MN HF3637

Appropriates $275,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2017 to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) for an economic development study of southeast Minnesota.

Study must address current and projected economic, fiscal, and demographic effects; direct and indirect costs and benefits; positive and negative effects on workforce, taxation, and transportation; and economic challenges and opportunities for growth or diversification.

Study must be conducted by an independent entity with demonstrated knowledge in Minnesota's economy and demography, medical and technology fields in southeast Minnesota, technologies and markets affecting economic growth, and transportation, housing, and infrastructure.

CEDA must report findings and recommendations to house and senate committees with jurisdiction over economic development and workforce issues by February 15, 2017, and make all results and information available to southeast Minnesota cities by March 15, 2017.

This is a one-time appropriation available until June 30, 2019, and the study must be objective, evidence-based, and designed to produce empirical data for policy recommendations.