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SF2521 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Ramsey County Economic Development Authority establishment provision and Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority powers expansion provision

Related bill: HF2349

AI Generated Summary

The bill, Senate File No. 2521, proposes the creation of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Minnesota. It expands the powers of the existing Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and grants the new EDA various economic development powers.

Key Provisions:

  1. Creation of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority:

    • The EDA will be a public body corporate and politic within Ramsey County.
    • It will have economic development powers under Minnesota Statutes sections 469.090 to 469.108, excluding certain sections.
    • It will also have the powers of a Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) under Minnesota Statutes sections 469.001 to 469.047 and municipal economic development powers under sections 469.124 to 469.133.

  2. Governance:

    • Ramsey County is given the same powers as a city in economic development matters.
    • The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will act as the governing body.
    • The chair of the County Board will have the powers of a mayor in this context.

  3. Commissioners:

    • The EDA will consist of seven commissioners, appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
    • The county board will also have the authority to fill vacancies.
    • The Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) members may also serve as EDA commissioners, aligning their terms.

  4. Scope of Authority:

    • The EDA's jurisdiction will cover the entire territorial boundaries of Ramsey County.
    • Some state economic development statutes will not apply, except for section 469.1082, subdivision 5.

Conclusion:

This bill seeks to centralize and strengthen economic development efforts in Ramsey County by creating a formal Economic Development Authority, expanding redevelopment powers, and aligning the governance structure with the existing HRA. The County Board of Commissioners will oversee the new authority, ensuring continuity in leadership and decision-making.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 12, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government
March 12, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toState and Local Government

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Expands the application of economic development powers to Ramsey County."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill refers to powers described in sections 469.090 to 469.108 for the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "469.090",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows application of housing and redevelopment authority powers to Ramsey County."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Refers to the powers of a housing and redevelopment authority described in sections 469.001 to 469.047.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "469.001",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Retains specific provision applicable to Ramsey County in section 469.1082."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Excludes general application of section 469.1082 except subd. 5."
      ],
      "summary": "The exclusion of section 469.1082 from application to Ramsey County except for subdivision 5.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "469.1082",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  }
]

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