Mpls. City Council Unanimously Approves $800M Boost For Streets, Parks

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minneapolis City Council unanimously voted in favor of a capital funding package Friday, providing millions annually for improving the city's streets and parks.

City officials say the package will give $33 million each year for up to 20 years to park and street projects.

Street spending will increase annually with the package by more than $21 million, and park spending by $8 million. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will also receive a one-time operation levy increase of $3 million in the deal.

Mayor Betsy Hodges describes the passing of the package as "a generational moment for the City of Minneapolis."

"We will meet our duty to the generations before us who built Minneapolis, and our duty to the generations to come by ensuring they inherit a 21st century city," Hodges said.

Officials say this will all be paid via "increases in the property-tax levy, clearly identified cash, and other non-tax revenue increases."