Saint Paul City Council Announces 2026 Ward Budget Engagement Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026

Saint Paul City Council Announces 2026 Ward Budget Engagement Events 

SAINT PAUL (MN) – Today, the Saint Paul City Council is inviting residents, businesses, community organizations, and stakeholders to participate in a series of Ward Budget Engagement Events taking place across the city this summer and fall.

These community meetings provide an opportunity for residents to engage directly with their City Councilmember, City staff, and members of the Administration about the City's budget priorities, fiscal realities, service needs, and investment opportunities ahead of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget process. Unlike traditional public hearings held after a budget proposal is released, these engagement events allow residents to participate earlier in the process and help inform budget priorities before key decisions are made.

“Saint Paul is facing real fiscal pressures, from inflation to reduced and shifting state and federal support, and we cannot ignore the impact that has on both residents and City services. As we move into our budget process, our focus is on protecting affordability while ensuring we can continue delivering the core services people rely on every day. That means having early, honest conversations about priorities, exploring efficiencies and partnerships where appropriate, and continuing to identify opportunities to strengthen and broaden our local tax base,” said Council President Rebecca Noecker. “These Ward Budget Engagement Events are about bringing those conversations into the open before decisions are made, so we can be thoughtful, transparent, and responsible in how we move forward.”

As the City develops its annual budget, the Council believes meaningful community engagement is essential to ensuring investments reflect the needs, values, and priorities of Saint Paul residents. Feedback gathered during these events will help inform Council budget discussions and contribute to the decision-making process that ultimately results in the adoption of the City's annual budget.

“Saint Paul's budget is more than a financial document; it is a statement of our community's priorities and our vision for the future,” said Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson, Chair of the Saint Paul City Council Budget Committee. “These Ward Budget Engagement Events are an invitation for residents to help shape that vision. We know the people closest to the challenges and opportunities in our neighborhoods often have the best ideas about where investments are needed most. By bringing residents, Councilmembers, City staff, and the Administration together, we can build a budget that reflects our shared values and helps move Saint Paul forward.”

The City Council recently identified several shared areas of focus for the FY27 budget process, including housing stability, economic development, public safety, climate resilience, parks and libraries, infrastructure maintenance, and improving transparency and accountability in City budgeting. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in their ward and participate in the conversation.

2026 Ward Budget Engagement Event Schedule

Ward 6 – Council Vice President Nelsie Yang
July 21, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hazel Park Recreation Center | 945 Hazel St. N., Saint Paul, MN 55119

Ward 7 – Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson
August 13, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Battle Creek Recreation Center | 75 Winthrop St. S., Saint Paul, MN 55119

Ward 1 – Councilmember Anika Bowie
September 4, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Frogtown Community Center | 230 Como Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55103

Ward 5 – Councilmember HwaJeong Kim
September 10, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
North End Community Center | 145 Lawson Ave. W., Saint Paul, MN 55117

Ward 4 – Councilmember Molly Coleman
September 14, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Hancock Recreation Center | 1610 Hubbard Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ward 2 – Council President Rebecca Noecker
October 6, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Palace Community Center | 781 Palace Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55102

Ward 3 – Councilmember Saura Jost
Councilmember Jost's office conducts year-round community engagement and will not host a separate Ward 3 budget event. Budget conversations will continue through the office's ongoing constituent outreach and communications. Residents with questions or budget feedback are encouraged to contact Tom Basgen at tom.basgen@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Additional event details and registration information will be announced by individual Council offices and shared through City Council communication channels. Community members who are unable to attend are encouraged to contact their Council office directly to share feedback and budget priorities.

FY27 Budget Timeline
The Ward Budget Engagement Events are one of several opportunities for residents to engage in the City's budget process. Key FY27 budget dates include:

• September 23, 2026 – Vote on the Maximum Property Tax Levy during the regular City Council meeting.
• November 30, 2026 – Truth-in-Taxation Hearing, providing residents an opportunity to offer public testimony.
• December 2, 2026 – Vote to certify the final property tax levy and adopt the FY27 Budget during the regular City Council meeting.

A full calendar of budget-related meetings, hearings, and engagement opportunities will be released in the coming weeks.

About the Saint Paul City Council:
The Saint Paul City Council is the city’s legislative body, setting policy through ordinances and resolutions, adopting budgets, and providing direct constituent services across the city’s wards. Learn more at www.stpaul.gov/department/city-council.