MPRB to Consider New Plan with City to Close Funding Gap for Neighborhood Parks

From a March 16 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board e-newsletter:

Minneapolis Park Board to consider new plan with City to close funding gap for neighborhood parks

Today the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) and City of Minneapolis will consider a new strategy, in addition to the referendum and Charter Amendment discussions underway, to address the funding gap for neighborhood parks maintenance, repair and capital investments. Working in partnership, MPRB and City leaders developed a financial plan called the 20 Year Neighborhood Park Plan. 

At tonight’s March 16 Board meeting, MPRB Commissioners will consider a resolution approving a 20 Year Neighborhood Park Plan between the MPRB and the City and directing the Superintendent and MPRB Legal Counsel to prepare an ordinance to implement the 20 Year Neighborhood Park Plan for consideration on April 6, 2016 and final adoption on April 20, 2016.

In January the MPRB approved proposed ballot language for a November 2016 referendum for neighborhood park funding; however there are several benefits of the 20 Year Neighborhood Park Plan to the MPRB, the City and residents, including:
•Reduces property tax impact on Minneapolis residents
•Guarantees protection of current level of Local Government Aid and other funding  to MPRB
•Provides neighborhood park funds sooner to MPRB

Tonight’s March 16 Board meeting begins at 5 pm at MPRB Headquarters Board Room, 2117 West River Road. In addition to the resolution, the full meeting agenda can be viewed at https://minneapolisparksmn.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1587. The Minneapolis City Council will also discuss the proposed plan at their 10 am meeting today at City Hall.

Efforts already underway will continue towards a November 2016 referendum or Charter Amendment to address neighborhood park funding. If both the MPRB and City approve concurrent 20 Year Neighborhood Park Plan ordinances this spring, efforts towards a November 2016 referendum will cease. If concurrent Ordinances are not approved this spring, efforts for a referendum or Charter Amendment will continue. 

For details about the state of Minneapolis’ neighborhood parks or the proposed ballot language, visit www.minneapolisparks.org/closingthegap.