Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Saint Paul public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues with high priority
Office of the City Council Budget
A review of the budget for running the City Council's own operations — staffing, offices and support services for 2027.
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.
Problem property enforcement (remove/repair orders)
The council ordered rehabilitation or razing of the structures at 633 Capitol Boulevard, with the matter referred back to an October 27, 2026 legislative hearing.
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.
HUD funding for Hayden Heights and Riverview library reconstruction
The library scored $3.15 million in federal HUD money to rebuild the Hayden Heights branch. Reconstruction moves forward with federal dollars rather than local tax money.
Rondo Community Library
The board got a progress report on the Rondo Community Library and filed it without action.
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.
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.
Barndominium alternative housing
New Ulm's city manager presented on barndominiums — a low-cost alternative housing model — covering zoning barriers, financing, and whether it can scale. Saint Paul is evaluating whether such models fit its housing needs.
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.
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.
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.
Snelling-University Commercial Development District liquor licenses
The council is creating a special commercial district around Snelling and University that would allow seven on-sale liquor licenses beyond the normal citywide limits, spread across four quadrants of the intersection. The hearing was continued to October 14, so the outcome isn't final yet.
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.
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.
State housing funding applications for Saint Paul projects
The HRA reserved city funds to back Saint Paul projects applying to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. Matching local dollars can strengthen those applications and bring more affordable housing resources to the city.
Street and alley reconstruction assessments
The council ratified special assessments for more than a dozen street, alley, and sewer projects — these are charges billed to property owners benefiting from the work, and they appear on property tax statements.
The Aragon Development affordable housing
The Aragon at 470 White Bear Avenue just got its 2027 low-income housing tax credits reserved — a make-or-break funding source for affordable housing projects. This moves the East Side project forward.
2027 Capital Improvement Budget
The proposed 2027 Capital Improvement Budget was presented — this is the funding plan for streets, buildings, parks and other long-lived city assets.
Preserving affordable housing at Afton View Apartments
The board got a first look at the Afton View Apartments affordable housing project, with developer Tareen Development Partners answering questions. A formal request will likely come later.
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.
2027 Low Income Housing Tax Credit Reservation
The city is figuring out how to reserve its 2027 federal tax credits that help finance affordable housing projects. How they're allocated shapes which affordable developments get built.
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.