Ground Level®: Amplifying Community Voices

Your story is powerful. The stories you share with others honor the complexity of our communities while forging a more equitable and vibrant future.

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We’d like to hear your thoughts and questions. Your ideas about solutions. How are your communities? What are you seeing today? And what do you want to see tomorrow?

Note that while we will exercise editorial judgment for language, length and avoiding personal attacks, we will not sacrifice your meaning. We will ensure your main message comes through on air and online.

December 14, 2011 2:12 AM

Two tax decisions: Same result from opposite directions

The city of Nowthen decided against raising taxes to maintain current law enforcement protection. Nearby Brooklyn Center school voters decided not to lower taxes so school spending can be maintained.

by Dave Peters

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December 9, 2011 5:49 AM

Hearing attendance translates into ‘yes’ to property tax increases

Minnesota property taxpayers are facing bigger tax increases in 2012 than they have for several years. But attendance has been sparse at most of the hundreds of truth-in-taxation hearings local governments have been holding around the state.

by Dave Peters

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December 7, 2011 2:34 AM

Plea to overhaul local government hits Legislature

At a hearing yesterday, Legislators heard about government redesign efforts from city, county and school representatives.

by Jennifer Vogel

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December 1, 2011 4:58 AM

Puzzlement reigns over tax notices; share your story

Member’s of MPR News’ Public Insight Network are sharing their views about property taxes and what they think of the local services they pay for.

by Dave Peters

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November 30, 2011 5:41 AM

Local leaders look for way to reshape government

Hundreds of officials from Minnesota’s cities, counties and school districts have been meeting to brainstorm ways to reshape the way local governments provide services.

by Dave Peters

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November 29, 2011 9:29 AM

Broadband task force gears up

Minnesota’s new broadband task force has held its first meeting.

by Dave Peters

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November 29, 2011 3:02 AM

Who’s raising property tax levies the most? Look outside the metro area

Most local governments in Minnesota are proposing to increase their property tax levies in 2012, and the biggest percentage increases are outstate, figures from the Department of Revenue show.

by Dave Peters

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November 23, 2011 6:21 AM

Minnesota property taxpayers looking at 4.7 percent increase

Minnesota’s property tax bill is rising 1.2 percent next year, but because the state will stop paying a share, individuals and businesses are paying 4.7 percent more than this year.

by Dave Peters

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November 23, 2011 2:38 AM

North Dakota oil fields drive up costs in western Minnesota

In Wheaton, a small city near the western Minnesota border, competition from the oil fields in North Dakota is driving up the cost of road projects.

by Jennifer Vogel

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November 22, 2011 5:51 AM

Shocked by your tax notice? Look again

Some homeowners are getting a bigger scare out of their supposed home value than they are out of their property taxes this year. Notices counties are sending out don’t explain all.

by Dave Peters

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