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Dear Neighbors,
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As we begin this budget process, my administration is focused on four priorities that reflect both the immediate needs of our community and the long-term future of our city.
1. Strengthen the Fiscal Sustainability of the City
Fiscal sustainability means ensuring we can provide high-quality city services today and for years to come. It means making smart investments, pursuing outside funding opportunities, protecting taxpayers whenever possible, and making difficult decisions when necessary.
We've already seen examples of this approach. Last week, I joined state leaders as Governor Walz signed the bonding bill that secured significant investments for Saint Paul. These funds will advance infrastructure and community projects while helping address maintenance needs that have been deferred for far too long. Every dollar we secure from state and federal partners helps reduce pressure on local taxpayers.
We're also strengthening our economy by supporting events that bring visitors, activity, and investment into our city. This summer, thousands of residents and visitors gathered in Saint Paul for beloved community traditions like the Flint Hills Family Festival and Grand Old Day. These events celebrate our culture while supporting local businesses, restaurants, and commercial corridors.
At the same time, we're building partnerships that position Saint Paul for long-term economic success. As if it was any competition, the NFL Commission decided to host the 2028 NFL Draft right here in Minnesota. This investment demonstrates the confidence that regional and national partners have in our city and our future. These kinds of partnerships help attract resources, create opportunities, and strengthen the economic foundation that supports city services.
As we develop the next budget, I have directed city departments to pursue creative solutions, leverage partnerships, seek outside funding, and make every public dollar go further. Fiscal sustainability will remain at the center of every decision we make.
The Budget Engagement Meeting about fiscal responsibility will be hosted at Neighborhood House on Wednesday, July 1. Reserve your spot.
 Grand Old Day Parade
2. Strengthen Safety and Justice in our Community
Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of city government. That means investing in prevention, intervention, and strategies that hold offenders accountable before violence escalates.
One example is Saint Paul's nationally recognized Non-Fatal Shooting Unit. The unit has improved clearance rates, removed dangerous offenders from the streets, and helped reduce gun violence. Its success has drawn attention from communities across Minnesota, with other cities adopting Saint Paul's model as a blueprint for their own public safety efforts.
The unit's impact was evident following the downtown shooting on May 4. Investigators worked quickly and collaboratively to identify, locate, and bring the suspect to justice. That outcome demonstrated what you can expect when accountability, professionalism, and results are prioritized.
Our commitment to safety is also rooted in justice. Earlier this year, the people of the Twin Cities were honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. I was proud to be at the award ceremony where our region was recognized for our determination to stand together and uphold our shared values during challenging times.
As we look ahead to the next budget, we will continue investing in strategies that make our communities safer, strengthen trust, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
The Budget Engagement Meeting about enhancing safety and justice will be hosted at Arlington Hills Community Center on Friday, June 26. Reserve your spot.
3. Ensure it is Easier to do Business in Saint Paul
Whether it is a small business opening their first storefront, a medium business moving into their new offices, or large business investing in a commercial corridor, city government should be a partner in that success.
The reality is that businesses pay a significant share of the property taxes that fund city services. When Saint Paul attracts new businesses, retains existing employers, and helps local companies grow, we expand our tax base. A broader tax base means more revenue to support essential city services and less pressure to rely on property tax increases for homeowners.
I've also heard consistently from business owners that city processes can be difficult to navigate. That's why we are focused on improving permitting processes, reducing unnecessary barriers, and creating a more responsive experience for applicants.
As we develop the next budget, we will continue looking for opportunities to support business and job growth, strengthen commercial corridors, and build a stronger tax base that benefits the entire city.
The Budget Engagement Meeting about ease of doing business will be hosted at Frogtown Community Center on Monday, June 15. Reserve your spot.
 Grand Opening of The Ivory in downtown Saint Paul
4. Strengthen the City’s Responsiveness to Constituent Needs
Over the past several months, my administration has focused on improving responsiveness and addressing issues residents experience in their daily lives.
One example is our ongoing effort to respond to pothole patching requests more quickly and effectively. Another example is our expanded work to skim and maintain roadways, helping keep streets cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
You should see city government working for you. Trust is built through action. When you report a problem, you should feel confident that someone is listening and responding. As we continue improving city services, we will remain focused on creating a government that is accessible, accountable, and responsive to community needs.
The Budget Engagement Meeting about responsive government will be hosted at Sun Ray Library on Monday, June 22. Reserve your spot.
 At an Eritrean Independance Day celebration at Como Park
Your Voice Matters
Please join our upcoming series of Budget Engagement Meetings that will help you better understand how the budget works, what challenges we face, and how community feedback helps inform decision-making.
We want to hear from you. What services should the city prioritize? What challenges are you seeing in your neighborhood? What investments will make the greatest difference in people's lives?
Closing a $26 million budget gap will require difficult decisions, but it also presents an opportunity to strengthen our financial foundation, improve how government works, and ensure our investments reflect the values of our community. I’m committed to being honest about the challenges we face, thoughtful about the decisions we make, and open to hearing from the people we serve. I look forward to hearing your ideas and continuing this work with you.
Kaohly Her
Mayor of Saint Paul
 Hanging out with a little one during Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Center's grand opening
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The City maintains a central hub with up-to-date information, legal resources, community support services, and guidance for residents navigating federal immigration enforcement activity. Visit the City’s Immigration Resources page to learn more and find help.
stpaul.gov/immigration-resources
In addition to working with the organizations on the ground, we are making a concerted effort to connect with the residents, business owners, and communities most impacted by this surge. From small business owners in different ethnic communities to local markets to daycare providers to religious organizations, we are directly engaging to learn how people are being affected and what they need to support them through this incredibly challenging time.
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Join us for a series of conversations to learn about the city's budget, understand the opportunities and challenges ahead, and share your priorities for Saint Paul's future.
Public Works is currently pothole patching throughout the city. We are checking all complaints and will get them added to the patching lists.
It takes teamwork to create our annual City budget. Watch this video to learn about the process and timeline.
Share a question, comment, or concern. Invite me to a meeting or event. request a proclaimation.
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Let's Stay Connected
Staying connected helps us better serve our community. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, I encourage you to reach out to my office directly. We’re here to listen. You can also follow me on social media for more timely updates. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more informed community.
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