A commentator in Minneapolis has raised concerns about rising property taxes in the city, claiming that residents are shouldering increased costs due to a growing number of vacant buildings downtown.
In a widely shared video, journalist Brookerteejones reported that property taxes for many Minneapolis homeowners have increased between 20% and 27%. He attributed these increases to the financial burden of maintaining empty commercial spaces.
Walking through downtown, the journalist pointed to numerous unoccupied buildings. He noted that many shops, offices, and restaurants have closed or relocated, leaving long stretches of the city center unused.
According to his account, the vacancies have placed new financial pressure on local taxpayers. He said residents are effectively covering the cost of leases and infrastructure tied to buildings that no longer generate business activity.
Brookerteejones questioned why so many properties remain empty. One factor he highlighted was the continuation of remote work among federal employees based in Minneapolis.
He claimed that Governor Tim Walz has not required federal workers to return to their offices, resulting in a significantly reduced daytime population in the downtown area.
With fewer workers commuting, he argued, foot traffic that once supported small businesses has sharply declined. This drop, he said, contributed to the closure of restaurants and retail stores.
The journalist also cited a rise in crime as another consequence of lower activity downtown. With fewer people in the area during the day, he suggested that the environment had become less secure.
He described Minneapolis as a city that once had a vibrant core but is now struggling to recover from pandemic-era disruptions. According to his account, the decline has left many residents discouraged.
Despite the challenges, he noted that Minneapolis remains visually appealing and retains aspects of its historic charm. However, he emphasized that economic conditions have created a sense of stagnation.
He stated that visitors might spend less simply because there are fewer places open to shop or dine. This trend, he said, further illustrates the difficulty businesses face in sustaining operations downtown.
Brookerteejones portrayed the situation as emblematic of broader policy decisions. He contended that leadership choices at the state level have played a role in downtown Minneapolis’ struggles.
In his view, Governor Walz’s handling of workplace policies and economic recovery efforts contributed to the current conditions. He argued that more decisive action could have helped reverse the downturn.
The journalist concluded by saying that Minneapolis’ decline is “very sad” for a city with such architectural beauty and cultural potential. He expressed hope that the area could still rebound with stronger support.
He ended his remarks by suggesting that the nation “dodged a bullet” by not having Walz selected for national office, underscoring the political tone woven throughout his commentary.