Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in public safety
Fire certificate of occupancy revocation
The owner of 1609 Saint Anthony Avenue is appealing a fire certificate of occupancy revocation and order to vacate — potentially a housing stability issue for anyone living at the property.
Nuisance abatement order appeals
Eight property owners appealed city nuisance abatement orders; several had their nuisances declared abated, and the Selby Avenue appellant got two extra weeks to comply.
Police grants and donations
The police department accepted $22,000 from the Saint Paul Police Foundation plus a 2027 traffic-safety enforcement grant to fund crash-prevention overtime.
Coordinated response to unsheltered homelessness
The council adopted a resolution backing a coordinated city-county approach to unsheltered homelessness. It signals how the city will handle encampments and connect people to services going forward.
2027 Office of Neighborhood Safety budget
The Office of Neighborhood Safety presented its proposed 2027 budget. The office runs violence-prevention and community safety programming across Saint Paul.
Fire safety orders to vacate
Ashray Gupta appealed fire inspection correction notices and an order to vacate at two properties. At 251 Maria Ave., several units must stay empty while the purchaser demonstrates financing and a repair plan.
Fire Department whole blood program funding
The fire department gets a $25,140.87 reimbursement from Regions EMS to support its whole blood program.
City-funded legal counsel in Mayor Her lawsuit
The council extended one special counsel and hired Greene Espel to decide whether Mayor Kaohly Her gets city-paid defense in a lawsuit brought by Axel Henry. It's a question of who pays when the mayor is personally sued.
Department of Emergency Management 2027 Budget
Saint Paul's Police Department presented its proposed 2027 budget to the Budget Committee. This early presentation sets the stage for later debates over police staffing, programs, and how much of the city budget goes to public safety.