We, as business owners, organizations, and residents of Minnesota, are gravely concerned about the potential blockage of the extension for Minnesota’s Historic Tax Credit by leaders at the Capitol. As Minnesota recovers from job losses sustained from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need every tool available to invest in our infrastructure and the jobs required to build and maintain our towns and cities. The proven record of the Historic Tax Credit is indisputable, for every $1.00 invested, $9.50 is generated for Minnesota, totaling $3.5 billion since 2010.
Now, members of the legislature are in budget negotiations, and are seriously considering not extending this proven tool, citing budget constraints. We know the impact Historic Tax Credit projects have on our towns and cities, creating jobs before and after construction, supporting local and small businesses, and preserving Minnesota’s most historic, and iconic, buildings. We are disheartened that the economic benefits - 18,650 jobs in the past 10 years alone - for Minnesotans are not centered in budget discussions, especially given the statewide successes and broad, bipartisan support. If the Historic Tax Credit is allowed to sunset, Minnesota will fall behind our neighboring states, like Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin who have protected their Historic Tax Credits as well as the 38 other states who have maintained their Historic Tax Credits, like Mississippi and Louisiana.
Majority Leader Gazelka, Speaker Hortman, and Governor Walz, please listen to constituents throughout the state and extend Minnesota’s Historic Tax Credit.
Signed,
Heidi Swank, Rethos, Saint Paul
Chris Sherman, Sherman Associates, Minneapolis
Steve Knight, Weis Builders, Minneapolis
Peter Noonan, Commerce Bank, Edina
JeriLynn Young, U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation
Elizabeth Gales, Hess Roise and Company, Minneapolis
Carter Vargo, RJM Construction, Golden Valley
Brent Rogers, Saturday Properties, Saint Louis Park
Brian & Kent Roers, Roers, Minnetonka
Don Kohlenberger, Hightower Initiatives
Gary Thaden, Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association, Minnetonka
Gary Thaden, Minnesota Contractors of National Electrical Contractors Association, Saint Paul
Andy Swartz, Blumentals Architecture, Inc, Minneapolis
Meghan Elliott, New History, Minneapolis
Kevin W. Howat, NAIOP Minnesota, Minneapolis
Mary-Margaret Zindren, AIA-MN, Minneapolis
Harry Melander, Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council, Saint Paul
Barb Lau, Association of Women Contractors, Saint Paul
David Ybarra, Minnesota Pipe Trades Association, Zumbrota
Tim Worke, Associated General Contractors of MN, Saint Paul
Erik Hansen, Burns and Hansen, Minneapolis
Tony Simmons, The Simmons Group, Minneapolis
Collin Kaas, Kaas Wilson Architects, Bloomington
Wendy Ethen, Guaranty Commercial Title, Inc, Minneapolis
Paul Warshauer, Grande Venues, Sleepy Eye
Jane Bisel, Blue Planet Museum Consulting, LLC, Rochester
Michelle Dreier, Electrical Association, Minneapolis
Ryan Sailer, Timberland Partners, Minneapolis
Patrick Wolf, Enhanced Historic Credit Partners, Saint Louis Missouri
Adam Duininck, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters,
Saint Paul
Paul Halonen, B&P Drywall and Construction, Dassel
Traci and Hunter Downs, CMD Holdings, LLC, Rochester
Chris Webley, NEW RULES, Minneapolis
Kristen Olson, Major Mechanical LLC, Maple Grove
Mike Benike, Benike Construction, Rochester
Phil Waugh, LHB, Inc, Minneapolis
Matthew Legge, Polaris Properties, Minneapolis
Grant Carlson, Blue Limit LLC, Minneapolis
Jude Homola, Windsor Engineers, Duluth
Jon Commers, Visible City, Saint Paul
Bridget A. Hust, Hust Law, Minneapolis
JoAnna Hicks, Element Commercial Real Estate, Minneapolis
Merrie Sjogren, Eddie Landenberger, Beth Pfeifer, Assembly MN, Minneapolis