Action Alert: Oppose state funds for First Avenue's concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal [CLOSED]

The city of Minneapolis and First Avenue are seeking $20 million in state bond funds for a concert venue at Upper Harbor Terminal on the North Minneapolis riverfront. Many community members are concerned about investing taxpayer funds in a project led by a private company.

There are still many unanswered questions about the venue. First Avenue hasn't given full information about:

• how a large entertainment venue (7,000-10,000 people) will impact North Minneapolis residents and the environment,
• the types of jobs being created and their average wages and hours,
• who will keep profits from the venue, and
• whether this project will provide truly equitable community ownership and benefits.

Moreover, this development project is led by United Properties, which is owned by one of the wealthiest families in the state (the Pohlads). In a time when so many of Minnesotans' basic needs are going unmet, it's tough to justify taxpayer funds for a concert venue developed by billionaires. There are more equitable and just ways to invest in what Minnesota really needs.

Please submit your comments opposing the use of state funds for this private venue!

We've provided a mostly-blank form for you to edit. Lawmakers tell us that the more personal a message is, the more influence it has. So please take a minute or two to personalize your comments!

If you need more information about this issue or want inspiration for your writing, check out what what North Minneapolis leaders and others are saying about this project.