HF2349

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create a new governmental entity called the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority. This body will focus on promoting economic development within Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Creation of the Authority: The bill establishes the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority with specific powers relating to economic development and housing. It will take on roles similar to those of city governments and housing authorities concerning development projects.
• Scope of Powers: The authority will possess powers from various sections of Minnesota law (e.g., sections 469.090 to 469.108 and 469.001 to 469.047) typically related to economic and housing development. However, it excludes certain sections (469.101 subdivision 19, 469.102, and 469.107) and adjusts sections to fit Ramsey County's context.
• Governance Structure: The authority will have seven commissioners appointed by the county board. The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners can also appoint the existing commissioners of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority to this new authority. The terms of the commissioners will be aligned with their appointments to the existing housing and redevelopment authority.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill expands the existing powers of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority by integrating these powers into a newly established authority focused on broader economic development goals.
• The new authority combines economic development and housing redevelopment in a single entity, streamlining management and oversight under the county board, which historically managed such affairs through separate bodies.

Relevant Terms

Ramsey County, Economic Development Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, County Board, Commissioners, Economic Development, Local Government, Development Powers, Governing Body.