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07-15-14
Lakeville AGENDA Economic Development Commission July 15, 2014 — 4:30 p.m. City Hall, Marion Conference Room 1. Call to order 2. Approval of May 27, 2014 minutes 3. Review Proposal for the Kenwood Trail/County Road. 50 Economic Development and Engineering Study 4. Menasha Packaging Project Update 5. Update on 2014-16 Strategic Plan for Economic Development Work Program 6. Directors Report 7. Adjourn Attachments - June 2014 Building Permit Report June 2014 Building Activity CDA Foreclosure Update "Owner of Minnesota Pizza Huts plans bankruptcy sale," St. Paul Business Journal 5/27/2014 "A Tale of Two States: Shareable Graphics for Michigan Future's Latest Report," Michigan Future Inc. 6/17/2014 "Twin Cities jobless rate — at 4% -- is the lowest in U.S.," StarTribune "New report calls Twin Cities tax climate 'competitive'," StarTribune Item (Vo. � CITY OF LAKEVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES May 27, 2014 Chair Starfield called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Marion Conference Room at City Hall. Members Present: Comms. Starfield, Matasosky, Smift-,Ylasak, Longie, Emond, Tushie, Julius, Collman, Mayor Matt Little, Ex -officio "f 'er-.City Administrator Steve Mielke. Members Absent: Comms. Ex -officio member_ La ville - „Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Todd Bornhauser. aa:, Others Present: David Olson, Commulrf�itj conornic Develop Director; Adam Kienberger, Economic Development Specia,,, 2. Approval of April 22, 2014 ting minute te7z1 Motion r . >� Comms. Tushi moved pprove the minutes of the Mar h 25, 201 as planted. Motion carried �,.Y. 9 ,r «.; ,fir S, , � �`����• �- It was notet)` tffi: „ disco " on on th uture C road 50 project should be added to next moih°� age. 3. Mx ani . .>.,. Ison revie the Joh `° 0 fund Program (JCF) and noted that Men was cur r tworking with D and Lakeville staff on an application for their p sed expan a; Mr. Olson +fid that the amity Council approved a resolution of support for the Menasha a li < pp ,i�ion at thin May 19 meeting. 4. Update on 2014-19ic Plan for Economic Development Work Program Mr. Kienberger provi an update on the Strategic Plan and noted that several items were currently i process. Mr. Olson noted a recent Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grant award to BTD and Dakota County Technical College. This program along with the JCF program are additional tools that can be added to Lakeville's economic development toolbox. Mr. Olson noted that the EDC is invited to attend the June 23 City Council Work Session where Maxfield Research will be providing a presentation on their recently completed Dakota County -wide housing assessment. Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes, May 28, 2014 Page 2 5. Director's Report Mr. Olson reviewed the Director's Report. The EDC discussed the Lakeville job fair that was held on May 22 and noted the relatively low attendance compared to last year. It was noted that workforce availability is becoming a concern and that there is not enough emphasis being placed on vocational education opportunities for high school students. Chair Starfield noted that the labor participation rate is at 35 -year low right now and that a skill gap exists with the existing workforce. It was noted that a lack of skilled workers cpult' 'dct Lakeville's ability to attract new businesses if there isn't a greater effprt JacedI0i educating and training our future workforce for varying career tracks: gr; i . It was noted that this will be Ad ienberger's last E `;meeting as he has accepted the position of Commun s eveloo en Direc at the City of Farmington. The EDC presented him wi s pla pd thanke ' lm for his eight plus years of service to Lakeville and the E y 6. Adjourn Meeting adjourn 0 P.M. Respectfully s w ed b.,, r Aa ienberger,*' ordih 4&OW Memorandum Item No. � City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Copy: Allyn Kuennen, Interim City Administrator Zach Johnson, City Engineer Date: July 11, 2014 Subject: Kenwood Trail/Co. Rd. 50 Economic Development and Engineering Study Kenwood Trail between 1851h Street and Dodd Boulevard is programmed to be expanded in 2017 and is included in the 2014-2018 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The improvements are intended to provide for future traffic volumes and improve roadway and intersection operations and improve safety. Additional right-of-way will need to be acquired to construct these improvements. The segment of Kenwood Trail between Ipava Avenue and Dodd Boulevard borders existing railroad tracks to the southwest and existing businesses to the northeast. The County and City proposed to conduct a study of the corridor at this location to identify and evaluate: --- Transportation needs --- Potential impacts to businesses, including driveway access --- Issues and Needs of the businesses, --- Possible public financing strategies The City has received a proposal from the firm of Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. (HKGi) to develop planning, engineering, and possible public financing strategies to address the issues listed above. Attached is a copy of a presentation of this proposal that was presented by Bryan Harjes of HKGi at a recent City Council Work Session. City Engineer Zach Johnson will be attending the EDC Meeting to discuss the process and answer questions EDC members may have on this process. The City Council will be considering formal approval of this proposal after the County has approved a Joint Powers Agreement to share in the cost of the study. Recommended Action: No action required. 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Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Copy: Allyn Kuennen, Interim City Administrator Date: July 11, 2014 Subject: Menasha Packaging Project Update Menasha Packaging recently received the attached notice of approval of $422,520 in funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Job Creation Fund. Menasha is proposing a 123,000 square foot expansion to their 238,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in the Airlake Industrial Park. The City Council approved a TIF agreement with Menasha Packaging on April 21, 2014 to assist with eligible site development costs. The Job Creation Fund Program provides financial incentives to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. Companies deemed eligible to participate may receive a benefit based on actual jobs created and for constructing or renovating facilities or making other property improvements. Menasha indicated in their application that their project would result in $7 million in eligible capital expenditures and would create 15 new full-time jobs. The Menasha grant award consisted of a $75,000 in a job creation award and $347,520 in a capital investment award. The program is available to businesses engaged in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, technology -related industries, and other eligible activities. While the City was required to adopt a resolution of support for the project, the grant agreement will be between Menasha and the State of Minnesota. Recommended Action: No action required. This is an update on the progress of the Menasha Packaging expansion. A project ground breaking is being planned for later this month. June 10, 2014 Mr. Paul Paprocki, Tax Director Menasha Packaging Company, LLC 1645 Bergstrom Road PO Box 367 Neenah, WI 54957 Dear Mr. Paprocki: I am pleased to inform you that Menasha Packaging Company's application for Job Creation Fund designation is approved. As outlined in the approved application, the business is expected to have approximately $7 million in eligible capital expenditures and create 15 new full-time, permanent jobs. Based on those and other factors, the Department of Employment and Economic Development will provide up to a total of $422,520 in Job Creation Funds to Menasha Packaging Company, LLC, consisting of up to $75,000 in a job creation award and $347,520 in a capital investment award. A business subsidy agreement is being prepared by the Business and Community Development Division staff. They will also provide you with additional information on performance goals, prevailing wage requirements, and reporting and requesting funds. For additional information, contact Emily Johnson, Job Creation Fund Program Manager, -at 651-259-7450. Thank you for your investment and job creation in Minnesota. We are excited about Menasha Packaging Company, LLCs expansion and look forwardto your long-term success. My best regards, Katie Clark Sieben Commissioner C: The Honorable Vicki Jensen The Honorable Patti Fritz Mr. David Olson, City of Lakeville Business and Community Development Division 1st National Bank Building ■ 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200 ■ Saint Paul, MN 55101-1351 USA ■ www.posftivelyminnesota.com Toll Free: 800-657-3858 ■ Phone: 651-259-7114 ■ Fax: 651-296-5287 ■ TTY: 651-296-3900 An equal opportunity employer and service provider. Item No. � City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development Memorandum To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community & Economic Development Director Copy: Allyn Kuennen, City Administrator Date: July 11, 2014 Subject: Strategic Plan for Economic Development Work Plan Update The City Council accepted the EDC's 2014-2016 Strategic Plan for Economic Development at their January 6, 2014 meeting. This plan provides the EDC and staff with a basis to focus on specific initiatives during this three-year period. The Work Plan discussed at the EDC's February meeting serves as the foundation for the activities staff will pursue in 2014. Please find below a summary of the progress made on the 2014 Work Plan: • Business Retention and Expansion o Working with Greater MSP/DEED/MN Chamber on a system for better tracking business visits ■ Secured a partnership agreement to utilize Salesforce CRM software to help better track and manage BR&E activities • Incentives and Tools to Achieve Success o Coordinating website updates with the Communications Department ■ Includes "Development Toolbox" and Google maps project updates Becoming more familiar with the new Job Creation Fund program at DEED by working with DEED staff on the Menasha Packaging approved grant • Enhancing a Pro Business Climate o Updating Commercial/Industrial Building Permit Application o Exploring online survey tool options for a revised development survey • High Density Housing o Discussed with the EDC at February and March meetings o Maxfield Research and Dakota County CDA staff presented the recent housing study findings to the City Council at their Jun a 231 Work Session. EDC Member Gary Tushie attended this meeting Recommended Action: No action required. This is an update on the progress of the Strategic Plan for Economic Development. It is anticipated that progress on these goals will increase considerably when the Economic Development Specialist position is filled again. Item No, ti City of Lakeville Community & Economic Development Memorandum To: Economic Development Commission From: David L. Olson, Community and Economic Development Director Copy: Allyn Kuennen, Interim City Administrator Date: July 11, 2014 Subject: July Director's Report The following is the Director's Report for July, 2014. Building Permit Report The City has issued building permits with a total valuation of $63,659,167 through June. This compares to a total valuation of $70,043,388 through June of 2013. The City issued commercial and industrial permits with a total valuation of $3,644,000 through June compared to a total valuation of $6,950,250 during the same period in 2013. The City has also issued permits for 157 single family homes through June with a total valuation of $53,878,000. This compares to 170 single family home permits through June of 2013 with a total valuation of $52,575,000. The 157 single family home permits issued through June, 2014 was the highest number of residential permits in the Metropolitan Area based on figures released by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities. Downtown Parking Lot Improvements The City Council awarded a bid in the amount of $428,336 to Pember Companies to re- construct the City -owned parking lot in the Ben Franklin Block in Downtown. This portion of the project also includes installing sidewalks along the west side of the parking lot fronting on Howland Avenue form Upper 208th Street to 207th Street. The project also includes the construction of streetscape landscaping in front of the Holyoke Avenue parking lot adjacent to the Art Center. MINICAR Golf Event For the second year, the City hosted the reception for the MN Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) Golf Event at Legends Golf Club held on June 24th. This sponsorship provides recognition of the City to over 150 commercial brokers from the Twin Cities that participate in the event and provides City staff to network with brokers during the reception. Todd Bornhauser I want to personally thank Todd for his involvement in the EDC as an ex -officio member for the past 14 years. Todd has always advocated for Lakeville businesses at EDC meetings and he and I have had the opportunity to work together on a number of issues over the years. I wish him luck in his future career endeavors. 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C o o a� c o pC a 9 v� U U .a 3 U A a v, 3 a F v� a w rA 0¢ w F a¢ June 2014 Building Activity Past Twelve Months Multifamily Construction as a Percentage of Total Activity Jul -13 Aug -13 Sep -13 Oct -13 Nov -13 Dec -13 Jan -14 Feb -14 Mar -14 Apr -14 May -14 Jun -14 YTD -14 27 55 68 52 37 62 64 43 27 54 20 68 1 52 Permits Permitted Units Permit Value June 2013 496 912 172,571,275 July 2013 533 698 177,481,827 August 2013 494 1,114 175,144,693 September 2013 481 1,424 218,464,854 October 2013 487 1,029 194,733,683 November 2013 419 646 157,609,001 December 2013 398 1,011 173,989,650 January 2014 358 1,059 167,576,990 February 2014 248 408 107,822,430 March 2014 360 482 126,616,132 April 2014 350 744 123,276,172 May 2014 421 519 145,305,883 June 2014 414 1,247 172,335,176 Multifamily Construction as a Percentage of Total Activity Jul -13 Aug -13 Sep -13 Oct -13 Nov -13 Dec -13 Jan -14 Feb -14 Mar -14 Apr -14 May -14 Jun -14 YTD -14 27 55 68 52 37 62 64 43 27 54 20 68 1 52 Permits Five -Year Comparisons Permit Value YTD 2010 Permits Permitted Units Permit Value June 2010 246 341 81,459,594 June 2011 260 385 112,194,850 June 2012 465 555 144,460,721 June 2013 496 912 172,571,275 June 2014 414 1,247 172,335,176 Multifamily Construction as a Percentage of Total Activity Jul -13 Aug -13 Sep -13 Oct -13 Nov -13 Dec -13 Jan -14 Feb -14 Mar -14 Apr -14 May -14 Jun -14 YTD -14 27 55 68 52 37 62 64 43 27 54 20 68 1 52 Permits Permitted Units Permit Value YTD 2010 1,495 2,500 491,308,312 YTD 2011 1,325 1,925 465,095,792 YTD 2012 1,836 3,170 646,230,251 YTD 2013 Permitted Units 2,379 4,204 857,826,149 YTD 2014 468 2,269 4,579 881,440,612 Multifamily Construction as a Percentage of Total Activity Jul -13 Aug -13 Sep -13 Oct -13 Nov -13 Dec -13 Jan -14 Feb -14 Mar -14 Apr -14 May -14 Jun -14 YTD -14 27 55 68 52 37 62 64 43 27 54 20 68 1 52 Tlie Builders Assocnahon ofthe Rem Gties has contrach d Leith Kev tone Report, a local resrareh frnn, to amadou n database milk information aborad nem residential construction permit, around the metropohtan area ARei a builder has picked up the permit from a city, Keystone Report compiles and updates meekly resndentnal housnig pennds by city for 70 percent ofthe rnetro- politan-ansa mennapalities nun thegreater 13-ce)unty region. Planned unds air the total nnuber e fhousutg a nfs planned to be beult under thepeinuts rsszeed (one pends is Issued per budding udnclh may include mom than one housnny ant) Perrot value does not Include the land/lot costs Top Cities for Building Activity June 2014 Year -to -Date Permits Permitted Units Permits Permitted Units Woodbury 29 Minneapolis 468 Lakeville 158 Minneapolis 1,313 Blaine 26 Maple Grove 217 Woodbury 153 Maple Grove 304 Lakeville 20 St. Louis Park 159 Blaine 137 Eagan 243 Chanhassen 17 Woodbury 29 Plymouth 135 Golden Valley 173 Maple Grove 17 Blaine 26 Maple Grove 87 St. Louis Park 166 Tlie Builders Assocnahon ofthe Rem Gties has contrach d Leith Kev tone Report, a local resrareh frnn, to amadou n database milk information aborad nem residential construction permit, around the metropohtan area ARei a builder has picked up the permit from a city, Keystone Report compiles and updates meekly resndentnal housnig pennds by city for 70 percent ofthe rnetro- politan-ansa mennapalities nun thegreater 13-ce)unty region. Planned unds air the total nnuber e fhousutg a nfs planned to be beult under thepeinuts rsszeed (one pends is Issued per budding udnclh may include mom than one housnny ant) Perrot value does not Include the land/lot costs Dakota County /Community Development Agency To: Dakota County Cities From: Lisa Henning Date: June 12, 2014 Re: Foreclosure Update Dakota County Stats — May 2014 • # of Sheriff Sales in May — 74 (compared to 90 in May 2013) • Total Sheriff Sales for 2014 — 302 (compared to 475 Jan. -May 2013) • # of Notices of Pendency Filed in May — 81 • # of Notices of Pendency Filed in 2014 — 491 1191h H O M E OWN E11^^R^^S11HIP IL A Notice of Pendency is filed by a mortgage company's attorney as official notification that the foreclosure process has begun. Not all of these result in Sheriff Sales. Mapping Using Dakota County GIS http://gis.co.dakota.mn.us/website/dakotanetgis/ The Dakota County Office of GIS is updating the 2014 Foreclosures and Notice of Pendency layers on a monthly basis. If you need assistance using this Web page, please call Randy Knippel or Mary Hagerman with the Office of GIS at (952) 891-7081. If you have any concerns, please call me at (651) 675-4467 or send me an email at IhenningC@d1akotacda.state.mn.us. L tv E N a) i 3 H 0 u a� i 0 LL 0 V 4J 0 M 0 IT O N ►i 0 E 0 U- V-� 00 O O) OD 0 N O� V- O M N N N M O 0 Q� r4 D` N N CD Ln a LnLn N V co a N M u 0 Ln z - 4 "= 0 C. 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V1 L E C Ln O s N E u OL 2 O N 0 E O LL Border Foods is selling off its Minnesota Pizza Huts - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Jou... Page 1 of 2 From the Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal :http:/ /www.bizjournals.com/twincities/blog/law/2014/05/border-foods- p izza- h ut-sa le-closu re- ba n kru ptcy. htm I May 27, 2014, 11:45am CDT Owner of Minnesota Pizza Huts plans bankruptcy sale Jim Hammerand Digital editor- Minneapo/is/St. Pau/ Business Journal Email I Twitter I Google+ The owner of dozens of Minnesota Taco Bell and Pizza Hut restaurants is getting out of the pizza business, bankruptcy court records show. A subsidiary of Golden Valley -based Border Foods Inc. sold 54 of its pizzerias in December to Texas-based Muy Cos., which owns and operates Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Wendy's restaurants. The 140 -employee subsidiary, Sky Ventures, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization earlier this month to sell another six Pizza Huts to Muy, a plan that needs the court's approval. "Sales have remained stagnant, costs have increased and, under the Pizza Hut franchise agreement, [we] would be required to invest substantial sums in capital improvements," Barry Zelickson, senior vice president at Border Foods and Sky Ventures, said in a sworn statement filed in the bankruptcy case. In the past five years the company faced "increasing food costs, other costs such as gasoline, an increase in the minimum wage, increased competition for the Pizza Hut brand in the United States and stagnant pricing of its product," Zelickson continued. "The combination of the factors has led to a condition where the ... margins have decreased and making additional capital investments ... is not prudent." It's not clear which of Sky Venture's 16 remaining locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa will be sold and which will close or already have. The company declined comment through one of its local attorneys, Dan Beck at Minneapolis-based Winthrop & Weinstine. http://www.bizj oumals.comltwincitiesiblog/law/2014/05lborder-foods-pizza-hut-sale-closu... 5/27/2014 Border Foods is selling off its Minnesota Pizza Huts - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Jou... Page 2 of 2 San Antonio, Texas-based Muy is operating Sky Venture's remaining Pizza Huts. Muy officials could not be reached for comment. Sky Ventures said it won't repay about $6 million owed to its parent company. The subsidiary also owes about $70,000 to Pizza Hut under its franchise agreement, which ends in December. Sky Ventures said it is in default on its lease for 15 of the remaining 16 locations, including Lakeville, Woodbury and Columbia Heights. The agreement with landlord Spirit Master Funding doesn't expire for about seven years. Scottsdale, Ariz. -based Spirit Master Funding sued Sky Ventures in February for $8 million in late rent and fees. That amount "appears to be correct," Sky Ventures said in a response to the pending litigation. Sky Ventures listed a $222,518 "disputed" debt to Spirit in its bankruptcy filings, but did not file more detailed debt and asset schedules. Border Foods is getting out of the pizza business as other chains expand and start-ups move in: • Minnesota's hungry for PizzaRev, Buffalo Wild Wings CEO says • California chain Pizza Studio opens at Mall of America • California chain Pieology Pizzeria plans Minnesota stores • Stillwater's QuickFire Pizza expands to Minneapolis • Pizzeria -on -wheels WildEarth will debut this summer • Pizzeria Pezzo stays open after owner's death Border Foods also operates Taco Bell, KFC, Wing Street, Au Bon Pain and Sonic Drive -In restaurants, according to Founding Shareholder and Chairman Jeffery Engler's LinkedIn page, but the company's website only lists its 80 -location Taco Bell business. Border Foods planned 35 Sonic locations in the Twin Cities when opening Minnesota's first in 2008. That restaurant has since closed, but five others remain. Before that the company wanted to open 20 Minnesota Au Bon Pain restaurants, but only has three so far. Jim Hammerand reports on Twin Cities breaking business news for MSPBJ.com and manages online features and social media. http://www.bizj oumals.comltwincitiesiblog/law/2014/05lborder-foods-pizza-hut-sale-closu... 5/27/2014 Michigan Future I Minnesota Report:: Michigan Future Inc. Page 1 of 4 Home / Reports, This Just In / A Tale of Two States: Shareable Graphics for Michigan Future's Latest Report A Tale of Two States: Shareable Graphics for Michigan Future's Latest Report By Michigan Future Inc. • on June 17, 2014 Like 10 people like this. Sign Up to see what your friends like. Michigan Future's latest report looks at Minnesota, the most prosperous state in the region with the lowest unemployment rate, and the public policies that have helped it achieve that status. Below we will release shareable graphics that demonstrate some of the staggering data uncovered in the report. Follow the links below to download the graphics to share on your organization's or personal social media. As you share them, we encourage you to use the hashtag "#StatePoliciesMatter" to help spark conversation around Michigan Future's latest report. If you haven't done so read the full State Policies Matter report here. A Tale of Two States Michigan 4 (t 0. "A 0 $37,497 per capita income 17.4 poverty rate #State Po Li c i es M atte r Minnesota 16,227 per capita income 11.4% poverty rate .MICHIGAN Read the full report at michfganfuture.org FUTURE INC. Funding by Hudson -Webber Foundation and W.K Kellogg Foundation Infographic #1 INFOGRAPHIC #1: DOWNLOAD the infographic to share on your social media. Follow the link, right -click on the image and select "Save Image As." http://www.michiganfuture.org/06/2014/state-policies-matter-infographics/ 7/7/2014 Michigan Future I Minnesota Report:: Michigan Future Inc. A Tale of Two States T Michigan #State Po li c i es M atte r Tax Rates nnesota 4.25/ top income tax 9.85% 6% sales tax 6.875% 19 C gasoline tax 28.6 C Pei gai�ul 6% corporate 9.8% income tax •MICHIGAN Read the full report at michiganfuture.org FUTURE INC. Funding by Hudson -Webber Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation Infographic #2 Page 2 of 4 INFOGRAPHIC #2: DOWNLOAD the infographic to share on your social media. Follow the link, right -click on the image and select "Save Image As." http://www.michiganfuture.org/06/2014/state-policies-matter-infographics/ 7/7/2014 Michigan Future I Minnesota Report :: Michigan Future Inc. A Tale of Two States #StatePoliciesMatter Local Government Aid Higher Education K-12 (State & LocaU Health & Human Services Infographic #3 Michigan Minnesota ding in Key Areas per capita Transportation Corrections MICHIGAN Read the full report at michiganfuture.org FUTURE INC. Fun6ng W Hudson -Webber Fwndahw end W K NeUogg Fwndabon Page 3 of 4 INFOGRAPHIC #3: DOWNLOAD the infographic to share on your social media. Follow the link, right -click on the image and select "Save Image As." Related Articles: • The New Path to Prosperity: Lessons for Michigan From Two Decades of Economic Change • Lou's New Presentation • Lou's Alma College commencement speech • Michigan's Transition to a Knowledge -Based Economy: Fifth Annual Progress Report Follow Michigan Future Inc on Twitter at #michiganfuture Llke 10 people like this. Sign Up to see what your friends like. Profile Sien in with Twitter Sign in with Facebook or Namel Emaill Not published WebsiteI Commen Post It http://www.michiganfuture.org/06/2014/state-policies-matter-infographics/ 7/7/2014 Twin Cities jobless rate -- at 4% -- is the lowest in U.S. Adam Belz and Jackie Crosby, Star Tribune staff writers The Twin Cities boasts the best unemployment rate of any large metropolitan area in the United States as a wave of recent hiring boost the local economy. Job growth across a mix of industries in the Minneapolis -St. Paul area lowered the jobless rate to 4.0 percent in May, edging out Austin, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, for the nation's lowest rate, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Tuesday. "It's fantastic news," said Katie Clark Sieben, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. "This is a reflection of the healthy economy and a labor force we have in the state that's very well-educated and hardworking." The economic downturn hit many other states harder than Minnesota, which has also had a forceful recovery. The unemployment rate — which does not count those who have given up looking for a job — has dropped in the Twin Cities by a full percentage point since February. "Number one, the health care economy never slacked off during the recession and then has continued to boom," said Louis Johnston, an economist at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. "We have a big footprint in health care, both with medical devices and indirectly with UnitedHealth." Johnston also said the oil boom in North Dakota has helped the Twin Cities job market in subtle ways that aren't felt in other major cities. "We're the closest metropolitan area to the Bakken, and I think that's helped us a lot, especially in finance, insurance and logistics," he said. Rounding out the five major metro areas with the lowest unemployment rates are Austin with a 4.1 percent rate; Columbus and Oklahoma City tied at 4.4 percent, and Boston with an unemployment rate of 4.7 percent. The figures are not seasonally adjusted and are ranked by place of residence. The report focused on unemployment numbers and didn't single out industries that are driving the changes. But a boom of construction projects in the Minneapolis -St. Paul -Bloomington area, as the government defines it, has added nearly 10,000 jobs in the past 12 months. State economist Laura Kalambokidis noted that improvements in the metro area's unemployment picture are vital because job gains in the region influence the economic health of the state as a whole. While the top rank is a "positive," Kalambokidis said the good news isn't limited to the Twin Cities. "Another part of the story here is that if you look at the year -over -year changes, all of the non - Minneapolis -St. Paul metro regions — Duluth, Mankato, Rochester and St. Cloud — have made improvements in the unemployment rate over the year," she said. The state, which has recouped all of the jobs lost during the recession, has the third-highest ranking of labor force participation in the nation, Sieben noted. Some 70.6 percent of workers are in the job force. In the annual rankings, the metro area has ticked up a spot every year for the last three years, starting at No. 3 in 2011. adam.belz(a)_startribune.com 612-673-4405 • Twitter: @adambelz 0ackie.crosby(cDstartribune.com 612-673-7335 New report calls Twin Cities tax climate `competitive' Neal St. Anthony, Star Tribune Maybe the Twin Cities, where corporate taxes are a perennial business lament, isn't so bad after all. The announcement earlier this month by Cardiovascular Systems Inc. of a new $30 million headquarters and research facilities in New Brighton didn't get much attention, amid a lot of expansion in a booming Minnesota economy. Still, it strongly underscores a report this week by KPMG International, the accounting -and -analysis firm: the Twin Cities has a very competitive "overall tax structure for business," and it is ranked second for companies that do a lot of research and development, such as medical and technology concerns. Minneapolis -St. Paul may not be low -tax Ireland, where Medtronic is moving its legal headquarters. But KPMG says the Twin Cities, thanks partly to friendly government tax policies, is a plum place for corporations. The Twin Cities ranks 17th for "most competitive tax structure" among the 51 highest -ranked international cities, and eighth among the 31 highest - ranked metro areas in the United States. The most favorable corporate -tax structures exist in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Atlanta, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, according to KPMG. (The ranking of 51 metropolitan areas of more than 2 million people includes 20 other cities in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe and Japan.) Moreover, for firms that invest heavily in research and development, such as medical -products companies, the Twin Cities is considered No. 2 in the United States and eighth in the world. "Minnesota's tax credit for R&D activities definitely helps improve the result for the [Twin Cities] in the latest study — especially the fact that Minnesota has made the R&D credit refundable," said Hartley Powell, KPMG's chief of global location and expansion services, in a written statement Wednesday to the Star Tribune. "This me! ans comp anies get cash support for the R&D activities, even if they don't have any income tax liability. Refundable R&D credits are the rare exception, not the norm, among U.S. states." Atlanta, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Detroit were ranked the top five large cities among firms in the R&D sector for most favorable tax structures. Minnesota Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans, a tax lawyer and former business executive, said he is pleased with the KPMG findings. "There's a trade-off and you can search for the lowest -tax [states such as Louisiana], but there aren't always economic growth and opportunity that go with them," Frans said. He added that he likes the measure of competitiveness and that KPMG is looking at total business -taxation and how states treat components of taxation, such as how Minnesota's R&D credit works. "For [the Twin Cities] to be 17th overall and 8th in the U.S. is pretty darn exciting," Frans said. The study reveals that Louisiana has the lowest -cost corporate tax structure among locations in the study's mid-to-small metro categories. Low corporate taxes, however, are not necessarily linked to high economic growth, economists point out. Minnesota's 10 percent nominal corporate tax rate on profits can be half that or less, after companies take advantage of state and local subsidies for everything from research credits to forgivable loans and rebates for job expansion or even using alternative fuels. And, as the Minnesota economy and employment grow at a faster -than -average rate, state officials can crow a bit. Cardiovascular Systems' planned 125,000 -square -foot office, research and manufacturing facility in New Brighton also includes a commitment to add another 200 Minnesota jobs in several years that will pay an average wage of around $42 an hour. CEO D avid Martin said competitive taxes are important but not the only factor. The expansion largely is driven by recent innovation that has spurred growth and a talented workforce. "Minnesota has a rich talent pool of employees in medical technology with an outstanding work ethic," Martin said. "That makes Minnesota an attractive location for businesses in our industry." The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded Cardiovascular Systems $2 million from the Minnesota Job Creation Fund, if the company meets its hiring and investment goals. The agency also is providing a $750,000 forgivable loan toward the $30 million expansion from its Minnesota Investment Fund. Although not direct tax benefits, these additional incentives, are designed to help promising Minnesota companies expand at home, and also have been used to lure some out-of-state operations in the highly competitive race for industry and jobs among the states. Other recent examples include: • Apogee's commercial -glass subsidiary, Viracon, chose to build its $30 million plant expansion in Owatonna instead of Georgia. Minnesota state and local governments offered a $4.9 million tax incentive package and spent $1.4 million to help move a highway. Viracon already has a plant in Owatonna with experienced workers. • Scott County and the city of Shakopee last year approved a $3 million tax incentive package in return for California-based Shutterfly building a $60 million plant that is supposed to employ more than 300 full-time workers. • Lutsen Mountains, the resort business near Grand Marais, received about $500,000 from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board of the roughly $20 million it has used to upgrade and expand its business over the past several years. Neal St. Anthon! y • 61 2-673-7144