City of Duluth
Howie: Duluth isn’t a used car sales lot — and it doesn’t need a pitchman
What was intended as connection begins to blur into something else — something that, in its saturation, can feel closer to a pitch than a public service. An overextended one. Almost like a showroom floor that never quite closes.
Howie: The verdict on Reinert will be about direction, not personality
The question is no longer simply whether Roger Reinert deserves another term. The question is whether Duluth believes it is on the path it wants — and if not, who has the discipline, clarity and courage to alter it. November 2027 will deliver the verdict. The work of deciding it begins now.
Howie: The library isn’t the story. It never was.
This time, the leverage isn’t casino revenue. It’s downtown frustration — visible poverty, safety complaints, business dissatisfaction and the persistent sense that downtown Duluth has not lived up to decades of promises.
Howie: How the City of Duluth learned to live on borrowed time
The City of Duluth now spends roughly $1 of every $7 in the general fund on debt service. That’s money that can’t pave streets, fund libraries, or expand housing programs. And yet the answer to each new challenge is the same: another bond.
Mountain Lion spotted in Duluth
"As with any wild animal, we want to remind the community that you should exercise caution in their presence and never approach them." -- Duluth Police Department
Salinas new city finance director
She most recently served as chief administrative officer for the City of San Antonio’s Council District 6, overseeing constituent services, zoning, public works and community outreach. She supported the district’s review of the city’s $4 billion annual budget and worked across multiple departments.
Howie: Councilors Awal, Swenson and DeLuca set to leave office in early January
Awal was among the councilors who supported restoring annual funding for Duluth’s mental-health crisis response team after Mayor Roger Reinert proposed eliminating the city’s share of the program’s budget.
City of Duluth, Minnesota Power issue Wednesday morning update on snow operations
DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth residents woke up Wednesday to widely varying snow totals, with depths ranging from about four inches of compacted snow to more than ten inches in areas where drifting occurred. The heaviest snowfall came during the early morning hours. Snow continued moving east by daybreak, and the National
Howie: The city budget they don't want you to understand
Local Government Aid alone covers nearly $35 million, about one-third of the budget. It’s the difference between black ink and red. Lose even 5 percent of that aid, and Duluth’s “balanced” budget implodes by millions. That’s not financial strength — that’s dependence disguised as stability.
Howie: Lot D optics in motion
Duluth’s short-term goal is tactical — keep Inland’s exclusivity alive, hit the paperwork milestones, and convince the Legislature to fund the $10.85 million in site-prep money the city calls the key that unlocks $250 million in private investment.
Howie: City of Duluth levy up 52% in eight years
In 2025, for instance, they raised the levy by 1.85 percent but declared it a “0 percent” year for current taxpayers because new development supposedly absorbed the increase. But that’s a shell game. The levy still grew by nearly $800,000.
City of Duluth Breaking News
The city expects test results over the weekend and will share updates when available.
Mayor Reinert urges residents to weigh in on city services
“From streets and utilities to parks and libraries, housing, public safety and economic development, the inaugural resident survey will shape decisions that impact every Duluthian.” -- Mayor Roger Reinert
Quote Me: Roger Reinert on his 2026 budget proposal
"After reviewing the City’s finances, community needs, and individual economic realities, I have proposed a 2.7% inflation-only maximum levy for 2026." -- Reinert
City News
Duluth will spotlight jobs and training this week as Mayor Roger Reinert proclaims Wednesday Workforce Development Day in the city. The declaration comes during Workforce Development Month, a statewide effort to highlight the programs and partnerships that connect Minnesotans to careers. Reinert will read the proclamation at a 1 p.