What is the STAR program?

In May 1993, the Minnesota State Legislature authorized the City of Saint Paul to levy an additional half-cent sales tax to make needed improvements to the RiverCentre complex and support commercial revitalization initiatives and tax-generating activities that leverage private investments. 

In 1994, the Saint Paul City Council officially established the Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) program. STAR programs include Neighborhood STAR, which provides competitive funding for capital projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods, and Cultural STAR, which provides grants for cultural organizations and events in Saint Paul.

A block of small businesses along Payne Avenue

Neighborhood STAR

The Neighborhood STAR program furthers residential, economic and commercial development in Saint Paul. Through the program, public, private, non-profit or for-profit entities located in or doing business in Saint Paul can apply for funding for capital improvement projects that strengthen and improve the neighborhoods of Saint Paul. Since 1995, Neighborhood STAR has assisted over 1,120 projects and programs with more than $130 million in grant and loan assistance.

Learn about Neighborhood STAR
Flint Hills Family Fest

Cultural STAR

The Cultural STAR program was created to grow Saint Paul's economy by strengthening the arts and cultural sector and supporting downtown as a vital cultural center. This program provides grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within the City of Saint Paul. Since 1994, Cultural STAR has awarded over $42.6 million to over 1,450 projects.

Learn about Cultural STAR

Last Edited: November 3, 2023