HF1561

This bill, authored by Representative Finke, is a capital investment proposal in the Minnesota House of Representatives. It appropriates $6 million from the general fund in fiscal year 2026 to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to FilmNorth, a nonprofit organization (501c3). The funds will be used to renovate a property located at 2447 University Avenue West, St. Paul, transforming it into a multiuse facility. The facility will include:

• A workforce training center for film industry jobs,
  
• An archive for short films, documentaries, experimental films, and narrative films by Minnesota media artists, accessible to the public,
  
• A soundstage and community events space, and
  
• Affordable office space for low-income artists.
  

This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until the project is completed or abandoned, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 16A.642.