SF 5157

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 04/17/2026 09:07 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to economic development; appropriating money for a grant to the Rondo
Community Land Trust; requiring a report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; RONDO COMMUNITY LAND TRUST; SMALL
BUSINESS SUPPORT.
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new text begin (a) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 is appropriated from the general fund to the
commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to the Rondo
Community Land Trust to provide grants and forgivable loans to small businesses located
in the city of St. Paul along the University Avenue or Selby Avenue corridor.
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new text begin (b) The Rondo Community Land Trust shall establish and administer a small business
assistance program to support the stabilization, recovery, and growth of locally owned
businesses operating along the University Avenue or Selby Avenue corridor.
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new text begin (c) Grants awarded by the Rondo Community Land Trust under this section may be used
for:
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new text begin (1) commercial rent or mortgage payments;
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new text begin (2) utility expenses;
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new text begin (3) payroll and employee retention costs;
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new text begin (4) equipment purchases or repairs necessary for business operations;
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new text begin (5) inventory replacement or working capital needs; and
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new text begin (6) other operational expenses necessary to stabilize and support small business activity.
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new text begin (d) In awarding grants, the Rondo Community Land Trust must give priority to small
businesses that:
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new text begin (1) are locally owned and operated;
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new text begin (2) are owned by entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities; and
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new text begin (3) experienced financial hardship, loss of revenue, or operational disruption associated
with Operation Metro Surge or other corridor disruptions along University or Selby Avenue.
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new text begin (e) The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board is not an eligible recipient for a
grant under this section.
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new text begin (f) The Rondo Community Land Trust may retain up to ten percent of the appropriation
for administrative costs related to the implementation, outreach, and management of the
program.
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new text begin (g) By February 1, 2027, the Rondo Community Land Trust must submit a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
economic development. The report must include:
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new text begin (1) the number of businesses assisted;
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new text begin (2) the amount and type of assistance provided;
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new text begin (3) the geographic distribution of money; and
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new text begin (4) a summary of outcomes related to business stabilization and corridor economic
development.
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new text begin (h) This appropriation is available until June 30, 2027.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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