Developers Request Tax Incentives from East Grand Forks

(KNOX) – East Grand Forks has not had a tax increment financing arrangement since 1988, but developers want the process for future projects.

East Grand Forks Economic Development Director Maggie Brockling told the city council that over 75% of developers asking about land acquired in a swap with Simplot are requesting a city partnership of some kind to make their developments.

The developments the city would seek would be geared toward the mixed use model used often in Grand Forks, with residential units over commercial space, according to East Grand Forks City Administrator Reid Huttunen

Tax incentives have led to controversy in Grand Forks recently due to the commercial space competing with already-established businesses while the developer receives the incentive, as well as disagreements over the best plan for residential planning in the city.

East Grand Forks carried out a land swap with J.R. Simplot last year, swapping for a a parcel near U.S. Highway 2.  The swap leads to a new piece of developable land for the city.