IBEW The Power of Professionalism
Mall of America Phase II

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Expansion of the Mall of America is in a critical phase at the legislature. Please take the time to send a message to your elected officials asking them to support the creation of 7,000 construction jobs.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Mall of America Phase II Project

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to ask for your support for a project that will create 7,000 construction jobs. I am a Licensed Electrician and I can tell you the construction industry is in a slump. The unemployment rate is reaching historic levels and negatively affecting our State's economy. The Mall of America Phase II would go a long way toward jump starting the economy. Please support this important investment in our State.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 10, 2008


Background Information

 

The Top 10 reasons Mall of America Phase II is a wise investment.

 

  1. Phase II will create more than 7,000 new construction jobs and generate more than $100 million in construction taxes and labor income taxes during the building phase alone. When complete, Phase II will create up to 7,000 additional permanent jobs.
  1. This project will bring economic growth to Minnesota through an investment of more than $2 billion in new construction - the largest commercial real estate investment in state history.
  1. Mall of America is one of the largest tax payers in the state and has generated more than $800 million in tax revenue since it opened.
  1. Mall of America generates over $50 million in taxes each year, and by 2015 Phase II is projected to generate an additional $80 million in tax revenue per year. Together, Phase I and Phase II will generate over $3.4 billion in total taxes over the first 20 years. Yes, that is billion with a "B.“
  1. Over the past 15 years MOA taxes have contributed more than $144 million to education funding and more than $45 million to transportation funding. Combined with Phase II, those totals will jump to $712 million in education and $225 million in transportation during the first 20 years.
  1. The city of Bloomington estimates that Mall of America has generated four times more tax revenue than alternative market-driven development would have – a total of more than $600 million.
  1. Out-of-state tourists visiting MOA spend more than $1 billion annually outside the Mall – on items such as hotel rooms, rental cars, dining out, visiting attractions and sporting events. Tax revenue generated from out-of-state visitors alone exceeds the public financing request.
  1. Mall of America has well over 40 million visitors annually, 10 times the state’s second most popular tourist destination and exceeds all other state tourist destinations combined. MOA welcomes more visitors each year than the combined populations of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa? and Canada.
  1. Mall of America has helped non-profit organizations raise more than $125 million dollars, donates to more than 300 organizations annually and has invested more than $350,000 in Minnesota’s youth through the Mall of America Foundation for Youth scholarship program.
  1. All public funds support public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities and parking.