Bill > HF1713

This bill establishes a tax-stressed cities demolition grant program designed to help municipalities with high tax rates remove abandoned and unsafe properties. The program, administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development, will provide grants covering 50% of demolition costs for properties in tax-stressed cities that have been vacant for at least one year and pose a public safety threat. A "tax-stressed city" is defined as a statutory or home rule charter city with a net tax capacity tax rate 25% higher than the previous year's rate. To receive a grant, development authorities must submit detailed applications including site identification, demolition cost estimates, and proof of the property's qualifying status. The commissioner will prioritize grants based on the municipality's financial need and the degree of public safety risk. A special revenue fund account will be created to support the program, with $2,246,000 appropriated in each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The bill requires the commissioner to submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing grant fund usage, and limits administrative costs to 5% of the annual appropriation. Notably, properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places are ineligible for the program.

Labor and Employment

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1713&ssn=0&y=2025