2022-11-09 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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D RAFT: 2023State Legislative Priorities Minnesota Association of Small Cities LGA:Given the state’s budget surplus at the time,MN Small Cities - along with other municipal organizations - supported an increase to the LGA formula in 2022. Once every decade or so, LGA typically gets a tweak in the distribution formula. Legislators provide a perfect opportunity to adjust the formula, as the projected state surplus will allow the legislature to use these funds to adjust compensation for cities projected to lose revenue. MN Small Cities will again push for an increase in LGA funding this session, as well as for a fair LGA formula adjustment that addresses the needs of our small communities. Transportation:Minnesota Cities with populationsunder 5,000 remain the ONLY local government unit that receives no ongoing revenue to support transportation needs. Minnesota Small Cities seeks $30 million per year of ongoing funding with an inflation factor that allows small cities to effectively address their overwhelming transportation and road repair needs. Additionally, because no bonding bill was passed last session, MN Small Cities will seek a significant investment into the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP), including a change in the formula to allow for a larger distribution to small cities. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:MN Small Citieswill push for increased state-funded investment in water infrastructure that is focused on smaller communities' needs. As requirements for drinking and wastewater continue to increase, smaller cities are particularly at a disadvantage. There should be a focused effort to assist small communities in meeting their water quality needs. Once again because no bonding bill passed in 2022, MN Small Cities supports a significant investment of bonding dollars into PFA water programs. Autonomy & Local Control:MN Small Cities remainsdetermined to protect the ability of city leaders to make decisions in the best interest of their own communities. Supporting the authority of elected officials is one of the organization's paramount goals. Workforce Housing:Small cities in greater Minnesotacontinue to struggle with adequate workforce housing options for their business employees and other residents. MN Small Cities will continue working hard to request a greater legislative focus on addressing these needs, along with incentives to create new housing developments for working families in greater Minnesota. Broadband:After last year's historic investment intoBroadband, MN Small Cities intends to follow up and ensure these dollars are actually used to connect both unserved and underserved communities in a fast and effective manner.