Cost and Financing Plan
Guided by resident input and long-term planning, the City of Maplewood is working to make smart investments in public safety, recreation, and community spaces.
The City is dedicated to identifying a funding approach that supports priority community projects while utilizing taxpayer dollars responsibly.
The anticipated total cost of the identified projects is $81 million:
East Metro Public Safety Training Facility — $25 million
Maplewood Community Center — $48 million
Afton Heights Park — $8 million
One of the funding options under consideration is a local half cent sales tax, which would require legislative approval and a vote by residents. Using a local sales tax would allow residents to share the cost of these projects with visitors who shop, dine, and participate in activities in Maplewood.
Why a Sales Tax is Being Considered
Nonresidents would pay 60% of the sales tax, according to the University of Minnesota. This means approximately $49.4 million of the $81 million collected through the sales tax would be paid by visitors who often use the City’s parks, public amenities, and public services.
Tax impact on Maplewood residents. If approved, the half-cent sales tax would cost the average resident about $3 per month, or $36 per year.
The local sales tax would not be permanent. The sales tax would expire after 20 years or when enough funds have been collected to cover the approved projects’ cost, whichever comes first.
Exemptions for essential goods. Local sales taxes include a wide range of exemptions for essential goods, including groceries, clothing, prescription drugs, and baby products.
In the spring of 2026, the City of Maplewood was one of more than 35 communities across Minnesota seeking legislative approval to bring a local sales tax proposal before voters to fund community investments. Though a divided legislature was unable to reach consensus and did not advance any local sales tax requests during the 2025-26 legislative session, a local sales tax could still be a future funding option.
Potential Funding Sources
To help manage investment costs, the City is pursuing multiple funding sources. This includes seeking state bonding funds, a local half-cent sales tax, or a property tax levy.