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Public commenter opposes MDHA TIF plans; council defers six redevelopment TIF resolutions for one meeting
Summary
A public commenter urged the Metropolitan Council to pause MDHA’s tax‑increment financing proposals, citing past abuses; the council voted to defer six related redevelopment‑plan resolutions for one meeting after brief discussion.
A public commenter, Steve Reiter, told the Metropolitan Council he opposed proposed MDHA tax‑increment financing (TIF) activities and urged stronger guardrails.
"My name is Steve Reiter, and I'm speaking today on the MDHA TIF financing proposals," Reiter said, recalling a previous task force and citing an example where units designated for extremely low‑income households were marketed to college students. He said, "We just can't go out there and give money away," and urged caution given current budget pressures.
Chair opened the agenda item noting that Reiter’s remarks were offered in opposition to resolution 2026‑2078 and related items (items 2–7 on the agenda). Those six resolutions, which would authorize TIF‑eligible activities across multiple redevelopment plans (Art Center, Bordeaux, Central State, Phillips Jackson, Rutledge Hill and Skyline), were called up for separate consideration and the council voted to defer items 2–7 one meeting.
Council member Allen said the redevelopment priorities—housing, transit, greenways and historic preservation—are generally sound but suggested the council keep the door open to incentives for childcare and grocery stores. Special counsel noted redevelopment plans for some districts were approved earlier this term.
The deferral leaves substantive debate and any possible amendments to the next committee meeting. No formal votes on the underlying TIF approvals were taken while the matters are deferred.
