Columbia Heights passes levy increase
The Columbia Heights City Council voted 4-0 on Dec. 8 to approve the city’s 2026 budget and levy. In the coming year, the city will increase its gross tax levy to 9.2%. The levy is subsidized by property owners outside of the city; as a result, the net tax increase for Columbia Heights residents will be 8.2%.
St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce pushes against levy
On Dec. 9, the Saint Anthony Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to approve a resolution encouraging the City Council “to reject the proposed 9.18% tax levy increase for 2026.” According to a report released by St. Anthony Village, “The final Levy (would be) an increase of 7.51% over the 2025 total Levy.” If approved, the new Levy of $10,409,140 would help pay for policing, city personnel, contractors, insurance, supplies and various other budget-line items.
The group says it “has a responsibility to speak up when policy decisions may significantly impact our members’ ability to operate, grow, and remain competitive. A levy increase of this size affects not only commercial properties directly, but also the broader economic environment—rent, cost of living, employee expenses, and overall affordability in our community.”
The city report posits that the levy increases are the result of a “review (of) the City’s financial outlook” to “ensure that resources remain aligned with community needs and service priorities in determining the City’s final operating and capital budgets and final levy amounts.”
Northeast Bank honored
On Dec. 11, Northeast Bank, with locations in Northeast, Coon Rapids and New Brighton, was honored at the 2025 Minnesota Keystone Celebration. The event, organized by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, recognizes organizations with “exceptional corporate giving programs and impactful partnerships.”
New bar opens in Arts District
Mestiizo, 337 13th Ave. NE, a bar with a program blending Asian and Latin flavors, opened Dec. 11 in Northeast. Initial hours of operation are 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and 4 p.m.-1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
New food truck at Sociable
On Dec. 12, Smashed Patty’s, 1500 Fillmore St. NE, celebrated their opening at Sociable Cider Werks. The “food truck concept” features a variety of burgers, including beef, tofu or turkey patties.