Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Emergency rental assistance partnership with Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
The board received an update on how the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is operating, keeping track of support for renters at risk of falling behind.
Property code and assessment appeals
The council worked through nine property appeals, including a tenant's fight over broken plumbing, missing smoke alarms and a landlord who allegedly did nothing for months. Most appeals were denied or orders upheld; one family faces immediate vacate of a lower unit.
Garbage service rates for 2027
An ordinance setting new base-level garbage rates effective January 1, 2027 was advanced and will return for a final vote — it will show up on residents' bills.
2027 City Budget Proposal
The City Attorney's Office laid out its proposed 2027 spending plan. Its work covers legal services for the city, prosecutions, and code enforcement matters that affect neighborhood conditions.
2026 Bond Sales and Tax Levy
Saint Paul landed about $82 million in state bonding, including $13 million for West 7th utilities, money for Como Zoo, $10 million for metropolitan parks, and an extension of bonding funds for the Saint Paul inclusive playground.
Public Works 2027 Budget
Public Works presented its proposed 2027 budget covering streets, maintenance, and department initiatives. The presentation starts the council's budget review process.
2027 HRA property tax levy
The council set the ceiling on next year's property taxes for both the city and the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. The actual final levy comes later in the budget process.
Special counsel to challenge federal grant rule
The city hired the Public Rights Project to sue over a federal rule affecting grants. It's a signal Saint Paul is willing to litigate to protect federal funding streams it relies on.
Transition to a two-year (biennial) city budget
The agency that runs Saint Paul's housing and redevelopment programs laid out its budget plans. It shapes how much money is available for housing and development work in the city.
Mayor's Proposed FY2027 Budget
Mayor Kaohly Her's proposed 2027 city budget is now in front of the Budget Committee. What's in it — property taxes, services, and spending priorities — will shape next year's city budget.
Elimination of the youth subminimum wage
Saint Paul will no longer pay 14- to 17-year-old workers a reduced rate during their first 90 days on the job. Teen workers get the full city minimum wage from day one; some small employers worry about the added cost of youth hires.
Union wage agreements and pay changes
Two big union contracts covering city supervisors and professional employees got pulled from the fast-track consent list and held for a week. Pay and benefits for hundreds of city workers ride on these.
Mellon Foundation grant for library community spaces
The library is getting $920,000 over multiple years from the Mellon Foundation to make libraries stronger as welcoming community spaces. The board formally added the money to the library's spending plan.
Depleting HRA special funds
The quarterly report laid it bare: the HRA plans to spend about $445 million from its special funds this year but expects only about $37 million in revenue — a gap of roughly $12 million even if every budgeted dollar shows up. Chair Johnson called it 'quite the definition of an imbalanced budget.' Staff say the funds have been depleting for years and right-sizing is now an explicit goal.
Tri-Council interim wage agreement
Two big union contracts covering city supervisors and professional employees got pulled from the fast-track consent list and held for a week. Pay and benefits for hundreds of city workers ride on these.
Polling location changes for 2026 elections
Voting locations changed for the August 11 primary and November 3 general election — voters should confirm their polling place before heading out.
Citywide legal services contract
The HRA approved a master legal services agreement with Barnes & Thornburg LLP to provide legal services citywide for housing and redevelopment work.