Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 issues in taxes budget
2026 Third Quarter Budget to Actual
A quarterly check on how the HRA's 2026 spending stacks up against its budget. Carried over from the October 28 meeting.
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.
HREEO 2027 Budget
The Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity is presenting its 2027 budget request. What the city funds here shapes civil rights enforcement and economic opportunity programs for residents.
Ramsey County Tax Valuation Trends
The committee will review how property valuations are trending across Ramsey County. Rising valuations can mean shifting property tax burdens for homeowners and businesses.
Lawson Parking Ramp parking use agreement
The HRA is considering a parking use agreement with Hamm Building Commercial, LLC for spaces in the Lawson Parking Ramp downtown. These arrangements keep parking available for downtown businesses, workers, and visitors.
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.
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.
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.
HRA third-quarter budget performance
The HRA's quarterly budget-to-actual report came in but was pushed to the November 4 meeting for action.
Vacant building assessments and payment relief
Several owners appealed vacant-building and boarding assessments. Two properties got five-year payment plans recommended, while two others were delayed to allow proof of payment or evidence of repair work.
Save Our Street lawsuit settlement
The city settled the lawsuit brought by Historic Summit Avenue/Save Our Street over a street name change, ending litigation in Ramsey County District Court.
Office of Technology and Communications 2027 budget
The city's tech and communications department presented its proposed 2027 budget. This covers the digital services and systems residents use to interact with city government, and it's now part of the record as the 2027 budget takes shape.
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.
Parks and Recreation fund transfer
A proposed fund transfer involving Parks and Recreation was on the agenda but got pushed to the October 14 meeting, so no decision yet.
2027 Debt Proposal
The city's plan for borrowing in 2027 was presented. Debt service affects how much of the budget goes to paying off bonds rather than direct services.
Department of Human Resources 2027 Budget
Human Resources outlined its 2027 budget, covering staffing and personnel services for city operations. The presentation was accepted into the record without action.
Early TIF District Decertification
The HRA learned what steps it would need to take to end tax increment financing districts early — a move that returns leftover TIF dollars but can carry legal and financial conditions.