The council member who represents Minneapolis' southwest corner says she'll propose a plan that would lower the total tax levy increase in Mayor Betsy Hodges' proposed 2015 budget.

In a newsletter to her ward, Council Member Linea Palmisano said the increase in property values in the 13th Ward — where there's been a considerable uptick in building permits — means residents are facing a significant burden from a levy increase. The mayor's $1.2 billion budget calls for a 2.4 percent overall increase.

"While I do think it's important to accept the inflationary and debt-payback portions of the increase, I am proposing specific strategies to my colleagues to lower the total levy increase," Palmisano wrote.

The council member said her plan focuses on retaining spending for basic services, including adding police officers. She backs the mayor's plan not to add funding for the arts, and did not commit to supporting additional funding for affordable housing, which has been urged by some advocates.

"I will work with my colleagues to employ any and all tools the city has available that will help those in need of affordable housing, while trying to decrease the total dollar amount of the levy at the same time," she wrote.

Affordable housing has emerged as a major friction point in the new budget.

Advocates turned out in force at a recent hearing on the city budget, urging council members to more than double the mayor's proposed allotment to Minneapolis' affordable housing trust fund.

Eighteen of the 33 people who spoke to the council about the mayor's proposed $1.2 billion budget were supportive of the city putting $20 million into its affordable housing fund. That's a considerable jump from the $9.1 million in city and outside funding Mayor Betsy Hodges proposed, and more than the $10 million annual goal the city has held — but frequently missed — for years.

Supporters included members of nonprofit housing groups, church leaders and homeowners who said their lives had been changed by help from groups like Habitat for Humanity and City of Lakes Community Land Trust.

"Budgeting nothing is no help at all," said Lee Mauk, board chairman of the Beacon Interfaith Housing Collective. "Budgeting just a little helps just a little. If we really intend to address the shortage of affordable housing, we need a healthy and solid affordable housing trust fund."

Jeff Washburne, executive director of the City of Lakes Community Land Trust, said he worries other groups that provide financial support will be less willing to give if it appears that the city isn't pitching in. He said more help is needed as development picks up around the area.

"This city is beginning to prosper again, real estate values are increasing, and more and more of our residents are being left behind," he said.

Other popular topics at the hearing included funding for security services in public housing towers and support for protected bike lanes. Eight speakers pressed the council to support funding for bike improvements. Several said they feel unsafe biking in areas of the city, particularly with their children.

The council is still sorting through the budget, and taking comments from the public by e-mail and the city's website. A second public hearing will be held at 6:05 p.m. on Dec. 10, just before the council votes on the budget.

Erin Golden • 612-673-4790