Investing

The St. Louis County Board has approved a preliminary property tax levy of $126,550,079, an increase of 8.5 percent for 2017. The increased money is needed to fund skyrocketing out-of-home placement costs and other investments in children and family services. At the same time, the County's growing property tax base means most people will see little change in their property taxes compared to two years ago

Governor Mark Dayton today introduced a Jobs Bill that would invest $1.4 billion in infrastructure projects statewide, creating an estimated 39,900 Minnesota jobs*. This new Jobs Bill would help address many of the state’s critical infrastructure needs, including essential water infrastructure, while strengthening Minnesota’s economy and putting thousands of people to work

In this week’s correspondence corner, Adam in Plymouth writes in to Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) with a question about investing in transportation and infrastructure. Paulsen also responds to a call from Lynn in Deephaven who wants to know what Congress is doing to improve our nation’s cybersecurity.

The City of Minneapolis launched Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis (HOM), a new housing program aimed at increasing the number of homeowners in Minneapolis and reducing the racial disparity gap in homeownership. In the City’s 2015 adopted budget, the Minneapolis City Council approved Mayor Betsy Hodges’ recommendation of $940K ($840K for affordability assistance and $100K for outreach efforts) for HOM. It is anticipated that about 125 families will be served by the program this year

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today after the Government Accountability Office released a report providing a status update on new authority allowing nondepository community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to join a Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank)

The Authorized Rural Water Projects Completion Act would establish a guaranteed annual investment of $80 million from the Bureau of Reclamation for 20 years to fund construction of six congressionally authorized rural water systems, including the Lewis and Clark project

The Advancing Grid Storage Act would accelerate investments in the deployment of energy storage systems, which are key to a more resilient, efficient, clean, and cost-effective electrical grid. Investing in energy storage will, in turn, help promote economic security and create high-skill, sustainable jobs

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) penned the following op-ed in the Minneapolis Star Tribune this morning on our current housing investements.

The Common Sense Housing Investment Act (H.R. 6677) will make it easier for middle class and working families to be able to stay in their homes and find affordable rental housing. The bill realigns the mortgage interest deduction to better benefit families who need it most by converting the deduction to a 15% flat rate tax credit on mortgages up to $500,000. The bill strengthens the tax benefits for homeowners, while giving working families better access to rental homes.

WASHINGTON, DC - December 21, 2012 - (RealEstateRama) -- Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) this week introduced the Common Sense Housing Investment Act (H.R. 6677) to make it easier for middle class and working families to be able to stay in their homes and find affordable rental housing. The bill realigns the mortgage interest deduction to better benefit families who need it most by converting the deduction to a 20% flat rate tax credit on mortgages up to $500,000. The bill strengthens the tax benefits for homeowners, while giving working families better access to rental homes

Golden Valley, MN - August 31, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- From #983 in 2010 Inc. 5000 to # 132 in Inc. 500 in ranking for America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies, Renters Warehouse and CEO Brenton Hayden continue to grow at a remarkable rate. Founded in 2007, Renters Warehouse three-year growth has been an unbelievable 2, 085.2%, with 2010 revenues of $3.3 Million, and projected revenues in 2011 to be around $5 million. Renters Warehouse also ranks #3 in fastest growing real estate company in the United States.

Golden Valley, MN - July 18, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- Are you a real estate agent who would like to learn how to sell $38 million dollars in real estate this year? How would you like to eat at a private VIP dinner with a successful luxury real estate agent that has been seen on a TV show? Maybe you would just like to meet, and have your picture taken with a celebrity? Or you are interested in partying at the same location as a celebrity? Josh Altman is one of the most successful real estate agents in the Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills luxury housing market and you probably recognize him from the hit TV show Million Dollar Listing on Bravo. Josh's clientele consists mostly of entertainers, athletes and high net worth individuals from around the world. He sold $38 million in real estate last year and currently has $150 million in listings.

Golden Valley, MN - June 21, 2011 - (RealEstateRama) -- You’ve seen him “sell the dream” on Bravo TV’s Million Dollar Listing, now he has become the newest endorser of Renters Warehouse, a company who won’t “sell you the dream” but will help you “lease and manage it.”Renters Warehouse is a full service residential property management company, and Josh Altman has partnered with Renters Warehouse to increase brand awareness for the up and coming property management company. With Josh’s popularity from starring on Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing TV show and his expertise in real estate, it was an easy decision for Renters Warehouse to team up with him. Josh states “I am very excited to endorse Renters Warehouse. When it comes to real estate I only work with the best and Renters Warehouse is the best at what they do.