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About Planning and Economic Development

The Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) guides development in Saint Paul in partnership with residents, businesses, and developers. The department consists of three divisions: Planning, Economic Development, and Housing.

The Planning Division oversees citywide and neighborhood planning. This includes major project site plans, zoning, and data and mapping resources. The division's goal is to promote a resilient and vibrant community for residents, property owners, and businesses.

The Economic Development Division works to create a strong and diverse city. This includes boosting job creation and access and growing Saint Paul's tax base. The division also runs the Business Resource Center. The center connects local businesses with programs and services to help them succeed.

The Housing Division works to ensure quality housing for all Saint Paul residents. The division provides financing for home construction and renovation, supports homelessness prevention, and helps shape housing policy.

PED Staff in 2026
The Department of Planning and Economic Development staff.

Featured Videos

Aldi Opens Downtown

Shop Along the Capital City bikeway

The Stella Saint Paul Office-to-Housing Conversion

Guiding Development in Saint Paul

A woman with two school age children smile while reading a book outside on a Saint Paul college campus

Comprehensive Plan

Explore the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to see how Saint Paul is guiding development over the next 20 years. It was created with extensive community engagement and was adopted by the City Council in 2020. The City's development priorities include:

  • Providing quality affordable housing
  • Embracing growth and supporting job creation
  • Investing in bike, pedestrian, and public transit infrastructure
  • Preserving and building on Saint Paul's history
  • Supporting a diverse population
  • Protecting the environment
2040 Comprehensive Plan
Houses on a street in the Rondo neighborhood.

Consolidated Plan

The Consolidated Plan outlines community development and housing priorities that the City will address through federal grant programs. It's submitted every five years to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

View the Consolidated Plan to learn how the City puts federal funding to work in Saint Paul. In addition to the Consolidated Plan, you'll find:

  • Annual Action Plans
  • Public review and comments
  • Past funding recipients
  • Annual evaluations
Current Consolidated Plan
Community members attend the grand reopening of Ruam Mit Thai Restaurant in downtown Saint Paul.

Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved in community development in Saint Paul. Residents can attend a meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) or Planning Commission, join a commission or committee, or connect with their local district council to shape development at a neighborhood level.

Residents can also sign up for our Early Notification System (ENS) to receive alerts on new development.