About This Site

The Citizens League, as part of its MAP 150 initiative, is partnering with the League of Minnesota Cities wants to engage citizens in the question of: What do Minnesotans really want to know about their property taxes?

As part of MAP 150, the Citizens League surveyed 800 Minnesotans early last fall about their perceptions of our state. One of the top concerns cited by citizens was the issue of controlling property taxes. 81% said that they would feel better about their taxes if it were clearer to them how the money is being spent. A majority even said they would be willing to invest more in key priorities if they were convinced that the money would be used wisely.

The Citizens League and the League of Minnesota Cities are hosting a series of discussions in three Minnesota counties—Washington, Ramsey and Morrison. Residential property tax payers in each of these three counties were identified through a modified random sample and invited to participate in a three-part discussion in their county.

These discussions will explore the following questions:

• How much information about property taxes do taxpayers want to know?
• What types of information is most important?
• How would better information make a difference?
• What is the most useful context or framework for answering their questions?
• How do we communicate in a way that is useful and relevant?
• What are their expectations of the role of public officials in providing this information?

The insights and experiences of those who participate will be used to develop recommendations on how to meaningfully engage and clearly communicate with citizens about property taxes.