District Council Frequently Asked Questions

District Council Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are district councils part of city government?

   No. District councils are independent 501(c)(3) nonprofits. They have unpaid volunteer boards of directors. Board members are elected by their neighbors. Councils hold elections according to their own bylaws, not public election laws. District councils contract with the City annually to provide community engagement services in their districts. 

2. Are district council board members paid?

   No. District councils have unpaid volunteer boards of directors. Board members are elected by their neighbors. State law requires the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest to prevent board members, their colleagues, or family members from profiting from board service. 

3. When are district council elections?

   Each district council holds their election at a different time of year according to their own bylaws. Councils share information about annual meetings and elections on their websites. 

   Find Your District Council

4. What does the City send to district councils for community input?

   District councils provide feedback, attend hearings, and submit community input on zoning, land use, and development proposals. District councils are notified about:

   • Applications for Class N Licenses. Examples: Auto sale or repair shops, gas stations, entertainment venues, liquor on/off sale, parking ramps, health clubs, and more.  
   • Applications for appeals, conditional use permits, determination of similar use, nonconforming use permits, rezoning, subdivisions, site plan review, and variances.
   • Zoning studies, including proposed changes to the Zoning Code (e.g. text amendments) or broader land use studies (e.g. 40-acre studies).

   City staff encourage applicants to engage with district councils early in the planning process.  

5. What is the Early Notification System (ENS)?

   The City developed the Early Notification System (ENS) alongside district councils. It’s a key part of community engagement. It requires the City to inform neighborhood organizations and residents about developments and policy changes that may affect them.  

   By signing up for the ENS, community members can receive notifications about:

   • Proposed developments and construction projects
   • Legislative and policy changes
   • Applications for various licenses and permits.
   • Zoning changes and variances.
   • Public hearings and meetings, including agendas and minutes.
   • Enforcement actions and City decisions
   • Updates on City planning, including parks, trails, and recreation centers.
   • Notifications about public land availability and redevelopment projects.

   Stay informed about important city decisions and developments by signing up for ENS notifications. 

   Sign Up for the Early Notification System

6. How are district councils funded?

   District councils are funded through the City’s Community Engagement Program. This includes General Fund dollars and, for eligible districts, federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). The Community Engagement Program budget is approximately $1.4 million for 2025.  

   The City distributes funds to district councils based on a formula that considers the following:  

   • Total population (75%)
   • Poverty (15%)
   • Non-English-speaking residents (5%)
   • Employment (5%)

   A minimum funding level of $62,922 is set for each district council, with periodic adjustments. Funds support eligible community engagement activities and related expenses. 

7. In addition to funding, how does the City support district councils?

   The City provides several forms of support. District councils receive technical support from City staff on issues that are important to the neighborhood. This includes development of a district plan. The City’s District Council Coordinator is available for technical support including contract management, resource navigation, and connecting to City staff. 

8. Who oversees district councils?

   District councils are overseen by their voluntary boards of directors, who are elected by neighborhood residents. District councils are accountable to their boards who are, in turn, accountable to the people who elected them. District councils must follow nonprofit regulations and their organization’s bylaws.  

   District councils contract with the City annually to provide community engagement services. City staff manage these contracts. They require district councils to adopt certain procedures. For example, councils must follow the Saint Paul Human Rights Ordinance and applicable state and federal human rights laws.