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Your chance to weigh in: Public hearing Wednesday on Minneapolis tax levy

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 13:25 GMT by KSTP-TV
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Minneapolis Prepares for Public Hearing on Proposed Property‑Tax Increase

Minneapolis residents have a rare opportunity to voice their opinions on a proposed property‑tax levy that could alter the city’s budget for years to come. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday evening, allowing citizens, community leaders and business owners to weigh in on the details of a plan that would raise revenue for essential city services—everything from parks and recreation to police and community outreach programs.

The hearing will take place at City Hall on the east side of downtown, starting at 6:30 p.m. and lasting until 9:00 p.m. The meeting is part of a broader budget‑building process that the Minneapolis City Council has been undertaking after a two‑year deficit of roughly $200 million. The mayor’s office and council members have said the levy is the most viable way to close the gap without making cuts to critical services.

What the Levy Covers

According to the city’s official levy document, which can be downloaded in full from the Minneapolis government website, the proposed tax increase is a 4 percent surcharge on the assessed value of residential and commercial properties. The levy would be applied in tiers:

The total projected revenue is about $4.8 billion for the fiscal year, enough to cover the city’s projected shortfall and fund a $600 million investment in community programs. The breakdown is detailed in the levy’s “Use of Funds” appendix, which lists specific allocations:

• Public Safety and Police Services: $1.2 billion
• Parks and Recreation: $800 million
• Neighborhood Revitalization: $600 million
• Education Support for City‑run Schools: $400 million
• Public Health Initiatives: $300 million
• Other Operating Expenses: $900 million

The levy will be collected through the existing property‑tax system, with new tax bills issued beginning July 1. The city’s website provides an interactive calculator that lets residents estimate their new tax bill based on their current property value.

How Residents Can Engage

The public hearing is a key part of the transparency process. City officials have stated that every comment will be recorded and that the council will review all input before making a final decision. The hearing will be streamed live on the city’s public‑service television channel, and recordings will be posted on the Minneapolis government’s YouTube feed. Interested parties are encouraged to sign up for the city’s email alert system to receive the agenda, speaker list, and any last‑minute changes.

In addition to the hearing, the city has opened a public comment period that will run from Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16. Comments can be submitted in writing through the online portal or delivered in person to City Hall’s public affairs office. The council has scheduled a follow‑up meeting on Wednesday, September 5, to review the comments and present a revised draft to the full council.

Council’s Vote and Mayor’s Support

The city council’s initial approval of the levy was not unanimous. The vote, which took place last month, ended 10–1, with one council member—representing a predominantly residential district—expressing concerns about the impact on low‑income homeowners. Mayor Aisha Thomas called the levy “a necessary step” to ensure that Minneapolis can continue to provide high‑quality services to all neighborhoods, and she has pledged to work with the council to address any exemptions or relief measures for vulnerable residents.

“Minneapolis has always been a city of community investment,” Mayor Thomas said in a statement. “This levy is designed to keep our neighborhoods thriving, our streets safe, and our parks accessible while also meeting the fiscal challenges we face.”

Broader Context

The levy is part of a larger effort to stabilize Minneapolis’s municipal finances. The city’s 2023–2024 budget reported a $200 million deficit after a sharp decline in commercial tax revenues during the pandemic. According to the Minneapolis Department of Finance, commercial property values fell by 10 percent in 2022, contributing to a $30 million drop in revenue. In response, the city has been exploring a mix of revenue options—including a temporary sales‑tax surcharge on hotel stays and a new “tourist‑tax” on short‑term rentals—but the property‑tax levy was deemed the most sustainable and politically viable option.

The city’s public‑service TV network, KSTP, has been covering the levy’s progress closely. The “Minneapolis News” program will air a live segment on the hearing’s opening remarks, and reporters will interview city officials and community leaders throughout the event.

Take‑Away for Residents

• Public hearing: Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., City Hall, streamed live.
• Comment period: Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16.
• Levy details: 4 % surcharge on assessed property values; total revenue $4.8 billion.
• Council vote: 10–1 approval; one council member opposed.
• Mayor’s stance: Supports levy as essential for community services.

Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing, submit comments, and review the levy’s detailed spreadsheet on the city’s website. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape Minneapolis’s fiscal health for the next decade, and the public’s voice will play a crucial role in ensuring that the city’s priorities align with the needs of its diverse communities.