Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in development with medium priority
Sale of HRA-owned 515 Lafond to the Church of St. Agnes
The HRA owns property at 515 Lafond and will hear a presentation on selling it to the Church of St. Agnes. The sale could return a publicly held parcel to active use in Ward 1.
HOME housing budget amendments
The city's federal HOME housing dollars were updated to reflect $1.29 million in program income and about $2.65 million in 2026 spending.
Village on Rivoli — property sale to Dayton's Bluff NHS
The city is selling property to Dayton's Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services and amending the development agreement for the Village on Rivoli project, keeping the affordable housing effort moving on the East Side.
Transit-oriented development on city/HRA land
The committee got a first look at which city- and HRA-owned properties could support housing or businesses near transit. Identifying the right sites now sets the stage for future development decisions.
Affordable housing and CDBG funding shifts
Budget amendments received and filed direct $254,961 in CDBG funds to rehab 47 Douglas Street and $785,598 in LAHA funds to an affordable housing development gap subsidy, plus $140,000 for demolitions.
Tenant Bill of Rights
A proposed Tenant Bill of Rights was presented to the committee, outlining protections for renters in Saint Paul. It's still in the informational stage, so the details and any vote remain ahead.
Additional funding for 47 Douglas Street rehabilitation
An 1883 house the HRA has owned since 2010 — saved from demolition twice by neighbors — is finally close to a rebirth. Historic Saint Paul will rehab it into a two-bedroom home sold to a buyer at or below 80% of area median income, with up to $5,000 in down payment assistance tied to five years of owner occupancy. The board votes on the final subsidy August 5.
Union Pacific License Agreement for 43 East Water Street
Union Pacific wants a three-year exclusive lease on HRA-owned land at 43 Water Street to stage its rebuild of the Mississippi River Lift Bridge. That bridge work matters for river crossing access, and the lease would occupy a piece of publicly owned riverfront property for three years.
47 Douglas Street Redevelopment
The HRA got a first look at a redevelopment project at 47 Douglas Street on the West Side. Historic Saint Paul and neighborhood residents showed up in support of the project.
CDBG Loan Amendment for TWV Limited Partnership
The HRA is being asked to amend an existing loan agreement with TWV Limited Partnership in Ward 2. Loan amendments like this can affect affordable housing financing terms and what the city gets back for its investment. It's at the introduction stage, so details and a decision will come later.
Minnesota Housing Funding Reservations
The HRA got an introduction to reserving funds for Saint Paul projects applying for state housing money from Minnesota Housing — an early step in securing affordable housing dollars.
Proposed acquisition of 259 University Ave. W.
The city is eyeing the purchase of a property on University Avenue in Ward 1, likely for future redevelopment. This was just the introduction.
Afton Park Development mixed-use redevelopment at 841-857 Grand Avenue
The city is sponsoring a DEED redevelopment grant backing a mixed-use project on Grand Avenue in Ward 2, bringing new development to the corridor.
2026 Housing Policy Study and Plan
City departments have coordinated on the scope of a housing policy study, and an RFP is about to go out with an evaluation committee from PED, DSI, and council staff to pick a consultant.
Affordable housing grants (Minnehaha Ave E and E Wood St)
The council accepted state metro housing grant funds for affordable housing projects at 680-694 Minnehaha Ave E and CommonBond Communities at 58 E Wood Street.
Hamm's Brewery West End redevelopment grant
The city is sponsoring a Met Council grant to support redevelopment at the old Hamm's Brewery site on Minnehaha Avenue East.
560 Brunson Street Inspiring Communities subsidy increase
Since 2013 the Inspiring Communities program has produced 250 income-qualified housing units and built a bench of local, diverse developers. Next up: tentative developer picks for Wheeler Parkway/Jackson and a twin-home sale at 1087 Ross, plus RFP No. 8 for three NSP-restricted properties.
CDBG Loan for 202 Cesar Chavez Street
The city proposes a $70,000 federal loan to help Judy Lopez buy the former Papa Legba space on the West Side for a second bar, La Officina, creating three jobs. Commissioner Noecker pressed staff on why this location deserves backing after the prior tenant closed. Vote comes next week.
United Village hotel facade variances
A 158-room hotel next to Allianz Field wants to build with less street-facing glass than the 50%/30% rules require. Staff, the Union Park District Council, and neighbors all supported it, and the council signaled 7-0 it will grant the appeal.
Rondo Inheritance Fund eligibility: lost property vs. displaced
Commissioner Bowie wants the downpayment assistance guidelines changed so people who were displaced — including renters — qualify, not just those who can prove they lost property. Staff say a full data-set revision could take six to eight months, with a timeline promised this week.
Conduit bond financing for Episcopal Homes' Willows Project
Episcopal Homes wants to buy a 58-unit memory care facility using up to $18 million in tax-exempt conduit bonds issued by the HRA. The city takes no repayment risk, and about 100 people are waiting for memory care beds the acquisition would add.
Streamlined execution of environmental covenants on HRA-financed projects
When HRA-financed redevelopment sites are cleaned up, the state pollution agency often requires covenants restricting land use. The board delegated signing authority to the executive director to avoid repeated board approvals, with city attorney review still in place.
652 Sherburne Avenue rental-to-ownership loan extension
The HRA extended the spending plan TIF loan for the 652 Sherburne project in Ward 1, keeping tax-increment financing in place to support the redevelopment. It passed unanimously.