The Mayo Civic Center conventions and events created a regional and statewide economic benefit of $113 million in 2008 alone. In comparison, the total cost for the expansion of the Mayo Civic Center is $75 million. As with other major state conventions centers, this cost should be shared between the community and the state due to its statewide benefits.  During the 2009 legislative session, the state authorized the city to raise its portion of the cost with a new 1% tax on food and beverage sales and an increase in the city’s current lodging tax by 1%. During the 2010 legislative session, the city will be requesting $34 million in state bonding to match the city’s contribution from the food and beverage and lodging taxes. 

Given the benefits to the state economy and the state’s generous support for civic and event centers throughout the state including in St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth, and St. Cloud, it only makes sense that the state would support this investment in its third largest city.