FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2025
CONTACT
Jennifer “JLor” Lor
JLor@ci.stpaul.mn.us
(651) 417-9454
SAINT PAUL – Today, Mayor Melvin Carter delivered his 2026 Budget at Allianz Field, focusing on key investments in housing, downtown revitalization, and community wellness.
The budget includes a $10 million package to boost housing, economic growth, and downtown revitalization efforts.
$5 million for a one-time office-to-housing conversion program
$2 million annual expansion of the Down Payment Assistance Fund
$1 million to sustain the Inheritance Fund
$1 million to sustain Emergency Rental Assistance Program
$1 million for the Commercial Corridors Fund
Additional proposed investments:
$1 million to combat fentanyl and opioid use
$1 million to strengthen cybersecurity
$600,000 to support PAULIE, the city’s new permitting and licensing platform
$200,000 to support district councils
During the 2026 Library Budget Address held at Hayden Heights, Mayor Carter announced the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center will maintain neighborhood library services during the temporary renovation of the Rondo Community Library, which is expected to begin by the end of the year.
He also reiterated his plan to collaborate with the City Council for a comprehensive local gun ordinance. The proposal would ban both binary triggers and firearms in recreation centers and libraries, require all firearms to have a serial number, and prohibit public possession of assault weapons.
ABOUT THE 2026 BUDGET PROPOSAL
Mayor Carter’s 2026 Budget Proposal totals approximately $887 million, with a General Fund of $404.9 million. It proposes a 5.3% increase toward a $232.5 million property tax levy—about $107 a year, or $9 a month, on a median-value home.
LINKS TO THE 2026 BUDGET ADDRESS AND PROPOSAL
View Mayor Carter’s 2026 Budget Address, along with full text of the address, and highlight materials here. View the full 2026 Budget Proposal documents here.
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