apartment Association. This raised alarms about the credibility of the information being presented to city officials and the public.

Another speaker shared experiences from Georgia, where similar tax incentives failed to deliver the promised economic benefits, leading to abandoned properties and unfulfilled tax revenue expectations. This testimony underscored the potential risks associated with the proposed incentives.

The meeting concluded with a call for transparency and objective data in future discussions about housing and development. As the board considers the implications of these proposals, the community remains watchful of how decisions will affect local businesses and the overall economic landscape in Grand Forks.