City Council Listening Session - April 27, 2026

Monday, April 27, 2026

Areas of Interest (5)

Controversy over potential 10% local tax on charitable gambling revenue
Concerns regarding the constitutionality of mandating membership lists for non-profits
Lack of legal mechanism in Bloomington to revoke gambling permits for non-compliant organizations
Tensions between City Council and local veteran organizations over funding municipal projects
Anoka's recent repeal of gambling taxes cited as a warning for local council

Adjourn the listening session

Passed6-0

Moved by Councilmember Robertson · Seconded by Councilmember Carter

A tax would be onerous. And take away from any of the programs we support.
— Tim Ekstrom

TaxationDiscussing the potential implementation of a 10% gambling tax.

The city taking 10% makes it 43%. Nearly half of our hard work would be taken by officials who did 0% of the work to earn it.
— Tim Ekstrom

TaxationComparing local tax rates to existing state-level taxation.

I do support having the ordinance requiring the licensed nonprofit to be based in Bloomington or at least the trade area.
— Tim Ekstrom

RegulationsDiscussing residency requirements for non-profits.

Tim EkstromGambling Manager

Advocating against new gambling taxes and regulations, highlighting community contributions.

MayorMayor

Facilitating public input and coordinating transition to the study session.

RobertsonCouncilmember

Moved to adjourn the listening session.

CarterCouncilmember

Seconded the motion to adjourn.

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