DULUTH, MN (Northern News Now) – Duluth Mayor Emily Larson gave her annual state of the city address to a packed house at the West Theater in Spirit Valley on Wednesday.
Among the topics in the speech was the current state of parks and recreation in Duluth.
Larson said when the parks referendum failed this past election, it became clear that Duluthians loved their parks, but many are unable to afford more taxes to maintain them.
So she’s turning to the state legislature to extend the half-and-half tax to help pay for expanded park improvements.
Larson said the extension for another 30 years would raise up to 36 million dollars which could leverage additional funds.
That extension would continue a half percent sales tax on hotel stays, and bar and restaurant tabs in Duluth.
Larson also spoke about safety in downtown Duluth saying the city has expanded programs to address mental health crises and substance abuse issues.
Now she’s helping launch a new misdemeanor mental health court which would hold offenders accountable by connecting them with services and other resources to address underlying issues.
In terms of safety, she’s also focused on assessing the skywalk system and developing a comprehensive vision and revitalization plan for downtown.
Later in the speech, she announced she will be convening her fourth mayoral task force to help address the childcare crisis which she considers to be urgent.
To lead that group she’s chosen leaders with the Northland Foundation and Northspan, the same people charged with leading her housing task force.
During her time as mayor, Larson says there have been over 1,700 housing units built in Duluth.
The mayor says the work is not over and addressed the need for infrastructure and broadband access and efforts to replace lead pipes in Duluth homes
(edited from Northern News Now story)
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