SAINT PAUL, Minn. – During the 2023 legislative session, Rep. Dave Lislegard (DFL – Aurora), chair of the House Property Tax Division, led the way in passing a historic package of funding aid for Minnesota communities, including an additional $80 million per year in Local Government Aid, an additional $80 million per year in County Program Aid, $300 million in one-time Public Safety Aid, and more. Next week, the Minnesota Department of Revenue will begin sending the Public Safety Aid to local communities, along with the second half of 2023’s annual LGA and CPA payments.
“This funding is critically important to help ensure Minnesotans can have an excellent quality of life, regardless if they’re from a big city or a small town, and I’m particularly proud of our investments in the Iron Range,” Rep. Lislegard said. “Rural communities are still facing challenges, most urgently a crisis regarding ambulance services, and they desperately need our help to solve funding and personnel shortfalls. However, this funding will begin to reverse years of underinvestment from the state to help cities and counties continue providing public services while keeping property taxes under control.”
Public safety departments can use the Public Safety Aid for initiatives such as recruitment and retention, equipment costs, mental health crisis responses, victim services, and first responder wellness and training programs. Next July, communities will begin receiving increased amounts of LGA and CPA as a result of Rep. Lislegard’s legislation enacted during the 2023 legislative session.
The following are the total certified 2023 certified aid amounts local governments will receive:
City Local Government Aid Public Safety Aid (one-time)
Aurora $684,645 $73,867
Biwabik $251,206 $42,010
Buhl $394,231 $41,879
Chisholm $3,467,840 $207,074
Eveleth $2,972,237 $151,804
Gilbert $741,061 $73,299
Iron Junction $9,604 $4,770
Kinney $46,835 $6,608
Meadowlands $27,045 $5,820
Mountain Iron $1,436,859 $125,242
Virginia $6,207,006 $364,567
County County Program Aid Public Safety Aid (one-time)
St. Louis $13,848,653 $3,423,415
Additional information is available from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.