Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral
Mayor Carter in winter in front of cathedral

Mayor Melvin Carter

Melvin Carter is the 46th, and first African-American mayor of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Capital City.

A fifth-generation Saint Paul resident, Mayor Carter leads with an unapologetic equity agenda. Since taking office in 2018, his accomplishments include raising the city’s minimum wage to $15/hour; tripling free programs in rec centers; eliminating late fines in public libraries; reestablishing an Affordable Housing Trust Fund; expanding immigrant & refugee support resources, and launching an Office of Financial Empowerment. One signature initiative is CollegeBound Saint Paul, Mayor Carter’s plan to start every child born in the city with a $50 College Savings Account, starting January 1, 2020.

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The

City Council

As the legislative body, the City Council is responsible for setting City policy through ordinances and resolutions. The Council also has sole responsibility for adopting the City’s budget. The Council legislates by passing Ordinances which become City laws. The Council also makes performance auditing decisions and monitors the operation and performance of city agencies and holds regular oversight hearings on city departments to determine how programs are working and whether budgeted funds are being spent well. In its decision-making roles, the City Council actively involves the public through its weekly public meetings.

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Latest News

Winter/Spring Activity Registration

11/1/2024 Parks & Recreation

Winter/spring rec center activity registration opens Nov. 4, 2024. Ski and snowboard lesson registration opens Nov. 13, 2024. Winter/spring swimming lesson registration opens Nov. 20, 2024 at 9am.

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City of Saint Paul Prevails Following 16 Months of Litigation, Will Move Forward with New Hamline Midway Library

10/31/2024 Mayor's Office

The Second Judicial District Court rules the city may build a new Hamline Midway Library, city will leverage $8.1 million already allocated for the project

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Happy Halloween from Saint Paul Parks and Recreation!

10/31/2024 Parks & Recreation

Each year, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation staff celebrate Halloween by dressing up as our favorite characters from the TV show "Parks and Recreation". From all of us at Saint Paul Parks and Recreation, we wish you a safe and happy Halloween!

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Saint Paul Selected for Inaugural Cohort to Expand Local Emergency Response Plan

10/29/2024 Mayor's Office

The city will be part of National Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s inaugural cohort to develop new emergency preparedness and response personal finance model

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News Room

Last Edited: November 6, 2024