St. Paul June Meeting

Tax Increment Financing: Tool of Economic Development or Corporate Favoritism?

Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) in MN is governed by state statute. However, is the state law enough to ensure that TIF is used for its intended purposes and not abused? How can the use of critical thinking by elected officials and government administrators bring about better decisions in the implementation of TIF? Is the disciplined process of critical thinking, which includes the skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating gathered information, at odds with the political process of economic development? Is TIF nothing more than a tool of corporate favoritism or can it be a successful tool to grow the economy or improve the quality of life in a community? We will look at these questions and more.

Ms. Longrie graduated from College of St. Scholastica – Duluth with Bachelor degrees in Chemistry and Biology and Hamline University School of Law and is now a successful business woman and attorney in her own firm. She was Maplewood’s first elected woman Mayor and is a respected community leader and activist in civic engagement. During her tenure as Mayor, Ms. Longrie testified in support of eminent domain reforms that benefited seniors, homeowners and small business. She was a vocal champion for the Conservation Easement Initiative to protect all of Maplewood’s publicly owned open spaces from future commercial or residential development. Additionally, she implemented a policy that all council, commission and task force meetings be cablecast for the public’s viewing and access. Finally, Ms. Longrie is the host and producer of a weekly, hour long cablecast program, "Off the Record News". The award winning program, in its 13th year, serves Ramsey and Washington Counties.

Breakfast Buffet $12.00 Coffee only $3.00. We need to plan for the room setup and meal, soplease RSVP by Friday, May 29.