St. Paul Library Board Approves 2026 Budget with Key Restorations and Private Support

Overview: The St. Paul Library Board approved the 2026 budget, emphasizing the restoration of library services and the role of private funding. A crucial part of the budget includes maintaining library hours and bolstering library collections, partially funded by private contributions from the Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library.

St. Paul Residents Voice Outrage Over Police Involvement in ICE Raids and Rising Property Taxes

Overview: In a recent St. Paul City Council meeting, residents expressed deep concern and frustration over the city’s budget priorities, focusing heavily on police involvement in immigration enforcement, rising property taxes, and potential cuts to essential public services.

St. Paul City Council Celebrates Local Businesses with 2025 Business Awards

Overview: The St. Paul City Council held a special meeting to recognize outstanding local businesses through the 2025 Business Awards program, emphasizing the vital role these businesses play in enhancing the community. The council celebrated five businesses across various categories.

St. Paul Faces $8.4 Million Budget Deficit Amid Cyber Incident and Lawsuit Expenses

Overview: The St. Paul City Council’s Budget Committee meeting revealed financial challenges, including a projected $8.4 million deficit for 2025 due to extraordinary expenditures from a cyber incident and a lawsuit payout. Budget manager Madeline Mitchell presented these projections, highlighting the impacts of these unexpected costs on the city’s financial health. A hiring freeze is currently in place as part of efforts to mitigate the deficit, with departments generally coming in under budget except for public safety-related areas. The fire department is projected to overspend by $3.9 million due to increased overtime and material costs, while the parks department anticipates nearly $3 million overspend due to repairs from copper wire theft and storm damage. The police department’s budget is expected to be exceeded by $2.5 million, though this may adjust following budget amendments.

St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority Discusses Downtown Development Funding, Grant Programs, and Affordable Housing Extensions

Overview: The St. Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority convened to address several issues, notably the proposal to allocate $5 million for downtown development, the administration of the Promise Grant Program, and the extension requests for affordable housing projects.