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HomeMy WebLinkAboutweekly notes - August 5th 2018 CITY OF OAK PARK HEI EKLY MOTES for: August 5,2018 TO: City Council Membeis& teff FROM: Eric Johnson,City Aid s r r (1 was out of the office this past week,frowever here a 8 few items to catch upon...) Zoning and Development Items: 1. No new applications have been received. 2. A yard maintenance request was mailed to 5866 Penrose Ave. 3. Washington County assessors office has amended the valuation of the MENARDS site for th2 20142018 valuations•reducing the taxable values by a TOTAL of$5.8 Million dollars.For 2018 the value of that site is now agreed upon to be$8,300,000.We trill need to see how this abatement might affect City revenues for the past years.In any event,this tax burden will be spread across the balance of the City's tax base. 4. The City's Mill and overlay project Is expected to reach substantial completion this coming week;Much of the Autumn Ridge Area are complete as are significant portions of wo lanes of 580 Shvet.Similarly,work on the Lift Station at Sunnyside is progressing,slightly behind schedule but major hurdles of bypass pumping and well installation have been completed. Other Iterrrs: Boutwells resident,Joan Fogelberg sent a letter to MNOOT and State Elected representative regarding the limited green-time to crass STH 36. • Chief DeRosler has provided the Police Activity Report for July 2018. • Letter enclosed complimenting the City on the Cover Park Shelter—from Bob Kamps • Bayport Fire Chief AI Elsinger provided information on a GROUP HOME that is experiencing a number of calls to 911 and subsequent dispatching that is related to"emotional issues"and not necessitating BFD responses. Mayor McComber provided. 1. METRO CITIES NEWS—8018 2. MNDOT Updates for 7127—SCRCP Turning One&Lift Bridge Repairs. 3. LMC NEWS—City Spot for July 3M—New LMC Board Members 4. NLC Federal Advocacy Update for 70118&NLC Weekly for 7128118 5, NLC Cities Speak for 813118—Downtown Redevelopment Please let me know if you have any questions-651-253-7837 Call Anytime. 1 of 37 coil City of Oak Park Heights 14168 Oak Park Blvd. N. Direct: 651.439-4439 Ext. 1105 P.O.Box 2007 Email:jhultman@cityofoakparkheights.com Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Phone:651.439.4439 Fax:651.439.0574 July 25, 2018 Mr.John Taylor 5866 Penrose Ave. N. Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Re: Notice of Violation—OPH Nuisance Ordinance 1109-Tall Grass &Yard Parking 5866 Penrose Ave. N., Oak Park Heights, MN 55082 Dear Mr. Taylor: I am writing with respect to the yard maintenance at 5866 Penrose Ave. N. and to remind you that the lawn needs to be regularly cut—it is presently quite tall and has not been cut at least since the first part of this month. The unmaintained lawn, in its current state, is considered a public nuisance per City Nuisance Ordinance 1109. A copy of this ordinance is enclosed for your reference. This letter serves as the City's request that the lawn be mowed no later than Friday. August 3, 2018 and that it continue to be mowed on a regular basis. A compliance check will be made after August 3rd. Additionally, it has been noted that vehicles are parking upon the front yard area. Parking upon yard areas is not permitted by City Ordinance. Please discontinue such parking immediately and ongoing. Your prompt attention to this request is greatly appreciated. Please contact me with any questions you may have. Sincerely, PLANNING & CODE ENFORCEMENT Itman Bui i g Oficial Enclosure C` Z�9 ] Eric Johnson From: Rollie Huber <Rollie.Huber@co.washington.mn.us> Sent: Wednesday,July 25,2018 2.38 PM To: Bruce Munneke Cc: Eric Johnson;Jennifer Wagenius; Michael Bjork; R Nelson Subject: Menard, Inc.#3129,Court File#82-CV-15-2043, 82-CV-16-1811, 82-CV-17-726,82- CV-17-5476&pending Bruce, These are property tax petitions for the 2014/pay2015 thru 2018/pay2019 tax years on the Oak Park Heights Menard's store. The petitioner provided all of the pertinent data. Based on our review and analysis, it was agreed to change the AY14 value from$8,910,000 to$8,450,000.,a negative adjustment of$460,000;change the AY15 value from $8,910,000 to$8,450,000., a negative adjustment of$460 000;change the AY16 vairue from$9,434,100 to$8,450,000.,a negative adjustment of$984,100;change the AY17 value from$10,804,900 to$8,300,000.,a negative adjustment of$2,504,900; and change the AY18 value from$9,727,600 to$8,300,000.,a negative adjustment of$1,427,600. Rollie F 71& $. s Ab Z ? .- �--f; 3 of 37 July 25, 2018 Representative Kathy Lohmer 501 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Senator Karin Housley 3217 Minnesota Senate Bldg. 95 University Avenue St. Paul, MN 55155 Mr. Adam Josephson Metro District Water Edge Blvd. 1900 W County Rd. B2 Roseville, MN 55113-3174 Dear Representative Kathy Lohmer, Senator Karin Housley and Mr.Adam Josephson I am writing you as I understand.from Eric Johnson, Public Works Department, City of Oak Park Heights, that you are the folks ultimately responsible for the crossing over Highway 36 at the intersection of Oak Green N and Greely Avenues. As a resident of Boutwells Landing I am often in the car crossing Highway 36 at the intersection of Oak Green N and Greely Avenues. Since the opening of the new bridge it is understandable that there will be increased traffic crossing the river and a need to keep the traffic flowing as efficient as possible. It is also understood that traffic buildup during rush hour requires more patience and without an overpass, traffic lights are needed to allow traffic to flow not only onto Highway 36 heading East and West but to also cross North and South. However, some of the experiences we have had crossing Highway 36 border on dangerous. The traffic light at the intersection described, at certain times, only allows five seconds to travel across the highway. Often there is a line of cars and not all can get through. Even with two lanes it is impossible. My fear is since so many seniors live on the South side of 36, and do not hot rod, there is going to be an accident when the crossing is restricted to five seconds. My husband and I experienced this scary situation many times. At other times the traffic light remains longer to an acceptable time for safe crossing, but when the time is severely reduced, it remains a serious hazard. We've been witnessing this over a period of several months and there is wide inconsistency in the time the light remains green to pass over Highway 36. We are writing in the hope that someone will be appointed to analyze this intersection as it is important to allow safe crossing with a reasonable amount of time. Folks don't mind waiting a little longer to cross as long as they have enough time to cross safely and not have to try and "beat the light." 4 of 37 I request that each of you check this location to witness this dangerous crossing and to advise me of your findings and actions that will be taken to alleviate the risk we currently face. Thank you for reviewing this and I will await your response. Sincerely, .loan Fol erg 5272 Nolan Parkway Stillwater, MN 55082 Joann �rn.com 651-219-8473 F,/Cc: Eric Johnson City of Oak Park Heights Andy Kegley, Public Works Director, City of Oak Park Heights 5 of 37 POLICE DEPARTMENT ` CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS f" 14168 OAK PARK BLVD.NORTH•P.O.BOX 2007 OAK PARK HEIGHTS,MINNESOTA 55082 TELEPHONE:(651)439-4723 FAX(651)439-3639 EMERGENCY:911 August 1,2018 To:Eric Johnson,City Administrator From:Brian DeRosier, Chief of Police Subject:Police Activity Report—July 2018 This overview report is the activity of the Oak Park Heights Police Department during the month of July 2018. Officers responded to and generated 2,072 calls for service in the City of Oak Park Heights during the month. The department responded to many incidents during the month. This is a summary 1 sampling of some of the cases we responded to and investigated: 1. Investigation of suspect purchasing a vehicle with forged check from another dealership after purchasing a vehicle at that dealership with a different forged check. 2. Arrested suspect female for domestic assault against her step father 3. Responded to 2 persons passed out in a vehicle. Suspect male fled on foot after officer woke them up—male had warrants.Both suspects apparently passed out from drug use. 4. Investigated road rage incident when suspect threw a"shake"at the other vehicle. 5. Arrested suspect who was"flopping"at residence high rise apartment and then lease want him to leave. Led to search warrant on apartment for drugs and a rented storage locker in town. b. 3 juv males whom we have had numerous contacts with this summer were cited for disorderly conduct after swearing at customers in retail parking lot. 7. Responded to intoxicated male at fast food rest.—sent to detox. 8. Cited suspect male after he intentionally hit another male's vehicle parked in a large retail lot.Victim was parked in the middle of the lot not in a space away from everyone else and this angered the suspect. 9. Arrested intoxicated male in taxi being disorderly. 10. Arrested suspect who fled officers on foot after a theft in SW. Suspect was located in OPH and after a struggle with the officer fled on foot. Suspect located and arrested. 11. Suspects from an assault in another city were located near their residence in OPH. Arrested for possession of brass knuckles and knife. 12. 4 males and another male whom they said were all friends were in wooded area. 3 suspect juv males assaulted other male with chemical spray and handcuffs. We conducted alcohol compliance checks. 2 violations. The sheriff's office is continuing to attempt to implement a new records management and vehicle mobile application. As part of this we continue to inure mechanical equipment,contract IT labor,and significant employee costs. This project went live as of May 221. The project has consumed significant 6 of 37 �w . POLICE DEPARTMENT CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS `. .e.:, :• .�Y �rc,,,,.���+ww e�m�uc�csvaau��.„c„c„c„ca�,�, w�mcuays�c.�c��a -` 14168 OAK PARK BLVD.NORTH•P.O.BOX 2007 "+ OAK PARK HEIGHTS,MINNESOTA 55082 y M, TELEPHONE:(651)439-4723 FAX:(651)439-3639 _ EMERGENCY:911 staff time on our part due to repeated failures and issues with the system. We are also having to alter our public report data requests and will not be able to support those walk up/walk out with the report requests. The requests will still be filled,but due to significant changes in the report management system the request will be completed and the person will be notified when it is ready. 5 building security cameras in the police department area stopped working at the same time along with several on the city hall side.2 in the interview rooms were authorized to be replaced along with 1 at the front police reception area. We did community outreach at Oakridge place with Officer Hicks talking and answering questions about safety. We did community outreach at daycare in town with Sgt.Vierling doing presentation with a squad. I completed our annual submission to the state for officer training reimbursement. We had approximately 1,000 hrs. of combined officer training in the last year. We responded to baby ducks in storm drain. This actually is a frequent yearly occurrence. Officers Zwach and Givand were able to rescue the ducklings with a hockey stick and fishing net. The resident who called sent the department a thank you carol and several gift cards for coffee. The gift cards were returned with a thank you letter. The POST Board conducted a routine audit on the department training and policies. No deficiencies were found and we are in full compliance. Officer Schroeder arrived in GA for the first of his 2 training sessions on computer forensics. As noted in council agenda we were able to secure grant funding for 1 of the training sessions so far. He will spend nearly a month combined for the 2 courses. We had 2 days during the month where we were at full staff due to vacations,sick leave and training. We had and continue to have one officer on family medical leave starting just after the beginning of the month for birth of child. He should be returning mid August. Officers attended training courses during the month: 1. All officers received training on 72hr health and welfare holds 2. Sgt's Veirling and Givand attended warrant service and incident preparation 3. Sgt's Givand and Vierling attended Use of Force Legal Issues and Documentation Chief DeRosier 7 of 37 Eric Johnson From: Robert Kamps <rkamps@aol.com> Sent: Saturday,August 4,201812.17 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Cover Park Please forward to Mayor. Madam Mayor: On the surface this may seem like a laughable email. I began walking this spring and I still walk about 16 miles a day. My evening walk consists partially of walking behind the Prison, out County Road 23 up 60th Street and across the Beach Road bridge. I decided to walk into Cover park this weekend. The last time I was up there, it was a hockey rink and outhouse. You people put up the nicest restroom, rest area i have ever seen. I took a road trip this spring from here through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. Your building in Cover park reminds me of rest stops I saw one my trip, only smaller. It was neat, clean, airy, well lit and generally attractive. Not only is the design good,it is so well kept. NO bugs, no spiderwebs with bugs, nothing on the floors. My hats off to you and you crews on building and maintaining such a nice building. The only complaint was the water wasn't cold enough, LOL If you remember, I was on the Bayport Council with Slick Rick and the gang years ago. I suggested then we build a nice restroom area at Barkers Alps. I was shot down. Their excuse was we are the guardians of the peoples money and cant waste it on something like that. I have subsequently asked 3 different people to consider building something at Barkers. It hosts,VAA Softball, VAA baseball,VAA soccer, church services in the summer. Field day for our Elementary school and dozens of other functions. I actually told the City to design something I had in my head, which is like yours only larger. Again, it seems we don't have the funds. Again, congratulations on such a nice facility, I know it sound silly, someone complimenting you on a bathroom, but if you have ever been in out beach house, the beach house is great, but the bathrooms are damp, dark, and not very clean. You beat Bayport by a mile. Robert D Kamps 1 8 of 37 Eric Johnson From: Allen Eisinger <aeisinger@ci.bayport.mn.us> Sent: Thursday,August 2,2018 7:30 AM To: Adam Bell; Eric Johnson Cc: Brian DeRosier €j j�'q fi� /T•d''�'{ Subject: Group home with high call volume 04 14 AF Ste Eric and Adam,we have a group home in OPH that Bayport Rescue has been dispatched 9 times from May 2018 until August 112018 for an emotional issue that Rescue was needed only one time. Due to the high call volume and Bayport Rescue not needed for the emotional issue,we would like to add the address to have only start Bayport Rescue for emotional issues if requested by Oak Park PD or Lakeview EMS. Bayport Fire/Rescue will still be paged for all other emergent issues for this location,just not the emotional issues. Please let me know it you have any questions or concerns as we would like to add this note to the Dispatch system in the next day or so. Sincerely, Allen Eisinger Fire Chief Bayport Fire Department Station Address: 1012 5th Ave N, Mail Address: 294 North 3rd St. Bayport,MN 55003 Office: 651-275-4401 Cell 651-300-2101 fax: 651-275-4402 E-Mail: aeisinaer d.baygort.mmus e ih 111�Il its id ii es lwil •Ilai NI -ft0W •W FO Rd0ft •West Ubd urld i 9 of 37 Current/Archived Newsletters--Metro Cities Page 1 of 4 CETRO CITIES Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Search I GO Metro Cities News "Obewwmd� August 3, 2018 Newsletter Archive New Inflow-Infiltration Mitigation Grant Have you heard the latest? waomowwm COMA* Program and Website Follow us on Tw#ter 111111111111116 w 746 O A reminder that there is a new inflow and infiltration demonstration project that has been established by the Metropolitan Council, with a grant up to$500,000. All communities that discharge to the regional wastewater system are eligible to apply. Ilwus 9000WOOM The deadline is August 31 St. CW1 Wild IN,—MW Data from the program will be used to help wwmwwom inform communities on effective inflow- mwbmomkma.ur infiltration mitigation strategies. Again, proposals are due by August 31, 2018. Click here for more information on the 4110011111100%GIMA. process and how to apply. The Metropolitan Council has also launched a new website with tools and resources for local governments and citizens on private property inflow- infiltration. The new website contains a variety of information and resources about how to reduce Ill. Metro Cities encourages city officials to check out the new and In Current/Archived comprehensive website. Newsletters: Archives for more information. 10 of 37 https://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=O/a7b3 73 8C3AO-1 B97-40... 8/5/2018 Current/Archived Newsletters -Metro Cities Page 2 of 4 Metropolitan Council Brownfield Grant Presentation and Open House You are invited to a short presentation and open house held by the Metropolitan Council on August 14 to learn about local public grants that help pay the cost of cleaning up contaminated sites often known as brownffelds. Brownfield properties often are close to a high-quality workforce, good transportation, and transit. The Metropolitan Council is interested in helping redevelopment that will increase the local tax base, add jobs or affordable housing units and leverage private investment while avoiding costly new public infrastructure. Tuesday,August 94 90:30 am—Noon Penn Lake Library 8800 Penn Ave S Bloomington, MN 55439 Applications for the next competitive grant are due November 1. Please visit the Metropolitan Council's website for more information. Questions? Contact Marcus Martin at 651- 602-1054 or marcus.martin(a-)-metc.state.mn.us. Housing Task Force Report Will Be Released in August Governor Dayton's Task Force on Housing held its final meeting last week. The meeting was the final gathering of the 28- member task€orae which was established in December 2017. A draft report was issued to Dayton earlier this week, a deadline included in the executive order establishing the task force. The task force announced the final public report will be released later this month. Task force co-chair Jeanne Crain is scheduled to speak at Metro Cities'August 22 Housing and Economic Development policy committee meeting. She will provide a review of the task force's work and discuss recommendations in the report. Contact Charlie Vander Aarde at 651-215- 4001 or charlie(M-metrocitiesmn.ora with any questions. 11 of 37 hos://www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b3 73 8C3AO-1 B97-40... 8/5/2018 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 3 of 4 Met Council Holds Public Hearing on Transportation Policy Plan Update The Metropolitan Council held a public hearing on Wednesday to hear comments to the updated Transportation Policy Plan. The TPP is updated every four years and public comments on the current draft are being accepted by the Met Council through August 13. Residents and representatives from organizations addressed Met Councilmembers on a range of transit- related issues, including: transit fares, freight rail safety, electric buses, climate change, transit accessibility, transit policing policies and practices, student transit passes, customer relations, and signage. Comment via an online feedback form. Write to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at 390 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55101. Email to Metropolitan Council, Public Information at public.info0metc.state.mmus. Record a comment on the Public Comment Line at 651.602-1500 (TTY 651-291-0904). Comments are due by 5 pm on August 13. Metro Cities Communications Audit Metro Cities is beginning the process of a communications audit to learn more about our strengths and weaknesses regarding our various communication vehicles (newsletter, website, social media, etc.). Watch for future newsletter articles and emails, as we will be looking for YOUR feedback via an online survey on what we currently do well, and where we can improve! Questions or comments? Contact Kimberly at kimberly0metrocitiesmn.org or 651- 215-4004. 12 of 37 https://www.metrocitiesum.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b373 8C3AO-1 B97-40... 8/5/2018 Current/Archived Newsletters-Metro Cities Page 4 of 4 Metro Cities News is emailed periodically to all Metro Cities member mayors, councilmembers, city managers and administrators to keep officials abreast of important metro city issues. This information is also intended to be shared with city staff. If you'd like to sign up to receive Metro Cities News, please email newsletter(cDmetrocitiesmn.oro and provide the following: Name, Title, Employer and Email address. Thank you. Metro Cities 146 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 Phone 651-215- 4000 Fax 651.281-1299 Website www.MetroCltiesMN.ora Home About Us(mist*Cities memhem I Board of Directors I Legislature I Mefr000lltan Council I Nk o Cities T k EQM RMrt on M 1 n Governance I Preall MEW PUbl1cWone I Leatolative Policies I Policy Committees I CuffwWArehhred Newsletters I flR"Polltan Area Management AssoOiaf -nL(MAMA)I Questions.comments or$ug*o lona I I jJ31M jWg ftMONUM,I Upcoming Metro Cltles Events I Committees and Meetings Parreraa by Printer-friendly Version 13 of 37 https://www.metrocitiesnm.org/index.asp?Type=B BASIC&SEC=%7b3738C3AO-1B97-40... 8/5/2018 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday,August 1,2018 2:23 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:St.Croix River Crossing turns one For weekly notes ---Original Message--- From: MnDOT<mndot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent:Wed,Aug 1, 2018 2:04 pm Subject: St Croix River Crossing turns one Having trouble viewing this email?view it as a Web page. St. Croix River Crossing turns one v c.apum In honor of the one year anniversary of the grand opening of the St. Croix River Crossing on Aug. 2, 2017,we'd litre to share the following article courtesy of Bill Rubin, Executive Director of the St. Croix Economic Development Corporation. Worth the alt: River Crossing Turns One BY BILL RUSHY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR To fanfare,the St. Croix River Crossing opened on August 2, 2017. History teaches us that good things come to those who wait.The St. Croix Valley waited decades for its i 14 of 37 moment last August.The opening event was widely covered by national news and Twin Cities media. At the ceremonial ribbon-cutting held on the morning of August 2nd, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton spilled the beans by saying the new bridge would open later in the day. Into the microphone Gov. Dayton asked his transportation commissioner, "Charlie (Zelle), is it still 8:00 p.m.?"The program's emcee, Oak Park Heights Mayor Mary McComber, was quick with a reply, "The Governor has ruled it will be 8:00 p.m. tonight!" Cheers rang out. Until that moment, MnDOT had played it close to the vest about the exact day and time the new St. Croix River Crossing would open. Perhaps it was the worst kept secret in engineering circles. If one bridge was set to open,then another would close.August 2nd marked the closing of the historic Lift Bridge in downtown Stillwater, MN.The last car across the Lift Bridge was a vintage 1931 Stutz convertible,the same year the Lift Bridge opened. The starter on the Stutz reportedly failed as it made its way across the bridge and even Stillwater's Mayor helped push it along. At least it did not run out of gas as it appeared the Lift Bridge would. Old and tired,the e rector-set-of-a-bridge was just about done. It served the St. Croix Valley well. Fittingly, the Lift Bridge gets a second chance as a recreational amenity for the St. Croix Valley.The bridge is in the middle of a restoration. It is expected to reopen in mid-2019 for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy as they cross between Wisconsin and Minnesota on a loop trail connecting it to the new bridge. Both Governor Dayton and Wisconsin Governor Walker were in rare form during the ceremonial opening. Gov. Dayton vowed to place a tollbooth on the new bridge and Green Bay Packer fans would pay double. Gov. Walker responded with a reminder of 2018's Super Bowl game in Minneapolis and how convenient it would be for Packer fans to attend and cheer on their team. Alas, neither the toll booth nor Green Bay playing in the Super Bowl panned out. Governor Walker may have summed it up best by saying, 'This river may divide us, but this bridge unites us. It unites our commerce and our economy. It unites our employment base. ... It unites our education, particularly higher education, and yes, even today, it unites us even as Packer and Viking fans." Whether it's a birthday or anniversary,the St. Croix Crossing will have served the St. Croix Valley for one year as of August 2nd. Well played. St. Croix Economic Development Corporation: https://stcroixedc.com/river-crossing- turns-one/ MnDOT - mndot.gov Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation: 2 15 of 37 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aoi.com> Sent Friday,July 27, 2018 5:02 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd:Construction Update:Stillwater Lift Bridge For weekly notes ----Original Message--- From: MnDOT<mndot@public.govdelivery.com> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Fri, Jul 27, 2018 3:12 pm Subject: Construction Update: Stillwater Lift Bridge Having trouble viewing this email?view it as a web page. EPARTMENNT MORTTRANSP ;� Stillwater Lift Bridge construction update Work continues on the Stillwater Lift Bridge to transform it to a pedestrian and bicycle facility that will be a part of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Loop Trail. With the removal of Stillwater Lift Bridge span#6 (east of the lift span) shortly before 11 a.m.today(Thu,July 27),St. Croix River traffic will now be able to move unimpeded up and down the St. Croix River through the rest of the boating season. Span#6, located two spans east of the lift section,was removed to allow for work on the lift span.The repairs and repainting will require us to keep the lift span closed and not allow for regularly scheduled lifts.The span will remain anchored just east of the newly created channel through the bridge until mid-November. Please note; While the span is removed, the channel through the bridge and the construction area around the lift bridge is a slow, no-wake zone.And all boat traffic is now required to use the new opening only. Once the span is moved back in to place later this fall,the lift bridge will revert to the schedule for lifts outside of the regular lifting season, i.e., from Oct. 15 to May 15. 16 of 37 During that time,the bridge will be raised upon 24-hour notice. Requests can be made by dialing 651-234-7110. More about this project This conversion project is part of the St. Croix Crossing Project.The converted lift bridge will also become part of a 5-mile "loop trail" system connecting the new river crossing bridge up with the historic bridge and other local trails. it will reopen for pedestrian and bicycle traffic only and lift for boats in lune of 2019. Visit the project website for more information, including the 2015 Lift Bridge lift schedule, at:www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/liftbridge/. MnDOT • mndot.gov Stay Connected with Minnesota Department of Transportation: MnDOT's Social Media Hub>> SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manaee Subscriptions I Unsubscribe All I HeID This email was sentto marymccomberyaol.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of:Minnesota Department of Transportation•395 John Ireland Blvd•Saint Paul,MN 55155 2 17 of 37 A Blog for Minnesota Cities: Spotted: Welcome to 2018's Incoming LMC Board Members Page 1 of 2 G+ More Create Brag Sign In M .4 1� � the qpt* S ,MA MINNESOTA le CITIES r , a� � i r N• i � 1'"� MONDAY,JULY 3o,2oi8 ABOUT ME MNCities Blog Spotted:Welcome to 2078's Incoming LMC Board Members The League of Minnesota Cities is a ® ,_ ------- membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis,trusted guidance,and collective action.The League serves its more IIldll _, 4,w than 830 members through advocary, education and training,policy development, risk management,and other serviom For more aw .rW information,visit www.imc.org. View my complete profile TALK TO US! Do you have a comment?Would you like to I venture a guess on one ofthe trivia questions we put forth?Please do so by clicking the "Comments'link at the bottom of any given R bloB post. t Thankyou in advance far respecting our _..— organization's comment policy. DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? No summer doldrums here—the League welcomed fresh energy to the Hoard of Directors at the Has a particular post caught your eye?Use the July board meeting.Were looking forward to the experience and talent that this class of directors tiny,square icons at the bottom of each entry will bring to leading Minnesota cities and the League organization over the next year and beyond! to share it with others via email,Twitter, Facebook,or even your own blog! Please welcome from left to right:Joshua Malchow,administrator-clerk,Slayton;Mary McComber, mayor of Oak Park Heights(Minnesota Association of Small Cities representative);Rita Albrecht, LEARN MORE ABOUT LMC mayor,Bemidji;D.Love,councilmember,Centerville;Amy 8rendmoen,councilmember,St Paul; so who exactly is the League of Minnesota and Mary Gaasch,mayor of Lauderdale(Metro Cities representative).Don't you love a good group Cities?Read more about our organization at photo? www.lmc org The new Board members were elected during the membership's business meeting at the League's BLOC ARCHIVE recent Annual Conference,held this year in St.Cloud.You can see the full LMC board lineup here. V 2018(15) Also at the July board meeting,outgoing president Jo Emerson,mayor of White Bear Lake,passed • July(3) on the gavel to Heidi Omerza,councilmember from Ely.The League gives Jo our heartfelt thanks Spotted:Welcome to 2018'5 Incoming for her dedication and leadership.You can see a bit about Jo's work representing Minnesota cities LMC Board Memb... and engaging youth in The Next Generation of City Leaders. The July-Aug 2o18 Issue of Minnesota Cities Magazi... Photo credit goes to LMCstaltrs Danielle Cabot andleA"Korte Saying Farewell to Camp#MnCities Posted by MNCities Blog at 11:12 AM P, June(4) 0' May(2) No comments: 1�, April(i) 18 of 37 hnp://minnesotacities.blogspot.com/2018/07/spotted-welcome-to-2018s-incoming-lmc.html... 8/5/2018 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday,July 31,2018 5:00 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: Federal Advocacy Update:Week of July 31, 2018 For weekly notes -----Original Message— From: National League of Cities<advocacy@nlc.org> To: marymccomber<marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Tue, Jul 31, 2018 4:04 pm Subject: Federal Advocacy update:Week of July 31, 2018 ,I.. c "c,ani i ;,,P i ;, s e,, arrllr,: Y9 Ia:r APTX 1 a, Federal Advocacy Update In This Issue - FYI Appropriations: Where Are We Now - Outgoing House Chairman Releases Plan to Fix Federal Infrastructure Funding - First Peek at Tax Reform 2.0 - Congress Extends NFIP Hours Before Deadline - Don't Let Congress Widen the Digital Divide President Signs Career and Technical Education Bill into Law How the BDAC Could Shape Cities' Digital Future NLC Responds to National Council for the American Worker FYI Appropriations: Where Are We Now Michael Wallace, 202-626-3025, Carolyn Berndt, 202-626-3101 During the week of July 23, the Senate began consideration of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 spending package consisting of four appropriations bills totaling $154.2 billion: Interior-Environment, Financial Services, Agriculture, and Transportation- 19 of 37 Housing and Urban Development. For cities, the decision to bundle the four bills is another good sign that Congress is likely to remain faithful to the higher funding levels approved under the current two-year budget agreement, rather than bending to the president's proposed budget cuts. If the package passes, and many expect it will, the Senate will have approved seven of the annual twelve spending bills before their August recess. That would give Congress two months to resolve the differences between those bills before the new fiscal year begins on October 1. The timing is important because Senate leaders do not want to resort to sending the White House another giant, year-end omnibus spending package. For one, the House has been unable to match the bipartisan cooperation on display in the Senate when it comes to appropriations bills, and it isn't clear if an omnibus bill could pass the House. Secondly, President Trump vowed that he would never sign another omnibus spending package following enactment of the FYI omnibus appropriations package. In general, the four Senate bills would extend the higher FYI funding levels for city priorities through FY19, including several programs covered under the Interior-Environment and Energy-Water Bills, as well as $3.3 billion for CDBG. Unlike the House, the Senate bills do not generally include controversial, partisan policy riders or proposals that would undermine the current budget agreement. City leaders can track the development of the FYI spending bills by visiting NLC's Budget Tracker, which details dozens of federal programs important to cities across all federal agencies. Energy-Water Earlier this month, the House and Senate each approved a "mini-bus" package of three FY19 appropriations bills, including those pertaining to Energy-Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch. Both chambers have named conference committee members who will begin working out the differences between the two bills, with an eye toward completing negotiations before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. Senate conference committee members are: Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), John Boozman (R AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), James 2 20 of 37 Lankford (R-OK), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Chris Murphy (D-CT). House conference committee members are: Representatives Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Mike Simpson (R-ID), John Carter (R-TX), Ken Calvert (R- CA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), Scott Taylor (R-VA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Pete Visclosky (D-IN), Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). The House and Senate Energy-Water appropriations bills largely reject the president's proposed cuts and provide level funding at FYI levels for key programs, such as $251 million for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The House bill also includes several controversial policy riders not found in the Senate version, including one to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Clean Water Rule. Conference committee members have not yet met to begin work. Interior-Environment On July 19, the House passed its spending bill by a vote of 217-199 to fund the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of a two-bill "mini-bus" appropriations package that also included the Financial Services bill. While the bill provides an increase to the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) providing $75 million — compared to $63 million in FYI ---- it funds the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs at FY17 levels, $1.393 billion and $863 million respectively. The House considered 87 amendments to the mini-bus package and the final bill includes several controversial policy riders, including one to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Rule. Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing to bring its version of the Interior-Environment bill to the floor this week as part of a "mini-bus" package that includes not only the Interior-Environment appropriations bill and Financial Services, but also the Agriculture and Transportation-HUD spending bills. The Senate bill provides mostly level funding at FYI levels for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund 3 21 of 37 ($1.694 billion), Drinking Water State Revolving Fund ($1.164 billion), WIFIA ($63 million) and Brownfields ($80 million). Again, the Senate bill does not include any policy riders. Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Funding for the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development have emerged as a point of partisan contention in the House, with familiar lines being drawn on overall spending levels, and an August recess that leaves little time for any meaningful debate. As a result, it's more than likely that there will be no vote on the House Transportation-HUD bill before the fiscal year ends on October 1. The situation is different in the Senate, which unanimously passed the Senate Transportation-HUD bill in committee. Seeing a chance to overcome the stalemate in the House, Senate leaders agreed to bundle the Senate T-HUD bill with three other bills, two of which were already approved by the House. Unfortunately, the limits of that strategy slowly became evident, as the four-bill package became subject to over 200 filed amendments. A final vote on the bill has been delayed by a week. Of the 200 amendments, two dominated the debate: an amendment to increase funding for election security in response to Russian interference and an amendment to permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. NLC supports passage of the Senate Transportation-HUD bill, which generally maintains FY18 funding increases made possible by the two-year Bipartisan Budget Act. To date, none of the filed amendments would impact the $3.3 billion allocated for CDBG. Although it's unclear which of the 200 plus amendments will actually be considered for a vote, amendments that NLC would support include a Senator Nelson (D-FL) Amendment (3545) to make the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP) available to survivors of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria; and a Senator Young (R-IN) Amendment (3550) to establish a bipartisan task force to evaluate and create recommendations regarding the nation's affordable housing crisis. Outgoing House Chairman Releases Plan to Fix Federal Infrastructure Funding 4 22 of 37 Briitney Kohler, 202-626-3164 Since the president released his infrastructure proposal this spring, cities have been calling on Congress to follow-up with a proposal of their own. On July 23, Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA), the outgoing Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, finally released a discussion bill on a comprehensive transportation and water resources infrastructure investment package. Following the release of the proposal NLC, National Association of Counties (NACo), National Governors Association (NGA), Council of State Governments (CSG) and the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) released a joint statement. The bili provides a path to address the Highway Trust Fund's looming insolvency in 2020, while also eliminating the gas tax, increasing investment in important water infrastructure and asking that all beneficiaries of federal transportation contribute to its funding. While the bill could set the course for the future, Chairman Shuster released this proposal highlighting that frustration with inaction is high, noting "Since election day, the American people have waited for action by their federal elected representatives, and I am just as frustrated as they are that we have yet to seriously consider a responsible, thoughtful proposal." Cities are glad to see the Chairman put pen to paper for his colleagues to react to. Now is a great time to ask your Members of Congress to carry on the Chairman's momentum towards accomplishing comprehensive infrastructure reform and address pressing needs, like the looming insolvency of the Highway Trust Fund. Cities need to know if Congress will rebuild with us and support an infrastructure package that meets the essential needs of cities. For NLC's key takeaways on where the Chairman's infrastructure proposal is leaning and how that may impact cities, visit NLC's blog Cities5peak. First Peek at Tax Reform 2.0 Brian Egan, 202-623-3107 On July 24, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released a listening session framework for the anticipated Tax Reform 2.0. The 5 23 of 37 two-page document provided high level talking points around goals for a follow-up package to 2018's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Last year, in order to limit the cost of the TCJA, legislators set many tax cut provisions for individuals to sunset in 2026. This framework centers on making those previously temporary tax cuts for individuals permanent. In addition, the framework broadly outlines plans to encourage flexible savings accounts and spur business innovation through changes to the tax code. This announcement did not include any indication that technical corrections to the tax bill would be included in immediate pians. While the proposal lacks key specific details, including how Congress plans to pay for the estimated $600 billion price tag, it is further proof that some Members of Congress are serious about voting on additional tax legislation between September and the November elections. NLC remains committed to preserving our priorities in the tax code, which include: Municipal Bonds: • Preserving the tax exemption for interest earned on municipal bonds. • Preserving the tax exemption for interest earned on qualified private activity bonds. • Restoring the tax exemption for interest earned on advance refunding bonds. Tax Credits that Spur Growth in Cities: • Preserving the Historic Tax Credit. • Preserving the New Markets Tax Credit. • Preserving the Earned Income Tax Credit. • Preserving the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. • Preserving the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Preserving the Sovereignty of Local Governments: • Preserving the state and local tax (SALT) deduction and removing its new $90,000 cap. 6 24 of 37 • Eliminating new language that considers local governments' contributions to capital as taxable corporate income under Section 118. Congress Extends NFIP Hours Before Deadline rucel ors, 242-626-3124 With hours to spare before the National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire, the Senate voted on July 31 to extend the program through November 30. The House voted 366 — 52 to extend the NFIP on July 25, 2018 before leaving town for the August recess. The bill now goes to the president's desk for signature. NLC supports the short-term extension of the NFIP while the House and Senate continue to work out the necessary reforms needed to keep the program solvent and ensure flood insurance premiums are affordable. Don't Let Congress Widen the Digital Divide Angelina Panettier% 202-626-3196 In every city across our nation, local leaders are actively working to reduce the digital divide. Access to the Internet is no longer a luxury. Reliable, fast broadband that connects all neighborhoods is a vital component of our citizen's daily lives. But a bill was recently introduced in the Senate by Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) that would complicate existing efforts by state and local governments to deploy broadband service. The STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act (S. 3157) would force a one-size-fits-all preemption that will harm local negotiations and policy work-- slowing the deployment of new broadband infrastructure. NLC joined a number of other state and local government organizations on a letter to senators opposing the bill. Cities have traditionally negotiated with providers on issues such as the location, appearance, and size of wireless infrastructure, but this bill severely limits the ability of cities to ensure that infrastructure suits the neighborhood around it and to charge appropriate rents for private, for-profit use of public property. 7 25 of 37 With work being done to introduce a House version of this bill, we need city leaders to send your Members of Congress a letter today urging opposition to this harmful legislation. NLC shares Congress's goal of ensuring efficient, safe, and appropriate deployment of new broadband technology, but S. 3157 is not the best way to achieve this shared goal. President Signs Career and Technical Education Bill into Law Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman, 202-626-3098 On July 31, the president signed into law The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins Act). The Perkins Act provides necessary updates to career and technical education programs, including eliminating a negotiation process between states crafting goals for their career and technical education programs and the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. States receive $1 billion in grants via this program. NLC has long championed the reauthorization of the Perkins Act and released a statement in support of it's signing. The bill's signing comes after the Senate passed the much-anticipated legislation on June 23 by a voice vote. The House of Representatives passed their version of the bill last year and, following the Senate's action, passed the Senate's version of the bill by voice vote and promptly forwarded the legislation to the president for signature last week. NLC supported the Senate's action on the bill, which is a key pillar of our Rebuild With Us guiding principles, as well as a key component of the Administration's infrastructure principles. Passage of this bill received support from both Ivanka Trump and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. How the BDAC Could Shape Cities' Digital Future Angelina Panettieri, 202-626-3196 During the week of July 23, the thirty members of the Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee (BDAC) gathered at the Federal Communications s 26 of 37 Commission (FCC) to develop and agree to debate new model state and local laws for broadband deployment. The group is comprised of one elected official and five total representatives of state or local governments— along with a wide range of members representing telecommunications companies, academic institutions known for their opposition to municipal broadband investment, and stakeholders representing the National Grange and LGBT Technology Partnership & Institute. Together, they represented the committee charged with writing state and local laws on broadband deployment. But with just a handful of local government officials onboard, the ramifications for cities could be serious. To read more about the BDAC proceedings and how their decisions could impact cities, visit NLC's blog CidesSpeak. NLC Responds to National Council for the American Worker Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman, 202-626-3098 On July 19, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the National Council for the American Worker, which is comprised of individuals from the administration and is tasked with developing a national strategy for workforce development, focusing on employment, training and the use of data. The Council will be supported by an advisory board comprised of leaders from the private sector, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations and state government. The advisory board will provide advice and on-the-ground examples to the Council as they work to develop a national workforce strategy. In addition, the announcement showcased the new Pledge to America's Workers, which asks companies across the country to commit to investing in the training and retraining of their workforces. Following the announcement, NLC released a statement commending the president for his focus on investments in workforce development, which are critical to the economic vitality of cities, as well as highlighting the need for the 9 27 of 37 inclusion of local government representation on the advisory board for the Council. NORMAL IN �. OF ' You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences. This message was intended for: marymccombergDaol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Higher Logic 10 28 of 37 Eric Johnson From: Mary Mccomber <marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Saturday,July 28, 2018 3:50 PM To: Eric Johnson Subject: Fwd: How Memphis Helps Employees Repay Student Loans For weekly notes ---Original Message--- From: National League of Cities mews@nlc.org> To: marymccomber marymccomber@aol.com> Sent: Sat, Jul 28, 2018 6:12 am Subject: How Memphis Helps Employees Repay Student Loans If this message is not displaying properly,please view the online version. NNW The Wee-*%-,kly III l ��k o A R I d" II re' � , 9 0 ' 4 n Ilk �711 17 its • 29 of 37 Community College Will Shape the Workforce of the Future Local elected officials have an enormous opportunity to partner with their local community colleges to help boost their workforce and local economies. How Memphis Helps Employees Repay Student Loans M-0i The policy focuses on providing more financial i support to its employees. Its innovative approach could be a model for other cities. 4 New Bill Threatens City Authority on Small Cell Infrastructure The proposed STREAMLINE Act could over-extend the federal government's ability to control local OsA broadband fees and costs. I ' Why Social And Emotional Skills Matter iikMost for Employers Research proves the importance of incorporating SEL into afterschool and summer programs. Learn more about how city leaders can help, ADVERTISEMENT YOU w AT HOME NOW LEAD AT NLC t u Ad Z 30 of 37 News How a Jobs Guarantee or Basic Income Could Protect Americans from Automation and Stagnating Wages Business Insider—July 26, 2018 Getting Beyond the Hype About Uber and Gig Work CitiesSpeak--July 26, 2098 Why Are Adventure Hubs So White? Outside—July 27, 2018 Replacing Nisqually Bridges Can't Wait The News-Tribune—July 21, 2018 City of Mesquite Announces Partnership for Prescription Discount Cards St. George News—July 26, 2018 Announcements This summer, NLC is conducting a groundbreaking study in partnership with IBTS to investigate the challenges, successes, and needs that governments experience when implementing solar & renewable energy policies and programs. The survey is now open to local elected officials and staff available online here. Events Nov. 7-10 City Summit 2018 (Los Angeles) (Early Bird Registration) Job Postings Technology & Information Services Director— Redmond, Washington Chief Administrative Officer— Duluth, Minnesota. Chief of Police — Pharr, Texas 3 31 of 37 KWAMr LEAGUENL' C OF emu3 INUMVINEg" You may opt out of email communications from NLC at any time. Update your communication preferences. This message was intended for: marymccomber(&-aol.com 660 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 450 Washington, DC 20001 Privacy Policy ©2018 NLC, All Rights Reserved Powered by Informz 4 32 of 37 Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities—CitiesSpeak Page 1 of 5 =HE CitiesSpea k Q, EQUITY POLICY HOUSING ENVIRONMENT FINANCE HEALTH YOUTH jp ,y? r. ^,gra, J ��I r. 'onw11 i'hp Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities .*- By Gideon Berger on August 3,2018 Every year, mayors from cities of all sizes share their visions for the upcoming year in their state of the city speeches. NLC has analyzed trends in these speeches for the last 33 of 37 https://citiesspeak.org/2018/08/03/why-downtown-development-is-crucial-for-american-citi... 8/5/2018 Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities—CitiesSpeak Page 2 of 5 five years, and it should surprise no one that economic development has remained the most popular topic. But this year, the subtopic of downtown development edged out all other economic development issues for the top spot, coming up in more than a third of the 16o speeches NLC analyzed. This makes it the seventh most frequently mentioned subtopic overall. A number of mayors articulated clear goals for downtown development Some examples include: • Clarksville, Tennessee: Mayor Kim McMillan championed a downtown performing arts center to enhance the entertainment scene as well as provide meeting space for conferences and other events. Cohoes, New York: Mayor Shawn Morse noted the expansion of a park that would both serve as a modern gathering and event space, and broaden programming to spur additional visitation, recreation and investment in the downtown area. Tonawanda, New York.: Mayor Rick Davis mentioned plans to add mixed-use buildings to the city's commercial downtown area. • Durham, North Carolina: Noting the importance of using public land downtown to leverage affordable housing, Mayor Steve Schewel praised a recent city council vote to provide two acres of land next to the Durham Station development, and up to $3.8 million, to support the construction of 8o affordable units. Subscribe to CitiesSpeak Get the essential news and tools for city leadership, delivered daily by email. Email Address 34 of 37 https://citiesspeak.org/2018/08/03/why-downtown development-is-crucial-for-american-citi... $/5/2018 Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities—CitiesSpeak Page 3 of 5 SUBMIT The themes that these plans and projects touch on include: • Catalyzing private investment in downtown through public infrastructure improvements and development incentives; Public acquisition of sites that have been abandoned or neglected; • The role of public spaces like parks and plazas, as well as cultural facilities, to support community needs and tourism; • The role of new residential development in making downtown vibrant and growing the market for commercial uses; and • The outsized importance of downtown development projects in enhancing the city's overall fiscal health and tax base due to the higher tax revenues generated. Strikingly, the themes highlighted above come up frequently among participants in NLC's Daniel Rose Fellowship,which for the past nine years has provided technical assistance to large U.S. cities nationwide who wish to further develop their downtowns. Over the years, the Rose Fellowship has shared and learned a number of lessons about downtown development, and our Rose Fellow mayors have similar goals to the mayors highlighted in our State of the Cities report: • Former Oakland, California, Mayor Jean Quan and current Rochester, New York, Mayor Lovely Warren wanted to bring new retail and shopping destinations to their downtown,which had experienced a renaissance in residential development, to turn it into a true mixed-use neighborhood that could meet the needs of new residents. • Omaha, Nebraska, Mayor Jean Stothert sought to attract infill development to North Downtown —which at the time was a mix of large, event-based sports and convention centers and vast surface parking lots to create a unique mixed-use neighborhood 35 of 37 https://citiesspeak.org/2018/08/03/why-downtown-development-is-crucial-for-american-citi... 8/5/2018 Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities--CitiesSpeak Page 4 of 5 that could also support the numerous arts-based enterprises popping up in its abandoned industrial properties. • Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell sought to refresh the cultural heart of the city, the aging Blaisdell Center, with new culture and arts facilities as well as a supportive new arts district around them. • Former Birmingham,Alabama, Mayor William Bell and current Richmond,Virginia, Mayor Levar Stoney sought to properly restore their significant historical sites to create a tourism-driven economic development strategy that would help provide sustainable funding for their cities. It is heartening and encouraging to see smaller cities tackling these same challenges. However, proper downtown development requires a tremendous amount of staff technical capacity, deal-making savvy, community support and political will to execute well. To add an extra layer of difficulty, downtown development is very visible, which means these projects entail more political risk and require bolder (and more informed) leadership from public officials. All of these examples illuminate how critical downtown remains to the future of our cities. While jobs have clearly been moving further outside metro areas over the years, our downtowns'history, cultural amenities and easy access to transportation make them a special place to live and work. Ultimately, they give our cities a vibrant and relevant identity as they evolve to meet the challenges of the future. About the Author: Gideon Berger is the program director for the Daniel Rose Fellowship at the Rose Center for Public Leadership in Land Use, a program of NLC in partnership with the Urban Land Institute. Share this: 8hlrN shaft 36 of 37 https://citiesspeak.org/2018/08/03/why-downtown development-is-crucial-for-american-citi... 8/5/2018 Why Downtown Development is Crucial for American Cities—CitiesSpeak Page 5 of 5 � The State of the Cities in 2012: p Economic Development Efforts - I This is the fifth in a seven-part I series about mayors 2012 State of tea, A - - _ the City Speeches. Economic - development strategies come in all 8 Ways the Arts Can Boost Cities Focus on Talent, Quality Your Local Economy shapes and sizes. More of Life to Grow Local Economies V fT in SUBSCRIBE TO HOME91 CITIE55PEAK NLC INFO Email Address NLC'S HISTORY ABOUT FOLLOW 37 of 37 https://citiesspeak.org/2018/08103/why-downtown-development-is-crucial-for-american-citi... 8/5/2018