Downtown Summer in the Parks

Join us for a vibrant lineup of activities for everyone to enjoy. Our downtown parks are home to live music, art, food trucks, festivals, and more.
Events and Activities
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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Council

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

Halloween & Fall Events

9/1/2025 Parks & Recreation

Join Saint Paul Parks and Recreation this fall for cozy bonfires, spooky Halloween parties, and other fun neighborhood events.

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Saint Paul Businesses Notified of 2026 Minimum Wage Increases

9/1/2025 Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity

Saint Paul Businesses Notified of 2026 Minimum Wage Increases

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2025 Business Awards Nomination and Application Period Announcement

8/29/2025 City Council

Nineth Annual Business Awards program accepting nominations and applications

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Fall Activity Registration

8/28/2025 Parks & Recreation

Fall 2025 activity registration opens September 2!

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News Room

Last Edited: August 29, 2025