Saint Paul STAR Program Awards Over $3.3 Million in Support to Local Businesses and Arts & Cultural Organizations

This week, the City of Saint Paul approved more than $3.3 million in grant funding for 33 local capital improvement projects and programs and 78 arts and cultural projects thanks to the city’s Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) grant program. Cultural and Neighborhood STAR boards made their scheduled funding recommendations in June, and the Mayor and City Council prioritized making their final funding decisions quickly, giving awardees more timely access to STAR funds than in previous years. 

Over $2.1 million of competitive funding for capital projects was awarded in Saint Paul neighborhoods through the Neighborhood STAR program, and more than $1.1 million was awarded through the Cultural STAR program to strengthen the City of Saint Paul’s arts and cultural sector, specially focused on the Cultural District of Downtown Saint Paul, with support for special projects and events, capital projects, and capacity within organizations. 

In addition to these recommendations, the STAR program also supported projects with Saint Paul Public Libraries for materials and Saint Paul Public Works for sidewalk repair with annual budget allocations. 

Since 1995, the City of Saint Paul has used a portion of a half-cent sales tax to support commercial revitalization improvements and cultural vibrancy in Saint Paul neighborhoods through the two Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) programs. 

“Saint Paul's local businesses and artists are the heartbeat of our community," said Mayor Kaohly Her. “Through the Neighborhood and Cultural STAR grants the city is able to directly invest in what makes Saint Paul a place where neighborhoods thrive, art and culture are celebrated, and businesses flourish. I am excited to see all the different ways these funds will positively impact our neighborhoods in the coming years.” 

"For more than 30 years, the STAR program has helped turn community ideas into lasting investments in Saint Paul,” said Council President Rebecca Noecker. “I’m proud that this year we worked with the Mayor’s Office to deliver a smoother, faster process to get these dollars out the door. These grants help turn great ideas into lasting community assets, creating opportunities that benefit residents across our city for years to come." 

The STAR program is a major force in celebrating and supporting cultural diversity in Saint Paul. Among Neighborhood STAR recipients, 64% are BIPOC-owned or led, and 58% are woman-owned or led. 56% of Cultural STAR recipient organizations led by are women and 45% are BIPOC led. 

“The Star Grant has provided us with essential support towards our goals of being better stewards of our building and our site,” said Marty Ruddy, Company Manager of Terra Firma Building and Remodeling. “With the help of the grant, we will be able to successfully complete a rain garden project that will mitigate rainwater runoff and help protect our regional watershed...The funding is not only good for business, it's good for our whole community. Thank you, Saint Paul, for your support!” 

“The STAR program has been critical in supporting cultural festivals, small businesses, and neighborhood revitalization efforts,” said Dr. Gene Gelgelu, Founder, President, and CEO of African Economic Development Solutions. “It is an investment that creates opportunities for community members to gather, celebrate diverse cultures, and strengthen local economies.” 

“This grant award allows Ramsey County Historical Society to engage St. Paul residents in recognizing and celebrating 50 years of St. Paul Art Collective's contributions to St. Paul artists and community; building and supporting our community to perpetuate St. Paul's commitment to arts and culture,” said Roger Meyer, Interim CEO of Ramsey County Historical Society. 

Over the years, Neighborhood STAR has assisted over 1,250 projects and programs with more than $137 million in grant and loan assistance. These funds are estimated to have generated more than $1.4 billion in private investment throughout Saint Paul. The Cultural STAR program has invested over $44.7 million in funds in over 1,570 arts and cultural projects and activities over the last 30 years. 

Advisory boards appointed by the mayor make initial funding recommendations for each program. Up to 21 members - three from each of Saint Paul’s seven wards – review proposals for the Neighborhood STAR program and up to 9 members of the Saint Paul Arts community review proposals for Cultural STAR. The boards made their funding recommendations to the Mayor and City Council before approval at the July 8 City Council Meeting.  

Hear More From the 2026 STAR Recipients 

“The program gets projects done that always have to be put off by smaller businesses because of higher priorities,” said Scott Fares, co-owner of Wet Paint Artists’ Materials and Framing. “Like our project, they are the improvements that you know will really make a difference to customers and the businesses around us but are always pushed down the list when you are managing a tight budget.” 

“This generous support from the STAR Cultural grant will empower ArtStart to bring innovative arts activities and performances to ten festivals and community events in St Paul,” said Anne Sawyer, Executive Director of ArtStart. “This supports our mission to inspire artistic creativity and illuminate the connections among people, ideas and the environment through engaging communities in quality arts education experiences. ArtStart is so grateful for this opportunity!” 

“The Neighborhood STAR Program is a powerful example of how strategic public investment strengthens neighborhoods from within,” said Milan Dennie, Executive Director of It’s Our Neighborhood (ION). “By supporting organizations that are creating lasting community assets, the program helps revitalize commercial corridors, expands economic opportunity, and creates spaces where residents can learn, work, and thrive.” 

“STAR support this year is vital to Lakeside Guitar Festival bringing another year of world class artists and audiences to the beautiful and singular Como Lakeside Pavilion in Saint Paul,” said Todd Clouser, Co-Director of Lakeside Guitar Festival. “For 2026 we've given increased focus to interactive programming, providing a platform to community members to participate in creating, performing themselves, and learning from Minnesota and international artists. We are thrilled to have Saint Paul support to honor our mission of brightening our communities with music for a few days every August.” 

“This grant will allow us to have climate control over our physical space to prevent at-risk seniors from overheating when they partake in our programs,” said Robert Weseman, Executive Director of North East Seniors for Better Living. “This advancement will greatly aid our programming needs and allow more seniors who are at risk for heat-related disorders to attend.” 

“The award of the Neighborhood STAR Grant to the St. Paul Farmers’ Market is a tremendous help as we continue to upgrade and enhance our new Indoor Market space at 308 East Prince Street," said Jim Golden, Executive Director of St. Paul Farmer’s Market. “Maintaining a physical presence in St. Paul and providing a safe gathering experience in the Lowertown area enhances the overall reputation and shopping experience in the city.”