FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2026
Saint Paul – The Saint Paul City Council has designated $5 million for the new Downtown Vitality Fund. The Downtown Vitality Fund will financially assist affordable housing and economic development projects that positively impact downtown Saint Paul. The projects will include the development of additional housing units and activation of vibrant commercial spaces throughout Downtown.
Of the $5 million in the fund, $3 million is allocated to housing projects and $2 million to economic development projects.
Eligible housing projects include development, redevelopment, or office-to-housing conversion projects that meet Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) requirements.
Eligible economic development projects include capital improvement projects, such as street- and skyway-level interior or exterior physical enhancements, equipment purchases with a useful life of 5 or more years, and public realm improvements, such as lighting, outdoor seating, or public art.
Funding is available to qualifying for-profit and non-profit organizations within the Downtown Improvement District, as defined by the Downtown Alliance.
Developers or organizations interested in applying for the Downtown Vitality Fund can find more information, including eligibility criteria and a submission form for interest, at www.stpaul.gov/downtownvitalityfund.
Statements from the Mayor and Councilmembers
Mayor Kaohly Her:
“Revitalizing downtown is key to a robust tax base and a healthy, thriving city. We are working diligently to attract businesses, beautify our urban core, and invest in the infrastructure that supports long-term growth. The Downtown Vitality Fund makes that work possible. I’m grateful to the City Council and the HRA for their partnership in putting these funds to work and helping drive our downtown’s momentum forward.”
Council President Rebecca Noecker:
“Investing in downtown is about more than buildings—it’s about creating spaces where people want to live, work, and gather. The Downtown Vitality Fund will help bring new housing opportunities and vibrant commercial spaces to the heart of Saint Paul, supporting both economic growth and community vitality. I’m proud the City Council is making this commitment to strengthen our downtown for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
Councilmember & HRA Chair Cheniqua Johnson:
“This fund is a targeted investment in the fundamentals of a healthy downtown—housing people and supporting the businesses that sustain daily life. As HRA Chair, my focus is ensuring these dollars are deployed in a way that delivers lasting impact and measurable return for our city. I’m excited to see this investment build on the incredible momentum already happening downtown. St. Paul thrives when businesses, residents, and communities thrive.”