Minneapolis Pulls Out of its Regional Economic Development Partnership

"Minneapolis pulled most of its next year’s funding for the regional economic development group," reports Adam Belz, "as council members questioned what benefit the city gets and raised concerns that Greater MSP pits local governments against each other in the race to offer incentives to companies."

"Minneapolis has given $800,000 to Greater MSP since 2011, and the mayor’s proposed 2017 budget included $125,000 for the group," according to Belz. Minneapolis Councilmember Lisa Goodman lead the council's charge to end the funding for the organization, citing "reports that Greater MSP orchestrated a bidding war between local governments when it tried to help Prime Therapeutics, an Eagan-based pharmacy benefits manager, scout for a new headquarters location." 

Though Greater MSP officials dispute the city's characterization of its accomplishments, the decision is a blow to regionalism in Minnesota. According to Belz, city officials from Chaska, Bloomington, Anoka County, and Woodbury reported still being satisfied with the work of Greater MSP.