All three commissioners present voted to approve the budget, with Commissioner Pierce making the motion and Commissioner Agu seconding it. Executive Director Scott Neil presented the proposal as a conservative, incremental increase aligned with current inflation rates.

The budget approval carries significant implications for future spending flexibility. As Commissioner Pierce explained, today's vote "sets the maximum levy that could be set for 2025," meaning the HRA can only reduce the levy in future adjustments, not increase it. Neil clarified that while this year's proposal limits certain spending options, the HRA retains flexibility to pursue alternative uses of funds in 2026 and beyond.

Commissioners noted the HRA remains well below its maximum tax capacity. Commissioner Agu pointed out the authority could potentially levy $2 to $3 million annually based on its tax capacity, making the current proposal notably conservative. The levy must still be confirmed by the Edina City Council as part of the city's overall 2025 tax levy approval process.

In a separate discussion, commissioners addressed the 2025 meeting schedule without taking a formal vote. They expressed preference for maintaining Thursday morning meetings at the current 7:30 a.m. time—or potentially moving earlier to 7:00 a.m.—rather than consolidating meetings with city council sessions or using work session time. Commissioner Agu opposed extending meetings into late hours, while Commissioner Pierce emphasized the need for better agenda control to ensure meetings end on time. Executive Director Neil will return with a formal 2025 meeting schedule proposal in October or early November.

The chair also encouraged community members to support local businesses at the 50th and France and 44th and France commercial intersections, which have experienced construction impacts.