Local Option Sales Tax

Finance Director Alisha McAndrews will continue the City of Edina's "Town Talks" with a discussion about how a local option sales tax works. The event will be held online 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.

The State allows local governments to create a local sales tax to finance regionally significant capital projects. A local option sales tax has been proposed in Edina to fund improvements at Braemar Park and Arena and Fred Richards Park. A half-percent sales tax, if approved by Edina voters in November 2022, is expected to raise $8.1 million for the improvements. Another $13.5 million would be raised for critical infrastructure updates at Braemar Arena, including a replaced HVAC system, updated roof, improved energy efficiency, improved accessibility for residents with disabilities, upgraded restrooms and locker rooms and improved rink surfaces and rink-cooling system.

“I hope residents can join me for a discussion on the local option sales tax, a unique financing tool available to cities to fund capital projects of regional significance,” McAndrews said. “We’ll cover the details on how the sales tax option got to be on this fall’s ballot and what needs to occur for the tax to go into effect to fund the Braemar Park and Arena and Fred Richards Park projects.”

Hosted by City Manager Scott Neal, the Town Talk will be broadcast live on Edina TV and available for online viewing on Facebook Live and through the City’s website. Those who would like to ask a question from home can call 888-504-7949 with Participant Passcode 773922. Press *1 on your telephone keypad when you are ready to ask a question during that part of the event. An operator will mute your line and place you into a queue until it is your turn to speak.

The video and materials for the Town Talk will be available on BetterTogetherEdina.org for a week following the presentation. Additional questions and comments may be posted here for staff members after the Town Talk.

The Town Talk will be shown on Edina TV (Comcast Channels 813 and 16) 7 p.m. Mondays, 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesdays, 11 p.m. Thursdays and 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Fridays.

For more information, contact the City's Communications Department, 952-826-0359.