Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee hears a slate of local tax-exemption and redevelopment bills; most laid over

The Minnesota Senate Taxes Committee on April 8 heard testimony on a broad group of local tax-exemption and redevelopment measures, including requests tied to performing arts, municipal water treatment, school building projects and downtown redevelopment. Committee chair Christine Rest presided; no final approvals were taken and most bills were laid over for later action.

Supporters said the measures would reduce construction costs and in several cases help projects that local voters or authorities had already approved. Senator Omar Champion introduced Senate File 2993 seeking a refundable sales-tax exemption on building materials for a community performing arts center at the Upper Harbor Terminal in north Minneapolis. Champion said the center would be an 8,000-seat venue anchored to broader redevelopment and would support smaller arts organizations.

"This bill provides a refundable tax exemption on construction materials for the community performing arts center at the Upper Harbor Terminal in my district," Senator Champion said. Dana Frank, president and CEO of First Avenue Productions, and Ivan Winship, chief financial officer of the Minnesota Orchestra, testified in support, stressing a community-benefit fund and projected annual revenue.

Other presenters included municipal…