Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in water utilities with high priority
2027 Water, Sewer, Garbage and Recycling Rates
Property owners with city-performed demolition or sewer line repair work will see those costs assessed, with hearings set for June and July.
Lead pipe replacement financing
The council authorized up to $10 million in state water funding plus two taxable grant anticipation notes for lead pipe replacement. That's money aimed at getting lead out of Saint Paul's drinking water lines.
Xcel Energy franchise and franchise-fee ordinances
The council finalized updated electric and gas franchise ordinances with Xcel Energy, setting the terms under which the utility uses city rights-of-way.
Healthy Homes and Power of Home homeowner grant programs
These programs give qualifying homeowners up to $50,000 each to fix health-and-safety barriers and electrify older homes. Healthy Homes funding expires at the end of 2026 with no rollover, so commissioners are pushing for targeted outreach — especially to immigrant, refugee, and non-English-speaking households — and sustainable funding.
Energy and gas shutoff moratorium amid ICE operations
Families afraid to leave home for work because of ICE raids risk having heat and power shut off in winter. The council asked Governor Walz to order a shutoff moratorium, waive late fees, and push Xcel Energy to offer help in Hmong, Karen, and Somali. Xcel has announced a voluntary, indefinite suspension of disconnections in the two cities.