Overview
The Neighborhood STAR Program awards loans and grants for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods, funded by 50% of the city's half-cent sales tax proceeds.
Proposals must be neighborhood-based projects designed with neighborhood representation to strengthen Saint Paul neighborhoods and address problems, needs and opportunities. Proposals can be a project or program that results in capital improvements in Saint Paul. Innovative proposals are encouraged, and these proposals may be generated by neighborhood and civic leaders, organizations, and businesses.
Key features of the Neighborhood STAR Program include:
- A minimum of one non-City (private) dollar for every STAR dollar is required for all grant requests.
- Any portion of a loan request over $50,000 must be matched on a minimum $1 for $1 basis with non-City resources.
- Eligible activities include any physical components of strategies, programs, and/or projects which strengthen and/or improve the neighborhoods of Saint Paul.
- Capital improvements must have an expected life of seven years. Examples of eligible activities include improvements to a residential, commercial or industrial property, economic development efforts or minor public improvements.
- Eligible applicants include any public, private, or non-profit entity located in or doing business in Saint Paul.
- Funding recommendations are made to the Mayor and City Council by the 21-member STAR Board, which is appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council.
