Mall of America spent more than half a million dollars on lobbying last year

Overall spending on lobbying in Minnesota was way down in 2020, but not for the Mall of America.

• The Bloomington destination spent more than $500,000 to influence state and local policymakers last year, up from just $15,000 in 2019, according to a new lobbying disclosure.

Behind the numbers: The mall was seeking, among other changes, approval from lawmakers to use money from tax subsidy districts to offset pandemic financial troubles. That proposal didn't go anywhere.

What they're saying: MOA's press team said the increase in spending "was a direct result of receiving no [state or federal] financial assistance throughout the pandemic."

Of note: Spending by the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, which is fighting the state's proposed Clean Cars regulations, and a coalition dedicated to passing ranked-choice voting also spiked in 2020.

• Several other groups in the top 10 reported a decline in expenditures as the pandemic sidelined most policy last session.

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