CDA asks Carver County for 3.5% levy increase to support 2027 housing and development programs

The Carver County Community Development Agency asked the county board at a work session for a 2027 levy of $3,931,350, a 3.5% increase the agency says will help maintain and expand housing and community development programs. Bernie Larson, the CDAdirector of finance, said the agency is authorized under Minnesota statute to levy special-benefit taxes subject to county approval and that the CDA approved its 2027 budget at its July 23 board meeting.

Larson said the CDA is eligible for a larger formula maximum but is requesting $3.93 million for next year. "For the formula and statute, the CDA is eligible for maximum levy of $4,673,196," he said, adding the CDA will request county board approval on Sept. 1. Larson described the proposed levy as supporting payroll and benefit costs, while CDA materials show the levy represents about 20% of the roughly $20 million 2027 budget.

Commissioners at the work session praised the CDAreturn on investment and largely signaled support for a modest increase. Commissioner Anderson, the countyliaison to the CDA board, said the agencywork delivers "phenomenal" ROI and voiced support for the 3.5% request. Commissioner Fahey also voiced support while highlighting the CDA's role leveraging public-private investment.

Larson provided an illustrative homeowner impact for a $508,000 house as presented on the slide: "The impact on a $508,000 valued home has a yearly increase of a dollar 92 or 16¢ monthly increase for a total of $72.67 per year," a figure shown in the presentation materials. (The figures were presented together on the slide; the agency noted the levy increase is modest relative to the countybudget and leverages other state, federal and private funds.)

The work session was informational only; no votes were taken. The County Board is scheduled to consider the CDA levy request at its Sept. 1 meeting.