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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Chris Heineman, City Administrator <br /> <br />DATE: January 8, 2025 <br /> <br />RE: Discussion of 2025 Legislative Priorities <br /> <br />ACTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />No action required, for discussion and direction purposes only. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />Historically, the City Council has not adopted or discussed formal city-endorsed legislative priorities. <br />Several neighboring communities including Arden Hills, Roseville, and Shoreview, have formalized <br />legislative priorities discussed and approved annually by their city councils. <br /> <br />The 2025 legislative session will begin on January 14, 2025. Should the council wish to consider <br />formalizing a list of legislative priorities for the City of Little Canada, it is important to note that the list <br />of priorities is not meant to be comprehensive; rather, they are the most important areas to focus our <br />time advocating, should the council wish to adopt. <br /> <br />The League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) and Metro Cities advocate on behalf of all member cities, which <br />includes Little Canada. The complete listing of legislative priorities for both the League of Minnesota <br />Cities and Metro Cities can be found online. Examples of potential legislative priorities include: <br /> <br />Adult-Use Cannabis <br />The City of Little Canada supports that legislation should address cities’ needs in implementing the <br />cannabis industry, including providing adequate funding via the Local Government Cannabis Aid Fund. <br />We support increased local discretion and decision-making. <br />(Source – League of Minnesota Cities 2025 Legislative Priorities) <br /> <br />City Revenue Stability and Fund Balance <br />The City of Little Canada opposes state attempts to control or restrict city fund balances, or to use city <br />fund balances as a rationale for reducing state aids or property tax payment <br />Delays <br />(Source – Metro Cities 2025 Legislative Policies) <br /> <br />Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) <br />The City of Little Canada supports state funding to help cities endure the costs of preparing for, and <br />responding to, catastrophic urban forest problems, including EAB. <br />(Source – League of Minnesota Cities 2025 Legislative Priorities) <br /> <br />