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Coalition rep tells Crookston council EMS funding improved but housing bills remain a threat to local zoning
Summary
A representative from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities briefed the council on the recent state legislative session, highlighting a new $20'$30 million EMS grant program, local-government aid stability, and opposition to a "missing middle" housing bill that would have limited local zoning control.
Marty, a representative of the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, updated the Crookston City Council on the 2024 Minnesota legislative session on Aug. 12 and urged local officials to stay engaged on items affecting rural cities.
Marty said the session was unusual because one party held the House, Senate and governorship, but he described the session overall as "somewhat uneventful" for many rural cities. He highlighted a new legislative approach to EMS shortfalls: rural ambulance and first-responder units face volunteer and staffing shortages and low reimbursement rates to cover costs. "Medicare and Medicaid right now pays 39¢ on the dollar for a cost of EMS service," Marty said, and he said the legislature passed a grant-based program in the $20'$30 million range to help underwrite severe staffing and equipment needs.
On housing, Marty warned about a so-called "missing middle" bill that would have required denser housing in single-family neighborhoods, potentially preempting local planning and zoning decisions. He said the League of Cities and local officials strongly opposed the measure and that it was killed in committee, though he cautioned the proposal could return.
Marty also reviewed transportation outcomes, noting some additional funding for small-city streets, $15 million for corridors of commerce, and reforms intended to make formula-driven transportation funds more equitable across counties.
Council members asked follow-up questions about childcare licensing delays and market-rate housing. Marty encouraged communities to analyze zoning options (for example, mother-in-law units, tiny-house ordinances and accessory dwellings) to address housing supply without ceding local control.
Marty asked council members what issues they wanted the Coalition to prioritize on their behalf; topics raised included childcare, local government aid, transportation, economic development and fighting bills that reduce local control.
