Title
Letter of support to Request to Adopt Ramsey County HRA to Include Economic Development Authority Functions - State and Local Government Omnibus Bill
Body
WHEREAS the HRA Commissioners on behalf of the City of Saint Paul’s Housing & Redevelopment Authority want to vocalize support in Ramsey County’s effort to expand the statutory authority of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to include economic development activities through the establishment of an Economic Development Authority (EDA); and
WHEREAS The City of Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority acknowledges that the proposed legislative change would allow for small business programming to be included as an eligible use of Ramsey County’s existing HRA levy, without creating a new taxing authority or increasing property taxes for Ramsey County residents; and
WHEREAS Ramsey County’s expansion to an EDA would enable the county to better support local businesses through enhanced technical assistance, capacity building for business support organizations, and access to additional flexible capital; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the HRA offers a letter of support and understand the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals and respectfully request your support for this legislative change