Park budget approved

At their December 6 meeting, the Board of Commissioners adopted a 2023 Budget for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) that focuses on building safer communities, caring for park assets, protecting the environment, and serving the youth of Minneapolis.

The budget supports the MPRB’s commitment to strategic long-term planning. It signifies the first budget year under the guidance of the 2023-2026 Strategic Directions, Performance Goals, and Priority Comprehensive Plan Strategies adopted by the Board in May 2022. The five strategic directions are: act boldly for our climate; cultivate each community’s place and honor cultural traditions in Minneapolis parks; implement quality youth and intergenerational programs; care for park assets to meet evolving needs and practices; and steward our natural resources.

The 2023 Budget totals $142 million, including $99.8 million for the general operating fund, $15.7 million for the enterprise operating fund, $1.9 million for the special revenue fund and $24.8 million for capital project funding. The budget utilizes the maximum 5.4 percent tax levy approved by the Board of Estimate and Taxation in September. The MPRB’s 5.4 percent property tax increase will result in an estimated annual increase in property taxes of $24 for the owner of a median-value $319,000 house due to growth in the tax base.

Info: Minneapolisparks.org.